Hannah Elizabeth

I think the whole world is currently being massively affected by the impact of the coronavirus. We see it all day every day. We see it in the news. We see it on social media. We see it literally everywhere and it's all most people can talk about.

Whilst it is important we all band together and follow government advice and guidelines during this time, I also think it is incredibly important that it doesn't take all of our focus. As scary as it is - and it really is - it is also important that we enjoy the positive things in life each day and continue to live (albeit to a different degree).
I've been absent from the blogging world a little - once again! - because life just got crazy but I think the downtime I've had recently has given me the opportunity to reset. I'm back blogging but I don't want it all to be about the coronavirus the entire time. I want this platform to be something it has always been: "My little corner of safety in this scary world we cal…

😡 It’s normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis.

😢 The world is currently in a pandemic. No one really knows what is going to happen and everyone is taking it day by day.

😕 But with social distancing from society as a whole, families are being encouraged to spend more quality time together and enjoy the little things in life.

🙂 Live in the moment. Talk to people you trust, such as friends and family or your fellow community members.

😁 Over on my UoN Archery Club, myself and the Publicity Officer have currently put together an #IsolationRecreation programme. It is great seeing the community come together on a new level. The public can also get involved and interact on our public Instagram and Facebook Page. We would love to hear from everyone.

🖐🏻 Without banging the point home, it’s important to reiterate these facts for the safety and protection of not only yourself, but the entire population. You can save lives by following these simple steps. Help flatten the curve. 
🖐🏻 Maintain social distancing. Keep are safe distance to everyone outside your immediate household. Limit interaction.  🖐🏻 Wash your hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds. Sing happy birthday twice every time. Keep a hand cream close to protect your hands.  🖐🏻 Avoid touching your face. Your eyes, mouth and nose all have mucosal membranes to protect and lubricate but they only act as a barrier to a certain extent. Keep your hands away.

🏡 This week is International Week at the University of Nottingham, thanks you the International Student Network so today we’re talking about homesickness.

🏡 Moving away to university - leaving behind friends, family and familiar places - is a big step for anyone and it's not unusual to feel homesick. It can affect anybody, whether you're a home or international student; it doesn't matter whether your university is just a few miles from your home town or on the other side of the world.

🏡 Homesickness is a feeling of stress or anxiety caused by separation from people and places that you know. It is usually worse after a prolonged period of time at home. Luckily, it is usually only a short-term issue.

🏡 You may have difficulty sleeping, feel isolated or anxious and have low self-esteem. You may have mixed emotions, from anger to sadness. You may struggle with headaches, no appetite and lack of concentration. It’s important to recognise these early signs and act upon them…

🧡 I once heard that comparison is the thief of joy (thank you Theodore Roosevelt) and it stuck with me. It doesn’t mean that I don’t do it...in fact, as I’m writing this, my own joy has been diluted through comparing myself to another.

🧡 Who have you compared yourself to in the last 24 hours? Think of the last time you checked Facebook or Instagram. Which updates made you feel envious, or made you feel as if your life paled in comparison? Or, did any posts make you feel smug, or better than that person? It works both ways!

🧡 We’ve all been there and it’s not fun. We shouldn’t do it.

🧡 Comparisons are always unfair. By definition it requires a measurement in someway and that’s not how life works. It steals our time and without a doubt, you can never win, but you can lose. Importantly, all too often, it results in resentment and deprives us of joy. I can relate on all those points on so many levels!

🧡 It helps to be aware of your triggers. Knowing what can make you feel unworthy m…

🧠 For today’s Welfare Wednesday post we want to talk about mental health. This is especially important as tomorrow is the University of Nottingham's internal Mental Health Day and there is a series of events running all week!

🧠 Whilst students entering higher education are now fives times more likely to disclose a mental health condition, research suggests that there is still significant under-reporting.

🧠 Stigma, discrimination and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders. Many of this stems from lack of understanding.

🧠 There have been advances to better understanding over recent years. We now have greater compassion and understanding, but we still need to continue to educate society and families about mental illness, and the need to have empathy for those who suffer.

🧠 Mental illness is not a personal failure. In fact, if there is any failure, it is a failure in society’s response to mental illness.

Going through my year review I was reminded of the RCN Congress that Bea and I went to in Liverpool. I had such an amazing time and I learnt so much. One of my favourite aspects which I made some notes on was how the six Cs of Midwifery can apply to life and the important lesson was that by applying them to yourself, you provide better care to women. I can't remember who did the talk so I unfortunately can't give credit, but nevertheless, I wanted to share some of my favourite parts and own thoughts.

Compassion, care, courage, communication, commitment and competence. These 6Cs can be turned to the 6 self-love Cs which will help prevent burnout.

We should look after ourselves, the same way we care for women. This should be compassionately and we should remind ourselves that humans do not fail, therefore there is no shame in doing so as it is another opportunity to learn and grow. Similarly, focus on strengths and improvements, not weaknesses. Self-affirmation is not against mo…