Attention to well-being is essential at all times, but even more so during a pandemic. Here are several resources and ideas for faculty well-being, ranging from childcare and the arts to information on wellness and how to access assistance.
Promoting Mental Health: A CFE Resource
The Center for Faculty Excellence has compiled resources and suggestions for supporting mental health for faculty and their learners.
The Arts
Many University entities continue to offer high level arts programming; they’ve just moved to a virtual space. Here are a few to visit:
Ackland Art Museum | Department of Art and Art History | Carolina Performing Arts | Playmakers Repertory Company | Stone Center for Black Culture and History
The UNC Department of Music’s has a #StayAtHome Resources page includes music resources along with ways to de-stress.
Child and Family Care
For those seeking assistance with childcare during the COVID-19 crisis, the UNC Task Force for Childcare website provides childcare contacts and free remote learning, plus resources regarding food, utilities, and emotional support for families with children.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (UNC-HR)
The UNC Office of Human Resources maintains the Helping Heels List of child and elder care providers that is updated every fall, spring and summer.
Creating Support
Resources from Peers for Progress UNC-CH COVID Support
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly increased feelings of isolation and disconnection. Creating—and maintaining—connections is important.
Integrated Well-Being Program
The UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine’s Integrated Well-Being Program has curated a variety of resources all employees can use as they respond to their rapidly evolving roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mindfulness
Many people find practicing mindfulness to help reduce stress and to be beneficial to their overall well-being. Our campus has its own mindfulness group: Mindful UNC. Visit their contact page to request more information or to be added to a mailing list to receive emails about upcoming events and mindfulness sessions. The UNC Program on Integrative Medicine offers a variety of mindfulness courses.
Using Community Service Leave to Give Back
The Carolina Center for Public Service offers ways to not only get help, but also ways to give help to boost well-being and a sense of community.
Physical Activity
Campus Recreation has pulled together a list of Stay Active at Home Resources. Outdoor activity is a good outlet, and Carolina North Forest and the North Carolina Botanical Garden are two great resources in Chapel Hill.
Screen Fatigue Resets
A faculty member recommends these short videos from Balanced Movement that are designed to reset the nervous system and realign bodies that have been spending a lot of time at a computer. They have a special series for educators: Balanced Movement’s Screen Fatigue Resets for Educators.
Wellness Resources during COVID-19
This extensive compilation of wellness resources from UNC Human Resources covers topics ranging from adjusting to life change, finding peace in uncertainty, nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness and keeping kids busy.
HR’s Department of Work/Life and Wellness sponsors Wellness Champions, a program created “to foster a great culture of health throughout Carolina by engaging and empowering Wellness Champions in every school and division.”
Wellness Toolbox
This student wellness toolbox from the School of Medicine offers many useful resources.