Written by Rebecca Mudiyanselage (MDX student & MDXSU's Social Media Intern)

As we all know, this is quite an unlucky historical period, but I don't want to bore you with the same old story, as it has become the only thing we hear and read about on the TV and newspapers.
Instead, I'll try to give you some tips on how to make it a little less bitter.

Living in London, I have always experienced the frenetic and stressful pace of the city and, as a true Londoner, I’ve always enjoyed it as well. London offers great possibilities of entertainment and I believe it was hard for everyone to get used to this new “lockdown life”.

2020 gave us way too much time to spend at home and, speaking for myself, I had to look for new hobbies and cultivate passions that I didn't have time to deepen before and, of course, I had to work and study from home.

Starting from the last point, the thorniest, at first - not to be dramatic - I was desperate at the thought of having to attend online lessons, without my friends, the breaks, the lunches at MDX House, the group study sessions at the Library, and so on.

But then I got used to it and I learned how to organize myself and make better use of the time.
Keep yourself as busy as you can! Studying and working from home can be tricky because on the one hand there is the feeling of having more time and freedom, but on the other hand too much time means one thing only... procrastination.

Set yourselves some objectives and reminders on your phone, for instance:
- Workout at 9:00 a.m.
- Bake biscuits at 4:00 p.m.
- Zoom Call with friends at 9:00 p.m.

I know that sweatpants and sweatshirts are extremely comfortable, but here’s another tip: every now and then try to dress as if you were about to go out. Do your hair and makeup, put on your favorite perfume, and I guarantee it will change your mood. You will even want to keep your webcam on during online classes and make your lecturers happy!

The restaurants are closed and you’re probably getting the food delivered to your doors, but why not spend some time trying out new recipes? It’s cheaper, healthier and it’s good content for your Social Media! I guess all our feeds are stuck as we don’t have much to photograph. Free your inner baker and create new desserts! You might get into cake design and create wonderful cakes to light up these lockdown birthdays.

It’s important to organize your work and spread that evenly when you can, and don’t forget to take some breaks and relax too, mental health comes first! This is the best time to explore new passions and sometimes unplug from the digital world. You could sew, paint, write, sing, or learn how to play a new instrument! YouTube is full of tutorials and you could become a great musician. You could even learn a new language and visit that Country as soon as we’re allowed to travel, that’s a nice incentive, right?

I hope I’ve kept you company and I hope I’ve given you a little positive boost! Here are some useful links: