06.17.20 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: Make your workplace more relaxing to help with potential stress. Consider burning a candle and/or listening to soothing music while working. Studies show that burning scented candles can reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety. Some scents that are particularly calming include: Lavender, Rose, Bergamot, Sandalwood, Orange Blossom, and Neroli. Additionally, research has shown that slow-paced instrumental music and nature sounds can lower stress hormones. Campus/Community Resource: Mind Ease – https://mindease.io/. This app utilizes gamification to help you relieve stress and anxiety. Cute Video of the Week: Baby Elephant Overcomes Fear of Water – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCuS8H61-sE. Podcast of the Week: Staying In with Emily and Kumail – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/staying-in-with-emily-kumail/id1503412182. If you liked the movie The Big Sick, you’ll like this podcast.