Day 4 into university and new restrictions mean that meeting with other households in any setting is illegal. No nightclubs. Restricted library sessions. But not being able to see friends from outside my 4-girl house? Daunting. Here’s my Top 5 Tips to ditch the rona-induced dejavu.
As I came into my final year at university, I knew that things would be different, but anticipated at least being able to host dinner parties or pop to friends for tea. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the new restrictions, especially as the winter cold and darkness begins to creep in, but there are ways that we can handle it.
With lectures starting on Monday I wanted to come up with a plan for how I was going to keep my mental health in check. Think of the below as a tool-kit for handling the restrictions, for finding the fun in ordinary routine and for inspiring resilience and joy in both yourself and your household.
1.Listen to podcasts in the morning and evening
I often find that, in an effort to distract myself from my worries when I wake up and before I go to sleep, I put on Netflix. Normally my go-to is Friends, but I sometimes venture out into other binge-worthy series like New Girl or Modern Family. It’s a habit I want to try to break, as I find that it not only increases my screen time unnecessarily, but also starts off my day in a manner that encourages lots of TV-consumption. Podcasts are a great alternative. Avoid news-based ones that might foster anxiety, and search for those that are funny and heart-warming. I recommend ‘Table Manners’ by Jessie Ware and her mother; their intimate bantering and gorgeous cackles offer a form of escapism that doesn’t involve me mindlessly watching more of a television series.
2. Find new recipes to try
As well as keeping to clear meal times, trying new recipes is a must. I want to become more adventurous with my dinners. Thai green chicken curry and mushroom risotto are delicious, but making them over and over again is a form of repetition that I know won’t help during the repetitive routine of restricted university life. Bookmark recipes on your laptop, jot down a list, or even order a new recipe book. The knowledge that a parcel is on its way and anticipating the sound of the door-bell ringing is already providing me with a lot of excitement!
3. Organise themed dinners as a household
Eating together, and cooking for others, is an activity that can be planned and looked forward to. From a pizza-making Italian night, to a Mexican-inspired fajita spread, come up with ideas with your household and set a date for them. You could even make them more elaborate by concocting the relevant drink, or curating a specific playlist.
4. Set a cut-off time for watching TV
It will be very tempting knowing that after exiting a Zoom lecture or tutorial a television series is only two clicks away. Decide on a time in the day after which you can watch television. Perhaps 6 o’clock is a good time, allowing for some background Friends whilst you knead the pizza dough for Italian night.
5. Write a list of ‘treat myself’ pleasures and let yourself do one if you are starting to feel very low
Everyone has their own personal pleasures. Painting your nails, doing a face-mask, writing a letter to a friend or family member and baking cookies are just some of mine. Write down a list of the activities that you find most relaxing and if you are feeling anxious or low, pick one and just do it.
By following these ideas and staying positive, I know that day 40 won’t be looking as bleak as day 4.
Imogen Higgins
Featured Image courtesy of kerdkanno on Pixabay. Image licence found here. No changes were made to this image.
Immy Higgins
Hi! I am a 21 year old student currently studying English Literature at Durham University. I worked as Food & Drink co-editor for Palatinate newspaper for a year and am about to start a new role as co-editor for Features :)