Hi everyone! I'm Lily, a Public Relations and Communications Management student. If you are struggling during this lockdown, believe me, you are not alone! Perhaps you're missing the interaction with colleagues in the office. I can't wait to get back to face-to-face lectures and to be in the company of my peers again. All my lectures are currently done remotely due to Covid 19 restrictions. Different levels of Covid restrictions across the country impose serious limitations for PR professionals and students, which can have a serious impact on your mental health!
I want to share with you what has helped me since the pandemic, a person who thrives and works best in the company of others. Aka - an extrovert. As part of my studies this year I completed the 16 Personalities Test. The test found that an aspect of my personality was being extroverted. Give the test a go yourself and let me know your results! Perhaps my tips are suited best to those who are also extroverted?
3 simple Tips:
1. TALK TO ANYONE YOU CAN, sharing is actually caring?!
One of my favourite parts of the PR industry is how important building relationships and communicating verbally is, both internally and externally to the organisation. Normally I'd seek the advice of my peers at university and we'd arrange meetings outside of class time but since the pandemic, I've had to find alternative methods to discuss my creative ideas and get in my talking fix! I could absolutely talk for England! Fortunately my family members (that I am living with at the moment) listen to me, despite not knowing a lot about Public Relations. I find vocalising my ideas to be crucial to decipher what is actually reasonable and even those who aren't in the industry can help you to develop your ideas.
Take full advantage of the support you do have! Online meetings or lectures are a chance to connect and develop your communication skills. I never expected this, but pitching, presenting and debating is a totally different ball game from the other side of a laptop screen, but a useful skill to develop in an industry that takes full advantage of technology.
My course and I made a Whatsapp group chat in the previous academic year but we hadn't realised quite how useful it would become to stay connected, as now, some of us our living in different countries, since the pandemic (sending voice notes can add a more personal touch).
2. GET OUTSIDE, GET INSPIRED!
Thinking back to life before lockdown; I realised I used to think of the majority of my creative campaign ideas on my walk to University (I would have never believed it if you'd told me a year ago, how different things are now). It sounds so obvious but; go on a walk! I'm lucky enough to live in the countryside when I'm not at University and this is the perfect opportunity for an allocated break from my screens. After neglecting this advice I found it so useful to clear my mind. However, I must admit my hands did leave the cosy insides of my jacket pockets to snap a quick picture, on my phone, of my dog in the beautiful countryside.
3. SOCIAL MEDIA, is it really that social?
You don't have to be in the PR industry to know the benefits of social media to stay connected, but it definitely helps! In my studies so far I have made the most of social media as a tool for communication, and to support my creative campaigns. I used to criticise myself for the amount I consumed social media however, I have recently started following relevant pages, that I am genuinely interested in and unfollowed those that didn't benefit me. I use my professional social media accounts such as, LinkedIn to stay connected with like minded students and professionals.
Be sure to stay in contact with your friends and colleagues, share the good and the bad. I have previously got into the habit of only sharing the good but honesty and transparency, crucial in the PR industry, can also be important in your personal life. Once vocalising how I felt, I realised I was not the only one feeling the effects of the second lockdown and the continued restrictions. I followed Mind Charity both on LinkedIn and my personal Instagram account as their work, not only interests me professionally, but I find their posts useful in supporting my own mental health. An article that inspired this blog post was; 'It all started with Banana Bread' which was shared by Mind. org on their socials, be sure to give it a read if you have enjoyed this blog post.
Even as an extroverted person, it's easy to feel anxious about gradually returning to normal life. I am hopeful for the future and looking forward to new opportunities. My advice, is to go easy on yourself. This is a new experience for everyone, but of course, I am not an expert, so visit Mind. org for further support.
Please feel free to share any more tips. I'd love to hear them and please share my blog with friends, family and colleagues! Follow my blog for more!
This pandemic made me realise I needed some time off screen and it really helped me so I relate a lot with this post, it wasn’t easy for anyone but it’s great you came with some tips to make it easier, thanks for the post, really helpful
Hi Lily!
Congratulations, you did a really good job with this post!
Everything you talk about is really helpful during these times. For me it has been really difficult to be focused and motivated, and I think we all need to see and hug our beloveds to feel better. But also during these days I found out a lot of activities I love doing I that I probably wouldn’t have tried if it wasn’t for the situation we are now living. I think the most important thing is to keep yourself occupied and reflect about everything your do, now that we have time.
Hopefully this will end soon.
Best wishes
Hi Lily. This was a lovely read. I also completed the 16 Personalities test and am also an extrovert! I have also been struggling with feeling anxious at the moment due to more Covid restrictions and things going on in my personal life. I have found that walking everyday and getting fresh air has helped me massively! I am definitely going to take a look at Mind and their work as it sounds very interesting. I look forward to your next post :)
Hi Geena! Thanks for letting me know your tips and I’m glad you found mine useful!! Have you completed the 16 personalities test I wonder whether these tips suit particular personality types or useful for everyone?
This is such a lovely read Lily! You really offer a comforting voice during times of uncertainty. I agree with you that spending time away from screens is important to look after our mental health and really enjoy the fresh air. I also find doing really simple activities like cooking can be therapeutic. I'm looking forward to reading your future posts.