Keep talking

Whether it’s over video, phone or DM, keep talking. I know some of you may not need to hear that and, in fact, you may have already typed your phone into oblivion these first few days of social distancing. But, without the usual social interaction of your day-to-day at school or college (that, let’s be honest, we sometimes take for granted), maintaining that social element is really important for everyone’s wellbeing, whether you’re 18 or 80.

So, keep messaging your friends (and, make sure you talk to your teachers/lecturers too), but also chat with your older relatives a couple of times a week. Maybe teach them to FaceTime. What’s important to all of us will be even more important for older people living alone.

Clean, calm workspace

The temptation to work from bed or the sofa can be overwhelming and, maybe for a couple of days in the week, might be too much to resist, but it’s important to set up a workstation away from the busier places in the house (kitchen/living room) if possible, so you can find quiet to focus.

It also means that, when your lessons are over and you’ve finished your work, you can leave that workspace behind.

Creating a disconnect between college/school work and home will help you relax when you finish your virtual day.

Create a clear area for your computer and books and try and leave your phone out of arm’s reach while you study.

Find a routine

Make your college/school day at home like a normal day. Get up at your usual time (maybe a bit later, we’re not monsters) get dressed, have breakfast, make sure you have drinks and snacks and settle down to work - whether that’s coursework or online lessons.

Take breaks as frequently as you would at school or college. Get out into the garden, have some fresh air, grab a cuppa, chat with your family and friends - just take your mind off work.

And set a defined end to your day. What time would you normally finish on your timetable? When would you normally finish your homework? Figure out what a normal day is for you and stick to it.

And when you’re done, leave your work behind and go and do something completely different.

Stay healthy

Eat fruit and veg and drink plenty of water. You know the drill.

But it’s easy to slip into bad eating habits when you're less than 30-seconds from the kitchen.

So, keep an eye on what you’re munching on over the next few weeks. Healthy food not only keeps your body healthy, but it keeps your mind sharp and boosts your mood too.

And talking about boosting your mood, body and mind: exercise.

There’s no better way to feel happier and more connected to the outside world than to get some exercise. The endorphins exercise generates will leave you feeling happier and more energetic and soaking up some sunshine and breathing some fresh air will make you feel a whole lot better.

Enjoy the benefits

And there’s no reason to treat it completely like you’re still physically at school or college. Enjoy the perks. Call of Duty on your lunch break? Yes. Cheeky 15-second travel-time to classes? Dream.

Wake up a little later, get to your hobbies quicker when your classes finish, have the time to create where you might not have before. Make videos, practice drawing, read some good books, learn to cook, organise your room like you’ve wanted to do for months, be yourself and enjoy the extra free time.

Stay safe and be kind

The most important one of all - make sure you keep yourself safe and healthy and do the same for others. Be kind where it’s needed most and help people if you can. Every little moment of positivity will make your world and everyone else’s a little bit brighter.

And if you need any help or support you can contact the College and we’ll do what we can to help.

We are your local College, and we are always here for you.

And don’t forget, you can still apply to study with us.

Just visit our School Leavers page and make an application, our admissions team are waiting!

See you soon.