By Professor Sarah Purdy, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience)
This morning I spoke with a colleague who shared that today wasn’t a good day. I was pleased they felt able to say something and we talked about how things are hard right now and what might help.
I’ve found working from home especially difficult when things at work are challenging. Like everyone, I’m used to talking things over with colleagues, sharing the burden and getting – and offering – other points of view.
In lockdown, I’ve been missing the things I normally do to unwind and recharge my batteries; things like meeting friends for coffee or lunch, or going for walks in the country or along the coast.
I also work as a GP in the city, and with that hat on, I’m all too aware of the loneliness that a lot of people are feeling, along with anxiety about the uncertainty, their own health and that of loved ones, financial worries and what the future holds.
Often all I can do is listen and try and encourage people to disconnect from the news and media for a while and to reconnect with someone else, and with nature. Both can be really helpful.
Many of us have found ourselves drifting out of touch with friends – it’s something that can happen at the best of times, which these times most certainly aren’t. So, try phoning someone you haven’t spoken to in a while; your call may be the only real conversation they (and you) have that day. Maybe talk about how you feel and ask them how they are. Just asking and listening is very powerful.
So that would be my tip: disconnect and reconnect. Of course small actions like these won’t work miracles, but they really can make a difference – both to you and to the people you reconnect with.
Thank you for this Sarah. It’s so true. it’s hard to get the balance right between knowing what is going on (and what you are currently allowed to do!) and getting sucked into the doom and gloom on the news. Worrying will only affect the person doing the worrying as it’s not going to change world events. In these difficult times it’s hard to concentrate on the fun things you CAN do as opposed to the fun things you CAN’T do.
Thank you for sharing this, Prof Sarah. It’s appreciative of your caring and understanding. I also spoke with a lady yesterday morning, who used to be my teacher at secondary school in my hometown and is now 85 years old with various chronic diseases- high blood pressure, dementia, diabetes, etc. Most of time, I cannot understand what she said on the phone-whatever she says, it presents me that of her caring and helping an introverted teen. Like most migrants, we only report positive side over the phone-this could be what is called filial piety i think in our culture to show our gratitude. I’m lucky to have people like you caring about us- it’s my pleasure and is very much appreciated. Thank you for your time reading this. With warm regards,
Thanks for sharing this Jodie, and for your support for your former teacher. I realise that for all sorts of different reasons we can’t always say how we really feel, but by asking someone else how they are we are contributing something positive – which is good for us too. Take care.
Nice tips Sarah. I’ve taken to going for a walk in the evenings and phoning a friend I wouldn’t normally call for a chat. You’re right – it’s great to reconnect.