03.18.20 Mental Health Wellness Update

While we all are telecommuting, OSFA will be sharing some ideas to boost your mental health during these difficult times. If you know of any videos, podcasts, articles, events, ideas, etc. that would be perfect to include in these emails, please send them along to Erica Tisdale at erica.tisdale@wisc.edu.   One Way to Improve Your Day: Consider gratitude journaling. Studies have found that giving thanks and counting blessings can help people sleep better, lower stress and improve interpersonal relationships. Find a journal or paper in your home and every day write down one thing you appreciated about your day. It could be something as simple as a song you heard, a conversation you had, a photo you looked at, or a meal you ate. Campus/Community Resource: All UW Employees have access to the mental health resource SilverCloud: https://hr.wisc.edu/well-being/silvercloud/. Students have their own version thru UHS. SilverCloud offers self-guided exercises to help employees change beliefs and behaviors so they are thinking and feeling better. Cute Video of the Week: Penguins Hopping Down Stairs – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_0nWPj_hQg. Podcast of the Week: How to Care For Yourself If You Are Anxious About Getting Coronavirus – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-care-for-yourself-if-you-are-anxious-about-getting/id348096293?i=1000467628912. This podcast takes about 25 minutes to listen to. Try listening to other Anxiety Slayer podcasts if you find this one helpful!