07.29.20 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: Develop a positive self-talk mantra to use when you’re experiencing anxiety and negative thoughts. During difficult times it can be easy to let your thoughts get negative, but positive self-talk and affirmations can lower your stress level, decrease anxiety, improve focus, and heighten confidence. Consider developing a short, powerful phrase to say aloud when you find your thoughts have become negative. Some ideas include: “I have endured _______; I can weather this storm,” “This will not break me,” or “This is hard and I can do hard things.” Campus/Community Resource: Insight Timer – https://insighttimer.com/. An app to assist with sleep, anxiety, and stress that is recommended by UW–Madison’s Office of Child Care & Family Resources. Insight Timer provides a variety of meditations that parents can do with their children as well – https://insighttimer.com/meditation-topics/children. Cute Video of the Week: Rhino Calf Plays with Zookeeper – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpXab3NrGgU Podcasts of the Week: