Lynne's Top Tips

These are challenging times for everyone, but there's lots of great advice and resources out there, both from within your universities but also via external forums. I've just had one week of the weirdness of working from home and so, here are my 'extensively researched' Top Tips ...

1. Staying Active, Eating Well
I know this is obvious, but it's so very important right now to eat well.  
"Easier said than done", you might respond, "We're on lockdown, I'm self-isolating, the shops have limited options, and the queues are a mile long."
Well, if you're in Medway and in need of food there is help out there, through initiatives such as Medway Foodbank and the Good Neighbour Scheme. If you're a student please contact your university or your student union ... or call the Chaplain :-)
Your physical health is important too and there are lots of great exercise apps and You Tube videos you could follow. Or if, like me, 'exercise' is not your middle name, my own regime is very simple  ...  good music, played really loudly and just jig around your lounge. Thankfully there's no one here to video me!

2. Look after your sleep
Hmmmm, yes I know, it's so tempting to lay in, just another half an hour, and another.  
STOP!!  
Keep a good schedule, go to bed and get up at regular times.


3. Nurture Good Mental Health  
Anxiety is a very normal and natural response to the turmoil that is life in the midst of coronavirus.  All of us are likely to struggle with a sense of loss of control.
If you are a university student you can contact your Well-Being team or access the Big White Wall.  You'll also find some great resources both on the NHS website and through the mental health charity MIND.  Do please contact me for a more extensive list of resources. 
What's important is that you pursue and discover what works well for you  -  be it prayer, mindfulness exercises, colouring, relaxing with a movie or a good book, meditation, the list could go on.
More than anything, please seek out someone with whom you can talk through your feelings and your thought processes. Often verbalising things can help us find new perspective.

4. Stay Connected 
Back in the 1990s (I know that's ancient history for some of you), there used to be a series of BT adverts that said, "It's good to talk."  How true that remains in these days.
Just recently on a BBC news programme the reporter suggested that maybe we should re-phrase 'social distancing' to 'physical distancing'; because even if you're out for a walk and you step off the pavement to give someone safe distance to pass, you can still give them a BIG smile and a friendly hello.
The reality is that being separated physically does not prevent us from staying connected socially.  Those youngsters among you know full well all the different options that technology provides Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook, Zoom, etc (personally I'm on a steep techno learning curve).  But what about a good old fashioned letter - what a joy that would be right now, to receive a hand written note of encouragement.

5. Plan Your Day
Each evening before I head up to bed I do two things ... firstly, I go through my To Do list and prioritise the tasks I want to tackle the next day; secondly, I plan my meals, I write a little menu for the next day and stick it to the cupboard :-)
It is really important to use our time well in these days, otherwise each day will simply morph in to the next and we end up achieving nothing. 
In the midst of 'doing' though, don't forget to factor in time for rest, relaxation and self-care!

6. Avoid Negative News  
Is keeping updated on the spread of coronavirus and the number of deaths really helpful?  Every life lost is a tragic event and deeply affects a family somewhere in the world, but watching the news constantly just may not be helpful. Especially if, like me, you get frustrated by the (impolite adjective) questions asked by the media.  So, do switch off and limit the amount of potentially scary data finding home in your brain.
Here are a few positives you can focus on:
** On March 23rd Boris Johnson expressed a need for 250,000 volunteers to assist the NHS, one week later over 700,000 people have volunteered their services  ...  now that's GOOD NEWS!
** In addition to the above, a further 20,000 retired NHS staff have returned to work  ...  now that's GOOD NEWS!
** The number of deaths worldwide is horrible and shocking but, in reality, the current death rate is less than 1%  ...  now that's GOOD NEWS!
There are millions of stories out there, of neighbours reaching out, and strangers helping strangers :-)  ...  now that's GOOD NEWS!

7. A Chance for Something New
Maybe this time affords you the opportunity to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby.  There are a huge number of free online courses out there, through forums like Future Learn, etc.  There are also lots of things you can learn through You Tube videos.
Or maybe you just want to keep your mind active. Earlier this week I was checking out online quizzes, there's so much out there. I scored 75% in guessing the film title through emojis :-)

8. Spring Clean and De-Clutter
If you're anything like me, there are a list of jobs which you'll do one day, when you have the time. Well, maybe that time is now.
Here I am, making myself accountable with a few things from my own list (you can ask me how it went when this is all over):
**  De-Clutter and tidy middle bedroom
**  Attack and tidy the garden
**  Review and re-write TABLEtalk material
**  Update Mailing List

9. Love Your Neighbour
Look outward. Whilst we need to maintain the rules of physical distancing at this time, you can still watch out for others in need.  You can volunteer, smile at a stranger, put an encouraging note through your neighbours door, shop for someone in need, call someone you've not spoken to in a long time, look for the good and savour the small moments ...

