05.13.20 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: Try meditating. Studies show that meditating reduces stress, control anxiety, and lengthens your attention span. Consider meditating for 5-10 minutes every day. If you schedule it at the end of your work day, it could even be one of the ways you separate work from the rest of your home during quarantine. There are lots of ways to meditate, so I encourage you to do some research and find the one that works best for you. Campus/Community Resource: Managing Stress and Finding Vitality at Work thru OHRD – https://hr.wisc.edu/professional-development/programs/thrive-at-uw/managing-stress-at-work/. This online course teaches you strategies to regulate the central nervous system, neutralize thoughts, and develop a plan for a life with less stress. Cute Video of the Week: Cute Baby Alligators – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCVXu97jCQU. Podcast of the Week: Managing Stress & Anxiety During COVID-19 Pandemic – a Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast – https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-qa-podcast-managing-stress-and-anxiety-during-covid-19-pandemic/. This podcast is a little less than 20 minutes long.