Not normal
‘I have recently realized and started accepting that what was “normal” before Covid is no longer my normality. Nowadays I sometimes go for a walk in the woods in the afternoon during lectures. Because I seem to follow lectures more effectively at night, when no one rings or texts and the house is dead quiet. So my only advice is: make use of this bizarre time to discover your own normal. Because what’s been normal for all those years doesn’t have to be your normal. And stick to your own normal as much as you can – even when things go back to “normal”.’
Laura Bergshoef, Master’s student of Climate Studies and Geo-Information Science
Rings a bell
‘This rings a bell for me too. My work as an HR advisor has changed a lot since we all started working at home and I miss the real contact with other people. I find it helpful to have regular chats with my colleagues, and to structure my days. That means starting early, getting regular exercise, and clearly marking the end of my working day in the evening. I think we can be proud of having shown for a year now that WUR can keep going in spite of everything. We shouldn’t forget that.’
Maud van Boxel, HR advisor at Corporate Staff
Art
‘I find motivation by thinking up art projects. Art is my big passion. So for example, during what has actually been a lonely period I dreamt up a project called “your ideal workplace” inspired by the need for face-to-face contact. My colleagues and I create an interactive artwork through personal conversations and a special contribution from each participant. I get to know my colleagues in my own way, at home over a cup of coffee or during a walk on campus. It connects people to create something together.’
Clementine Sluijsmans, secretary to the WUR Council
Go outside
‘What Covid has really changed is our computer use: we spend far more time in front of our stupid screens and I reckon that’s deadly. I deliberately try to keep computer time to a minimum, both for work and for my private life. Shutting the laptop and going outside – that’s what energizes me.’
Vincent Oostvogels, PhD student at Animal Production Systems
Structure
‘What helps me is structuring things. I set little deadlines for myself, and then I know what I’m aiming at and I get motivated to finish it in time. I also make a daily plan. And when I make a plan with what I want to do each day, or make a to-do list, I’m more motivated to finish those tasks so I can tick them off. It also helps me if I start with a part of a task that I enjoy. Sometimes I am daunted by what I’ve got to do and I don’t get started. If I start with a bit of what I like best, I notice that I end up feeling like carrying on with the job. I also like working with mind maps so that I get an overview. And lastly: it helps me to discuss the topic I’m working on with other people because then I remember what I liked so much about it.’
Sanne, Biology student (full name known to the editors)
Next WURry: Covid cocooning phase
| Do you have any suggestions for this Wurrier? Or could you use some advice yourself? Email your tips or your question (100 words max) by 9 April to resource@wur.nl, subject line: noWURries. |
