Director of Student Services and the University’s Associate Chief Operating Officer Manuel Alonso reflects on both his professional and personal life since the COVID-19 pandemic began, acknowledging what’s helped him along the way and the things he has learnt in the process.

I think like most people, the experience of being in lockdown was a whirlwind. Initially I spent most of my time planning for how we would deal with lockdown at work, what it would mean for students and what it would mean for colleagues.

And then, maybe a few weeks into lockdown it occurred to me that I hadn’t actually stopped to think what it meant for me.

Those who know me perhaps won’t be surprised to hear that I’m an introvert at heart. So, several weeks at home seemed, initially, no problem. Spoiler; this was naïve – of course this wasn’t just ‘a few weeks at home.’  

I didn’t appreciate how tired I was and what I’d missed by being constantly at home until I got to Easter week. It was the first time that I could (mostly) stop working and just focus on one (or two, or three) things.

It was also the time when I realised that no matter how introverted I might be, I missed people. I missed having contact with colleagues, talking to students and seeing their energy on campus. What I realised is that I hadn’t actually stopped to reflect on the situation; to recognise what I was missing and what I had gained by being able to spend more time with my family.

I can break my lockdown experience into these two parts: before Easter in which I was kind of just running along getting stuff done, and after Easter when I actually took the time to appreciate what had changed, what I’d lost and, importantly, what I’d gained. I appreciate when I say this that everyone’s lockdown experience has been different.

What’s helped me and what I’ve learnt about myself

Here’s what I think I’ve learnt so far. I hope that this might resonate with other people and help them too:

1. It’s been said lots of times, but it bears repeating – this isn’t just working from home. You can’t do everything all the time; work, being a good parent, being a good partner, staying mentally and physically well, being a (very) part-time home-schooler. You need to pick what to do when and give yourself a break for needing to make that choice. (And you might find putting the phone away at the right moment helps on this front.)
2. Now more than ever it’s important to keep reaching out to connect with people. Even for the introverted amongst us, contact with others outside of our household helps keep us connected into the wider world and empathetic to what others are experiencing.
3. It’s normal to be anxious, but everyone’s anxieties will come in different shapes. Some will be anxious about being away from work, some will be anxious about coming back, and others will be worried about doing right by their loved ones, kids etc. This is why it’s important to stay in touch with people; in amongst our own anxieties, we need to make time to understand and show empathy for other people’s anxieties too.
4. A day of MS Teams meetings is MORE tiring that a full day of actual meetings!
5. And last but not least, the basics are hugely important; sleep, eat well, exercise and give yourself space and time for yourself and reflection (as much as you can – for parents this might involve locking a bathroom door!). They’re basics for a reason.

Alongside the things we can do to help ourselves, there is a range of help available from the University to support students and staff:

• The LU Wellbeing app – a digital toolkit for staff and students to aid your mental health using a holistic approach based on the NHS’s five ways to wellbeing.
• The Employee Assistance Programme – an external, confidential service which staff members can access 24/7, 365 days a year for support on their personal or professional life obstacles.
• Student Services – we can provide emotional and wellbeing support as well as advice on any financial or accommodation concerns you might have.
• University Chaplaincy – If you feel anxious, stressed or need someone to talk to, you can speak to one of the University’s Chaplains by calling 07961846905.
• How we work during lockdown: The remote working guide – a wellbeing guide created by Human Resources and Organisational Development to support staff members working remotely during lockdown and social distancing.
• The Yellow Book – an online platform inspired by creativity available in both written and audio format for staff and students, with resources such as breathing techniques, mindfulness and spoken affirmations.