10. Love Yourself  ... and laugh at least a little

If you take note of just one or two things above, I'll take it that is because you care about yourself and want to get through this challenge as best as you can. 
In the process, do find things to laugh about. Laughter carries so many health benefits  ...  it burns calories, releases endorphins, is good for your heart, relaxes your whole body, boosts the immune system, improves your mental health, to name but a few.
There are a lot of parody songs out there right now, but this is my very favourite so far:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5azNpTwVk8

In the midst of everything, know that ...

Where are they now? Yihan

Hi, my name is Yi-Han Ho and I am from Taiwan (that's me on the left). I just finished my degree at the University of Greenwich in the summer of 2019.  I studied MSc in Agriculture for Sustainable Development. It was a very good experience for me because I got the opportunity to communicate with classmates from many other countries. It expanded my international view.

Celebrating St Patrick's Day at TABLEtalk,
wearing green and winning a green
prize :-)

When I first came to the UK I was super nervous because everything was in English and I didn’t have enough confidence with my language skills. Fortunately, a friend of mine took me to TABLEtalk.  This was a great place for me to build up my confidence, learn about British culture and practice my English with other students through listening and discussing a weekly topic there. 

I really enjoyed studying abroad because I became more independent; I had to make decisions by myself and I learned to take more responsibility and manage money. Furthermore, I tried to release my stress by travelling to other cities and joining in Student Union activities (swimming or yoga).

I really appreciated and want to thank my supervisor Jonne Rodenburg, he helped me a lot and really took care of me during the year.  Also a friend of mine, Siwabhorn Sakulpakdee; we helped and encouraged each other to get through the difficulties of university.  I would like to thank the many students and volunteers from TABLEtalk, thanks for your patience with me.

I have returned home now and I’m looking for an agricultural job, one which will apply my new knowledge and skills to help the farmers.

Thought for the week ...

Laughter is good for the soul

My Prayers Today

I thought I would share my prayers from this morning ...

"Heavenly Father, our world is in crisis and many are dying. I know that you see, I know that you understand the reasons why. I totally believe that you are sovereign. Show us Lord, what to do, teach us, humble us, grant us your wisdom.

Lord God you are sovereign over all things. You created this world and all that is in it. You formed each one of us and ordained the days of our lives.

Help us, Lord, to hold fast to you. To find peace in the truth that you know the beginning from the end. In this time of such uncertainty we need to take strength from your Word, your promises, from all that we know you to be.

Lord, we pray for all those who are struggling financially as a result of this crisis. Lord, some how, some way, grant them all that they need to sustain life. I pray for the work of Foodbanks around the nation - for adequate food supplies, for finance and for volunteers. Lord, thank you for the 'Good Neighbour Scheme'. May they too find sufficient volunteers and be able to provide help to those who truly need it. I praise you Lord, for all those who have volunteered to help the NHS - be with those who will administrate that task.

Father God, please be with those serving in our NHS and all other emergency services at this time. Be their shield from infection. Sustain and strengthen them. Encourage them. Give them hope.

Lord, be with those who are so unwell at this time, especially those with added health complications. For those I know and those I don't know.

Lord, comfort those who have lost loved ones. For those unable to attend funerals. For those who cannot physically be with their loved ones right now.  I pray too for those who are lonely and isolated and anxious. May they sense your tangible presence at this time.

Lord God, we pray for our leaders at this time. For Boris Johnson, for parliament, for our chief medical advisors. God, grant them wisdom to know and to make good decisions.


Father God, along with your church worldwide we pray for deliverance from this crisis. May it be swift. May it be absolute. Lord, show yourself as ...

Chaplaincy Update

Chaplaincy Update

24^th March 2020

Dear Students (and Staff),

Wherever you are right now, I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your wider families. These are extremely difficult times for all of us but it’s important that we try to keep a positive mind-set.

American poet Maya Angelou, once wrote, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”  Well, we are certainly living in a moment in history where so much is changing around us, so much is out of our control. So, what can we do?

We can be sensible and abide by the rules of social-distancing; not going out unless we absolutely have to. Let go of what you think is your right; now is the time to act personally in a manner that is for the greater good.

Proverbs 27v12 says, “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” (New Living Translation)

We can stay connected – I never thought I’d utter the words, “Thank God for technology” but even if you live alone you can pick up a phone and stay connected with family and friends.

We can reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves. So, check out the GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEME  -  if you are in Medway, if you’re fit and well, have time on your hands, are bored, want to volunteer, then please check out details of this great scheme in Medway to help those in need.

https://medwaystudents.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-good-neighbour-scheme.html

Finally, don’t forget our EASTER FUN  -  this is your chance to win one of two marvellously magnificent mega Easter Eggs. There are only 11 eggs left to choose from.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jf9V02n0r7VZ-kEOt0F79KjIG75HEcPcBvpQVQ8Gw2A/edit?usp=sharing  

This is for Medway Campus Students only (sorry)!!

