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Five steps to wellbeing: Connect

Posted on 8 November 2020

Spend time with people who make you feel good.

Earlier this term, we outlined Five steps to wellbeing and this seems especially important now we are in lockdown. For the rest of term, we’ll focus on some of these steps to help you keep positive during what could be a challenging time.

Connect: Spend time with people who make you feel good

It’s important to keep in touch with friends and family, especially now. Take active steps to keep connected to people around you.

Remember, you can socialise without distancing with members of your household and you can meet up with one person at a time outside your household (socially distanced) in a public outdoor space.

To make it easier to meet multiple people outside your household, the University has made Zoom accessible to all students. Only the meeting organiser needs a Zoom account, meaning you can set up video calls with your friends and family outside of the University too.

Events and activities during lockdown

MyUoY app

Download the MyUoY app to browse University events for students.

Download the MyUoY app

The University, Colleges, YUSU and GSA are working to put together even more interactive events for students, while societies and sport teams are still very much active online. Check out YUSU events and GSA events and see more activities as they are added, including:

  • DramaSoc Writers Circle
  • Learn how to create henna
  • GSA Pub Quiz
  • Morning yoga online
  • GSA Online Cinema Club

You could organise your own online events and post them on the YUSU COVID-19 Community Group on Facebook - or check out the group to see what others are doing.

Find out something new by attending an online University open lecture. This week’s highlights include Dr Thomas Curran exploring the pressure to be perfect in Perfectionism: The hidden epidemic? and a debate on The Future of Prisons.

York Sport is holding a host of virtual fitness classes for you to get involved in, hosted by their team of dedicated instructors. You can also join zumba online with York lecturer Mariana Lopez.

Meet new people at the Academic Skills Community groups. These are regular online get-togethers where you can discuss where you want to develop your academic skills and receive friendly support and pointers to resources.

Watch the Chaplaincy morning prayer on the More House - York Uni Chaplaincy Facebook page.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Remember that lockdown won’t be forever but, if you find you’re struggling, there’s lots of help and support available. You can talk to your college team, the Student Hub, YUSU or GSA advice teams or your academic supervisor - just reach out.