Hello readers,
As the fall term has commenced, many students have flocked back to Victoria to pursue their studies. And, still, many others have decided to stay in their hometowns as for our online semester. Besides the challenges of transitioning to learning online, and adjusting to a new academic year, we still are within the grasp of the pandemic. With this in mind, I wanted to share with you all some tips on how to keep yourself safe by establishing boundaries with others. In a previous blog post, I discussed the importance of making boundaries known to others around you. They reflect your comfortability and now more than ever, we need to open this discussion and understand the importance of hearing the needs of others. Keep these phrases in mind when you feel the need to have your voice heard.
“Thank you for inviting me, but I’m not comfortable with this plan”
Via Unsplash, UN
We are all missing the sense of normalcy that comes with the new term—being on campus, hanging out with friends, going out on the town; however, now things look a lot different. Hanging out now looks a lot more distant, a lot more virtual. If you do not feel safe being around others in an indoor or enclosed environment, stating that you are not comfortable is completely okay to share. You may want to suggest an alternative plan like having small, distanced hangouts outside or virtual meetings on Zoom.
“I am home a lot of the time, but I am not always available to talk to”
Via Unsplash, Nick Morrison
The boundaries of work, home, and school are now blurred. It can be difficult managing many different roles and tasks in an environment that used to be a place of pure rest. Establishing boundaries and creating a work-home balance is something that we are all getting used to. It is important that you don’t stretch yourself too thin (either emotionally or physically). Try creating a schedule for yourself where you create times for work, breaks, and other tasks. If possible, try using different rooms to do your schoolwork for a change of scenery.
“I know we share this space, but I don’t feel safe with people coming over”
Via Unsplash, Michael Amadeus
If you are like the majority of university students, you are currently living with roommates. Living with others can be a challenge in and of itself without the pandemic; however, when you live with other people, you are confronted with a variety of needs and habits. This may be one of the hardest boundaries to set. If you’re like me, it can be hard vocalizing your needs to others. Try and reach a solution that allows everyone to be safe. For example, you could suggest having a small group of people outside. You could ask others to wash their hands upon entering your space, or even to wear masks.
When making these decisions, it is important to follow government guidelines. The CDC BC Centre for Disease Control is the best resource for creating plans around social interactions.
Visit http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/social-interactions/ for more information and guidelines to create boundaries.
Thanks for reading!
Comment down below ways that you are establishing boundaries for yourself this term.
The views expressed in this blog are my own, and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the University of Victoria. I monitor posts and comments to ensure all content complies with the University of Victoria Guidelines on Blogging.