Tell a GOOD NEWS STORY  -  if you have a good news story, maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness. Do please tell me and I can share that with others. We all need some encouragement right now.

The 'Good Neighbour' scheme

In the midst of coronavirus madness there are many good things happening around the country, indeed around the world. In the midst of adversity, communities are pulling together.

If you have a GOOD NEWS story you'd like me to share on this blog, do please email and tell me all about it. 

Here in the Medway towns, the Salvation Army, with the help of other churches and in partnership with the local council, are spear-heading the Good Neighbour Scheme.  
Check out this link:
https://gillinghamcorps.info/GoodNeighbour/
(apologies, you may have to cut and paste it. I'm just not tech savvy enough).

If you are currently fit and healthy, got some time on your hands, and can offer to shop and deliver items to someone in need, then please volunteer.

If you are someone in isolation because of coronavirus and have some real needs please register with this scheme.

Let's come together and support one another through this challenging time.

Working from home

In these days, many of us are being required to work from home and that could prove a challenge in many different ways. For some, you may be trying to work around the distractions and demands of young children. For others, it means being 'home alone' for hours and even days.

Please see below an extract from the BBC website regarding working from home; along with a few personal comments from 'the keeper of this blog'  ...  that's me :-)

1. Get dressed

For some people, the prospect of staying in their pyjamas all day is the most tantalising aspect of working from home. (Yep, that's me) But washing and getting dressed will not only improve your state of mind, it will psychologically prepare you to start work.

For many, the point of getting dressed is being forced to shower and change out of clothes they associate with sleep and rest, even if that means just changing into a T-shirt and jeans.

Changing out of work clothes when you clock off for the day helps your brain to understand that the working day is over.

2. Establish boundaries

If you're employed, you'll probably have set hours of work; stick to these when working from home. Start and finish your day at the same time as you would normally.

At the end of a working day, switch off your computer and tidy away papers. Space allowing, set aside a specific, separate area in your home where you can work - ideally with a properly adjusted desk and chair, similar to your workplace.

Don't "overcompensate" because you're anxious about working from home. Ross Robinson (Ignata Consulting firm) says, "Many people tend to over communicate when working from home - either wanting to 'be seen', or overcompensating to ensure people know what they are up to. That's fine - but don't go over the top."

For me, setting boundaries is a real challenge but, in reality, that's the nature of my role as Chaplain. When students or staff need to make contact with me that doesn't always happen in a nice neat 9-5 package.

3. Get out and about (if you're not self-isolating)

Don't stay cooped up indoors all day. You might not miss your daily commute, but it does guarantee that you leave the house at least once during the day.

So get your shoes on, get outside and enjoy that fresh air. A different perspective will also help undo mental blocks and give you a fresh pair of eyes for any tasks you're struggling with.

4. Pick up the phone

At work, you're more likely to engage with colleagues but when working from home, you could spend the whole day without speaking to anyone which can be isolating.

Make some time to pick up the phone and have a real conversation, rather than relying on email and instant messaging.

Many of you reading this are soooo- 21st century; but for 'techno dinosaurs' like myself, we may need to conquer Skype and video-calling. Please don't just spend hours on social media - pick up your phone, dial a number and have a REAL CONVERSATION!!

5. Take regular breaks

Don't stay glued to your screen all day. Take regular breaks, get up from your chair and move around just as you would in a work environment.

Research has found that short breaks throughout the day are more beneficial than less frequent, longer breaks.

Ellie Wilson (Virtalent) says, "It's important to stand up, stretch, move around and even go for a short walk to take a break from your work and your screen".

"Being cooped up without stopping for a break can mean your productivity levels drop, you become more tired and less motivated to complete what you're working on."

adapted from BBC website

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51868894

Thought for the week ...

Easter is around the corner ...

Calling all Medway students!!

This is your chance to win one of two marvellously magnificent mega Easter Eggs

Be quick though, there are only 49 to choose from!!

See link below for instructions on how to choose your egg:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jf9V02n0r7VZ-kEOt0F79KjIG75HEcPcBvpQVQ8Gw2A/edit?usp=sharing 

Call to Prayer

As a Christian, I believe in the power of prayer, so I am joining with others tomorrow for a National Day of Prayer to bring an end to this silent enemy that we call coronavirus. 

So can I encourage you too, to partner with a friend via whatever form of technology works for you, to pray for those who have lost loved ones, for those who are currently sick, for those working within the NHS and world wide to care for the sick, the elderly and the vulnerable. Pray for your family & friends, but also for your neighbours. Prayer for our governments and their senior medical advisors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dSCqTYcgH0