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Top tips for self isolation
Friday, 20 March, 2020 — It’s vital that you look after yourself, keep yourself busy and maintain a positive headspace if you're having to self isolate. We’ve got some tips to help see you through it.
<p>At Plymouth College of Art, the health and wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors is of the utmost importance. As the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/coronavirus">COVID-19 (coronavirus)</a> situation evolves, we will continue to keep you informed and reassured.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/coronavirus/faqs">Self-isolation</a> is about protecting others and slowing down the spread of COVID-19. It is very important that anyone who has the virus, or might have been exposed to it, limits the number of people they come into contact with for 14 days. This is the most effective way of preventing the coronavirus from spreading.</p>
<p>If you find you’re one of the many people doing the right thing and self isolating, it’s vital that you look after yourself, keep yourself busy and maintain a positive headspace. We’ve got some tips to help see you through self isolation.</p>
<p>First of all, be kind to yourself. Watch cute cat videos. Listen to funny podcasts. Practice mindfulness (<a href="https://www.headspace.com/covid-19">Headspace</a> is a free mindfulness app and are currently offering multiple resources on their website). Don’t consume too much news and social media posts if you’re feeling it's affecting you negatively. There’s a difference between being informed and overwhelming yourself.</p>
<p>This is going to be a fundamental shift for everyone, so finding ways to cope will be important. Being home a lot more than we’re used to will be a significant change for most, so try and create a new routine that keeps you active and busy during this uncertain time. Try making yourself a nice breakfast, having a phone call with family and friends, check in with your subject leader or do a little workout to get the blood pumping.</p>
<p>If you have symptoms, chances are that you won’t feel very energetic, so make sure you look after yourself and rest. Otherwise, keep active. There is a wealth of free workouts and yoga routines on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXoouRdm6JIADabmdJFO9nw">YouTube</a> that you can use to keep your body moving. Exercise is also a great way to get rid of any of that nervous energy and distract your brain.</p>
<p>It’s absolutely essential that you make a priority of looking after yourself. Whether your self-care is taking a long bath, getting lost in a good book or filling out some journal entries, it’s more important now than ever.</p>
<p>We live in a world where distraction is more easily available than ever, so it's time to utilize it! Watch movies and binge box sets, start that craft project you’ve not had the time to do, learn a new language or finally sort out that wardrobe that’s overflowing with old clothes. Just keep busy.</p>
<p>With social distancing and self isolation, it’s very easy to feel lonely. Now is the time to get inventive with our socializing. Keep in touch with family and friends via messages and phone calls, set up video call parties where you can listen to music with friends, and if you have Netflix, install <a href="https://www.netflixparty.com/">Netflix Party</a> where you can watch all your favourite shows with your pals remotely.</p>
<h4>For regular updates on the <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/coronavirus">college's response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus)</a> and <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/coronavirus/faqs">FAQs</a> covering <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/coronavirus/absence">absence reporting</a>, opening times, and assessment <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/coronavirus/your-studies">hand-ins</a> — please regularly check your student email.<br /></h4>
<p>You can access support through Plymouth College of Art by emailing <a href="mailto:studentsupport@pca.ac.uk">studentsupport@pca.ac.uk</a> who can provide you tailor made advice. Students can also make appointments with our counsellor, welfare advisor and wellbeing advisor through Google Chat. More information is available through the Student Support section on the <a href="https://sites.google.com/pca.ac.uk/studentportal?pli=1">Student Portal</a>.</p>
<p>For more advice on how to look after your mental heath and wellbeing during this time, you can find information on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19">Gov.uk</a> website as well as our <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/posts">blog</a>.</p>
<p>Keep connected with our online community through our social media platforms:</p><ul><li><a href="http://facebook.com/plymouthcollegeofart">Facebook</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/plymouthcollegeofart/">Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/plymouthart">Twitter</a></li></ul>