My name is Jon McFarlane, I am 23 years old and have cerebral palsy. I started attending Bobath when I was 2 not being able to walk. Now I have international caps in CP football and this is thanks to the hard work that the fantastic team at Cerebral Palsy Scotland do every day.
Working from home
I am currently studying for a PhD in economics at the University of Strathclyde. My research and my university are something that I am passionate about and genuinely have missed being on campus every day. Our department has been very supportive both before and during this situation and this has been important in transitioning to working from home.
I struggled to work from home at first. I enjoy working in an office environment with others. I am a people’s person and like to have a conversation at any given time.
The thought of working from my room alone, isolated, was worse than the reality. I still have regular catch-ups with my peers on Zoom and meet with my supervisors online a few times per week. Dr Grant Allan and Dr Gioele Figus have been fundamental in supporting me to adapt to working from home and I cannot thank them enough.
Cycling
Without football and golf, I started to look for new sporting ventures. I got myself a bike, got all the gears switched to the left and off I went. Cycling since lockdown has been great. When I have needed a break away from work or needed time alone to let off some steam cycling has been the ideal remedy. It provides exercise, Vitamin D and a challenge.
Reading
Another opportunity that lockdown has given me is time to relax and read for enjoyment. I have used this opportunity to learn about the brain in a lot more detail than I had previously known, and this has helped me understand cerebral palsy more. This understanding genuinely has made me feel happier and content, and without lockdown, I would never have had the time to do this.
Some helpful tips when you are stressed/sad/ anxious/ needing support
Tip 1: Don’t watch the news
The media thrive on negativity and portray negative images of the deaths and infection rates of COVID-19 etc. Although this is important to know and understand, if you are feeling down it is not a good idea to see any negativity – as my granny says “out of sight, out of mind.”
Tip 2: Use technologies available
Apps like headspace and calm are fantastic for both adults and children at helping calm the mind and guiding yourself through stressful times. Mindfulness and wellness are essential right now.
Tip 3: Reach out to your friends and family
These people are there for you. Although you might think “they have their own worries, I won’t bother them”, it is beneficial for everyone to know that everyone else is doing okay.
Tip 4: Ask for help if you need it
As I said, I’m happy to chat anyone – parent, carer, or have CP yourself! Also, Cerebral Palsy Scotland have weekly Zoom coffee and catch ups and are there at the end of the phone or the computer to help, so please reach out if you need to.
Please stay safe, look after yourselves, enjoy life as much as possible and I will see you all soon.