On March 13, MACES IT Assistant, Fatme Assi, was informed her job and school would shut down and that she would no longer able to visit her family…many of our MACES members found themselves in similar situations…
When did COVID-19 Time start for you?
Fatme Assi: Friday, March 13, 2020 was my last day of work at Maces. That afternoon, I received an email that the building and university would be closed for two weeks. I was shocked and I felt the world was ending. Most importantly, I would not be able to see my parents. My solution was to speak with them every day by skype, which helped me feel connected to them.
How do you stay focused while working and studying at home with so many distractions?
Fatme Assi: Three main points that might help others stay focused while studying or working remotely:
- Plan your time as if you are going to the office or university. For example, dress well and eat well
- Disconnect, yourself from media, twitter, Facebook, …
- Start your day by looking in the mirror and smiling
Any tips on staying social while physically distancing?
Fatme Assi: Walking on the treadmill during my least productive time.
To stay social while distancing physically, I would like to share with you my own experience: my friend and I created a group on WhatsApp to make videos on what and how we are cooking. We focus on healthy food to better deal with COVID 19. We share recipes and prohibit ourselves from sharing bad news. I also recommend walking outdoors for 30 minutes every day. I can also recommend “Forty Rules of Love“ by Elif Shafak