Okay, you’re at home. Off the lead as far as studying is concerned, although still with masses of work to do and possibly some deadlines. You might be struggling to concentrate or perhaps you need a break from study. Hmm, what to do?
Eating.
In times of trouble and famine, our ancient instinct is to lay down fat ready for the fight or the siege. We were catapulted into our siege so fast it caught many of us modern sapiens unawares and we haven’t had to do this for a long time. Some of us, having not experienced the second world war, the so-called Spanish flu (it wasn’t Spanish), or similar, haven’t had these siege genes touched off for thousands of years!
Our urge is to hoard up food and tools. Are you awash with toilet rolls, chocolate and are repainting your room magnolia yet again? Yes, that extra bar of chocolate is a natural reaction! Who knew? Laying down fat and energy ready to endure what’s ahead is a primal instinct and chimes very well with Maslow’s hierarchy of need which explains how we meet our basic needs first. No references here, it will give you something to do!
The problem is, if you are hitting the fat and sugar trail, you’ll also be hitting sugar rushes and this may not help much. Challenge your inner Neanderthal because you can choose to over-ride your ancient brain. Your amygdala wont mind you taking charge and taking care of yourself. You’ll just feel better. Try distraction techniques, if you can take your mind off it for just three minutes, you may surprise yourself.
If you have an additional eating problem, remember to take good care of yourself and use all of your regular strategies for helping yourself to manage. If this is especially difficult for you right now, please contact your GP, the NHS helpline on 111, or your own support system for extra advice. Don’t suffer in silence.
Internet.
Oh, the internet. We can bless Tim Berners-Lee for the WWW. There’s so much we can do and we’re in the fortunate position of not being in the same position as our ancient brothers and sisters who couldn’t video conference each other.
Lots of people, referring to Covid 19, say: Stay Safe. Well, I’m saying it about the internet. Please be sure you know exactly how to use things like video conferencing, and all the other apps you might be interested in. Expect suspect emails confirm your bank details etc. Look to your university online advice about IT security.
Next, have fun! https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home This is a great list of resources for us study owls who are currently cut off from the mother ship. It’s suitable for people with a learning disability and ADHD. As with any online resource, be careful not to give any private details when you are connecting to people or organisations on the web unless you trust them.
Volunteer.
Yes, online! You could help remotely if you cannot get physically involved. If you are in a vulnerable group or are staying with someone who is, you must stay safe. Please don’t put yourself at risk or you won’t be helping anyone! You can check on places like Fb for local arrangements, or volunteer via the NHS website. Be creative! Third years might like to think about volunteering for things related to their discipline – can business studies students contact their university careers service about local businesses that might need online help? Can art students create work for people and donate it? Turning this outward can even help you manage your own wellbeing, so back at ya!
Away from the Internet. Health and Safety recommendations are to spend 10 minutes away from the screen in every hour. At least drag yourself away sometimes! Try something else. Starting a knew hobby might be out – I can only guess at what might be going on for you right now; that’s why I’m writing these articles to try to help. Think about all aspects of the things you might want to do and get inventive. Isaac Newton developed his theories of calculus and optics while in lockdown during the plague (1660s). The children are putting rainbows in their windows, in Australia it’s teddy bears. If they can come up with things….
Ok, I can’t help it. Here are some references, you match them up though!
Future Learn (2020) The Spanish Flu wasn’t Spanish. [Online] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcbaFQTBkgs Accessed: 07.04.20
Gluckman, P. and M. Hanson (2012) Fat, Fate and Disease. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available from: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ECL-XvOhmj0C&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=in+a+famine+we+lay+down+fat&source=bl&ots=5LOHu9Lpem&sig=ACfU3U2rmVWtu4KwMYM8fPFQs28VJLLRDw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjE4NCq-tXoAhURm1wKHYrWCOkQ6AEwDXoECA0QOw#v=onepage&q=in%20a%20famine%20we%20lay%20down%20fat&f=false Accessed: 07.04.20
McLeod, S. A. (2007) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Simply Psychology [Online Resource] Accessed 07.04.20
Scott, E and S. Gans (2020) The Benefits of Altruism [Online] Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/benefits-of-altruism-3144685 Accessed: 07.04.20
Thompson, D. (2020) Stored Fat is a Feat of Evolution. [Online] Available from: http://theconversation.com/stored-fat-is-a-feat-of-evolution-and-your-body-will-fight-to-keep-it-52468 Accessed 07.04.20