05.20.20 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.   Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Go to the websites for NAMI or the CDC if you’re interested in even more mental health resources.   One Way to Improve Your Day: Start a new hobby or revisit one of your favorites. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from low moods, stress, and depression. Consider setting aside some time for a hobby you enjoy or have always wanted to take up. If you need some inspiration on what hobby you should start, here are some ideas: cook, exercise, read, learn a language, learn a new skill like knitting or computer coding, learn how to play a musical instrument, or travel virtually as many museums now have their collections available online. Campus/Community Resource: NAMI Dane County is offering virtual support groups for folks – https://www.namidanecounty.org/covid19 Cute Video of the Week: Hysterical and Contagious Laughing Boy in Music Class – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UctRZ91m9XA. Podcasts of the Week: