One of the strategic directions of the Eccles Health Sciences Library is to engage communities to improve health and quality of life. As we all adapt to the changing norms brought on by the physical distance measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to ensure you were aware of the resources out there to help your wellbeing during these times of uncertainty and difficulty. For starters, it helps to stay informed, so here are some links for our campus and community to stay up-to-date about how COVID-19 is affecting the campus community:
According to Trinh Mai, LCSW, of the UHealth’s Resiliency Center, some tips to help you stay well during these difficult times include:
- Prioritize health as you’re able (protective practices, exercise, sleep, eating well)
- Take in the good as you’re able (spring flowers, connecting with loved ones at home and virtually, simplifying)
- Focus on what you can control in the present
- Consume the news with intention (How much is needed? How much is depleting? Identify the line)
- Grant yourself and others some grace during this time
Decide how much information is too much, and when you need to have a mental break and get away from devices and news, try some of these links:
Wellness
- University of Utah COVID-19 Well-being Resources on Campus
- Watch live feeds of the cutest animals on the webcams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Find yourself relaxing amongst the fishes with 3 hours of coral reef with fish swimming around
- Practice yoga with free videos by Adriene
- Learn more about fitness and nutrition with Sydney Cummings
- The Down Dog app (yoga, barre, 7 minute cardio workouts) is free until July.
- The Calm app blog can help you meditate and offers calming music, pictures and other resources.
- Headspace is free for all and also helps with daily meditation
Fitness
- PEAK Health & Fitness has converted many of services to an online format
- Wellness & Integrative Health Youtube offers tips on nutrition and fitness activities.
- FREE Zoom fitness classes for the rest of the semester via PEAK Health & Fitness
- PEAK Health & Fitness on Facebook – Follow along for quick wellbeing tips and tricks.
- Peloton app has free classes of all kinds, including meditation and yoga
Interpersonal Violence (IPV)/Domestic Violence (DV) resources:
According to KSL-TV, police have seen a 33 percent jump in domestic violence-related calls during the past two weeks in Salt Lake City. The New York Times published a story on issues faced by victims during this crisis as well. Here are some resources that may be helpful:
- The University’s Center for Excellence in Women’s Health offers a page of resources here.
- Domestic violence services from the Utah Dept of Human Services
- YWCA of Utah – Safety resources
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition has programs to reduce violence in our state
- EHSL Domestic & Sexual Violence Resources
You’re Not Alone:
- HOUSEPARTY – group video chat users can communicate with each other through live video in groups of two to eight people. Simply log onto the app and you’ll instantly be connected with any friends who are using it at the same time. With one click you can join them or, if they’re already in a chat, you can join that conversation as well. If you want a more private chat, you can “lock” the room so others can’t join. When a person who is not your direct friend enters the chat, an alert is shown, giving you the chance to exit the conversation if you’d like — or meet someone new. Users can share photos via the app, and a messenger feature lets them share their profile with others, allowing them to make new friends. Push notifications are sent to friends when you open the app. It’s also possible for users to take screenshots while in a group chat and share them to social media. Please read their privacy terms before opening an account.
- Netflix Party is a Chrome Extension that synchronises your viewing of any Netflix content with your friends and lets you live chat while it plays. You can even pause the show for everyone if one of you needs a bathroom break or more snacks.
More ways to virtually stay in touch:
- Facebook Messenger app
- FaceTime
- Zoom – don’t forget to read up on their privacy terms
More activities for healthy mind and body:
- Try gratitude journaling
- Do something creative like drawing, painting, coloring, or playing an instrument
- Avoid checking the news & social media first thing in the morning
- Listen to new music
- Learn a new dance
- Take regular breaks from work if you’re working from home
Take care of yourself and those around you by checking out and sharing these resources!
