Behind the screens: the Education Group in lockdown

Birthday celebrations are still possible

I recently celebrated a milestone Birthday which was a bit surreal as all the celebratory plans
had to be cancelled. However, I was lucky to receive so many flowers that my workspace at
home looked like a florist which really cheered me up.

Had I been working from the office, I would not have been able to spend all day with my
beautiful flowers.

Heather Twomey, ThinkHigher Administrator

Being kind to yourself

I think like many of us I have only worked from home on the odd occasion so adapting to remote working every day was a big change. From the odd past experience, I always felt guilty about leaving my desk so I would sit for long periods without taking a break, which is not what I would usually do in the office. It was very reassuring to read that our Registrar had the same feeling of guilt to start with and was encouraging us to take a break!

So in the last few weeks, I have tried to get in to better habits. These are a few things I have been doing to get used to our new normal, which I hope might be helpful.

Getting up from where you are working. We’re lucky to have a garden and I’ve been doing a few laps as a break between tasks – this has had the added benefit of seeing my neighbours who are doing the same. Chatting to them (from a distance!) has helped to fill the void left by not seeing colleagues in Uni House.
Putting my phone behind me. This one may seem a bit strange but I find it’s easier to concentrate with my phone out of sight. Seeing messages was getting a bit distracting.
Finding a routine. I’ve been trying to break up my day as I usually would in the office, which may be easier for me than others as I don’t have children! Getting into a routine e.g. checking emails and updates first thing, checking in with the team, and then starting on tasks has helped me to get a rhythm going.
Eating more healthily. Something I am not particularly good at in the office with our treat cupboard in my eye line. I’m working upstairs away from the kitchen and as I’m less active at the moment I’m trying to snack on fruit rather than my favourite biscuits (some days are more successful than others; it’s a work in progress)
Joining in with our MS Teams Social Group. One of my colleagues had an excellent idea to set up a Social Group so that we could all stay in touch. It has been really well received and a great place to share ideas and keep positive with different channels for different activities e.g. reading, gardening, cooking. This is something I would recommend for other teams too.
Exercising either inside or going for a walk if you can. This workout video has been keeping my steps up and isn’t too demanding: https://youtu.be/X3q5e1pV4pc. I should also mention Warwick Sport here! They are running online fitness classes

Jo Ramsay, Student Opportunity

Creative work station solutions

I thought it would be funny to share my current set up...

So the screen is a decent height my laptop is sat on a box of beer, I’m going to have to keep my husband away from them so I don’t have to find some other food box!

Daily home workouts I find and follow online (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram) and wine are keeping me sane.

Kayleigh Buckingham-Pegg, Student Recruitment Officer

Keep on moving

Something that is really helping me during this time is trying to keep active. There are so many great online resources out there and many of them free. I’ve been doing a four week online course in solo jazz (part of swing dancing, which I was already doing).

I’ve tried a few of Joe Wicks’ PE with Joe, even though I am on my own, with no kids!

I’ve also been really enjoying the Fit On app, it’s completely free and has loads of different work out ideas on there with instructors from all over. You can set how much you want to do a week so it’s really adaptable.

I particularly like the Daily Fix which I’ve set for 12pm each day to do a quick 5 minute stretch at my desk (well my kitchen table now!).

I think it’s important to do what you feel like doing, rather than what you think you should be doing, so having lots of options and short videos is really nice, and once you start, you often feel like doing another one after.

Katie Sewell, Welcome and Induction Coordinator

My Quarantine Poem

I’m now in my fourth week of quarantine;
and here are some things, all too norm’ for me.
I wake up each morning and watch Sky News
Have yet to accept, this adds to my blues.

The mother-in-law believes she’s high risk;
Her response to going outside is ‘Tsk!’
She sits in all day with two snoring dogs;
a hamster that toots, all grunting like hogs!

My partner’s thirty-fifth is this weekend,
A barby, three hogs, one mum, one girlfriend –
are the only guests who’ll be here for him,
never has such a big day looked so grim!

The main thing is we’re all safe, sound and well –
While Corona has us under a spell;
We clap each Thursday in praise of key staff,
Let us all remember to love and laugh.

To cherish all we took for granted once,
Be there for all in these unclear months.

Becky Lenton, Doctoral College

The Gallery


The moment I realised that my toilet roll hoarde was on public view when video conferencing ... Rhiannon Martyn, Doctoral College	Sharon's new team mate George gets stuck in Sharon Miles, SAS

Another creative workstation solution (don't tell Health and Safety) Anne Wilson, Student Opportunity	Another canine work mate, Lola, but more on task ... Justine Tucker, SAS

And home gym (aka the kitchen)	Anne's team met for a 'Virtual Weatherspoons' social after work - so she felt the need to change her backdrop to suit the occasion.