From reading twitter it is clear there are a lot of stressed out students and postdocs out there. It is really important to look out for your #mentalhealth during the next few weeks. My advice to @IMBatUQ researchers below - hoping everyone adopts similar policies
Our staff and students are the most important part of our existence. Our default position throughout this is
•Don’t get sick
•Protect you family and friends
•Protect those most at risk.
•Don’t get sick
•Protect you family and friends
•Protect those most at risk.
Do not get stressed about
•milestones,
•numbers of publications,
•lab experiments being delayed,
•promotions etc.
Remember, everyone in the world is in the same boat.
•milestones,
•numbers of publications,
•lab experiments being delayed,
•promotions etc.
Remember, everyone in the world is in the same boat.
If there are no measurable achievements over this period then that’s fine. Anything you can do will be a gift. If you can work from home that is great. (I find it much easier to write grants and papers sitting in front of the computer with a cup of tea and a biscuit!)
Try not to get absorbed into the negativity of the news cycle and social media. Things are changing rapidly and the constant bombardment of bad news can have everyone on edge. Don’t listen to the whispering from the sidelines – seek only valid sources of information
Stay connected with work, family and friends through electronic means.
1. Host Zoom coffee mornings
2. Host Zoom Happy Hour
3. Have a Zoom jam session
4. Keep the science going by having Zoom lab meetings; even have zoom on constantly so people can dip in and out during the day
1. Host Zoom coffee mornings
2. Host Zoom Happy Hour
3. Have a Zoom jam session
4. Keep the science going by having Zoom lab meetings; even have zoom on constantly so people can dip in and out during the day
Set up a buddy system of volunteers who can deliver supplies for those who are sick and need help obtaining necessities.
Share ideas for maintaining connectedness with your colleagues and try to put them into practice - others will be glad you did
Physical distancing does not mean you have to be inside the whole day - go to your back garden, or front garden, or balcony and get some fresh air - just stay away from people. Take time away from work and the news cycle.
Finally, remember, the answer to this problem does not lie beyond our reach. The solutions exist in our laboratories and creativity of the hardest-working people on Earth; you and your scientific colleagues. Stay safe and stay healthy.
