Students, your safety and wellbeing is paramount to all of us at Synthesis Learning, as we strive to ensure and support you first during this unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak, here are some key aspects we suggest you keep in check as we maneuver through this tough phase-
Emotional Wellbeing
These are turbulent times, particularly for you. Emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness and being able to identify your emotions as they arise. If you are feeling stressed about anything, is it really fear, overwhelm or confusion? When you feel this emotion rising, pause and acknowledge it. Whatever it may be, your thoughts are justified and understand that emotions are not good or bad, they are just emotions. Even before this crisis, researches show that one in four of us lived with anxiety and depression, so you are in a good productive company and there is a way through this. Why don’t you try these exercises:
- Reflecting on positive events: Towards the end of each day, spend five to ten minutes writing about three things that went well for you and why they went well. In selecting your three positive things, consider both personal and professional moments. For instance, you may have had a pleasant phone conversation with a friend or family member or you may have completed a task either in the home or an assignment related to your learning.
- Best possible self: Begin by spending just one minute thinking about yourself some years in the future, imagining that everything has gone well for you. You have worked hard and accomplished all of the goals that you could realistically have hoped to achieve. Next, spend 15 to 20 minutes writing about what is going on in this ideal future life of yours. Consider three areas of your life: your relationships, your profession, and your personal characteristics (e.g. the qualities, traits and strengths you could like to cultivate).
Physical Wellbeing
Regular leisure-time and exercise is associated with a reduced incidence of that low feeling. Some experimental studies have also shown that even a single session of exercise can have mood-boosting effects. In other words, exercise may enhance mood more effectively than mere relaxation. Exercise, dance, spot jog, skip, yoga whatever you choose, is good as long as you do it regularly to keep your spirits high. This way you will easily adapt to a new way of living. The following can help you get in the routine:
- Keep track of your intakes: Keeping track of how many calories you eat in a day will be helpful in planning out your physical exercise. Ever wonder why body builders’ body masses are so big? That’s because they plan out their meals and take in more healthy calories than the average person.
- Be sure to get sleep: Even though most of us have 8 to 10 hour schedule during the day, it is crucial to get enough sleep to recharge the body’s batteries. Six to eight hours of sleep will keep the body going throughout the day, but if you happen to feel tired at any point, by all means, take a small nap before exercising. You should only nap for about a half-hour.
- Stay motivated: An important key to being in shape is to set goals and keep a positive mindset. If you stay positive, you will be able to push yourself to get that fit body you’ve always wanted.
Switch off the tech, listen to soothing music, hog onto some traditional delicacies, and sleep well. Small changes can have a huge impact. Whatever you decide to do, now is not the time to berate yourself for how you feel or for making bad choices. Let it go and embrace tomorrow with a different approach. Finally, what is something you wanted to do but never did due to lack of time? Pick up that guitar and learn a new tune, sketch that bird or mountains you always dreamt of! Here are some exciting things if you are running out of ideas –
- Paint with Bob Ross: Have any paint and brushes lying around? You’ll be pleased to know that 403 episodes of the timeless Joy of Painting have been added to YouTube so you can listen to his soothing tones while you paint happy little trees and enjoy the beauty of imperfections.
- Visit 500+ museums or galleries: If you’re looking for some galleries or museums to visit, Google’s arts and culture collection has virtual tours of 500+ top attractions around the world, including national galleries from around the world, individual artist museums, and even the Eiffel Tower.
- Start your blog: This could be a great time to build your audience, especially if you have relatively easy on pocket, indoor hobby that you can share. Interest in pastimes like cooking and board games has shot up over recent weeks – if your hobbies are trending, why not set up a blog and share your knowledge?
THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO CATCH UP ON LIFE!! STAY HOME, STAY SAFE!!
