Free Wellness Resources in the Time of COVID

During these uncertain and unprecedented times, we are being presented with some unique trials. One of the biggest of these challenges is maintaining our own physical and mental wellbeing within a landscape of social distancing. With the closure of gyms, parks, beaches and fitness studios and limited “in person” interactions with our social networks, we are left to our own devices to work out the details of our new wellbeing routines. Fortunately, many organizations have stepped up to generously offer services that would ordinarily be accompanied with subscription fees or other costs at no charge during the time of COVID-19. In the medical community, Student Affairs leadership at medical schools across the country have created a list of these resources to be provided to students to support their health and wellbeing. These resources encompass nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness/meditation for stress management along with ideas to maintain connectedness between individuals.  I would hope that at least some of these free options can be utilized by students across the university and encourage you all to put your own HealthFirst!!

Free Resources:

1. Headspace has a special page with meditations specifically for dealing with the current situation
entitled “Weathering the Storm” at  https://www.headspace.com/covid-19 

2. Yoga with Adrienne – free online:  https://yogawithadriene.com/free-yoga-videos/ 

3. Pilates: 20 minute pilates video for a leaner, longer stronger body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A98Glp5DuY 

Maintaining Peer Social Connectedness:

-Virtual Olympics
-Virtual Talent Show
-On-Line Movie Night/Shows
-Digital Games (board games and e-gaming)
-Zoom Meetings/Lunches
-Make a photo collage
-Google Chrome free extension: "Netflix Party"
-Jackbox.tv (virtual game nights)
-Student-led CPAP (Confidential Peer Assistance Program) Guided Meditation and Teas via Zoom
-Karaoke online
-Zoom Dog Walks
-Zoom Yoga Sessions
-Zoom Morning Coffee Chats
-"30 things in 30 days" contest
-Get Fit Weekly Challenge with prize drawing
-Virtual Club activities (trainings, educational panels)
-Virtual study room
-Virtual Cooking Club
-Virtual cooking/baking classes
-Hosting wellness check in groups weekly - virtual lunches by zoom, Calling them Quaran-Tales
-Weekly ZOOM Mental Wellness Support Groups
-Weekly Guided Mindfulness Meditation Sessions
-Student Expressive Contest (express in arts format their feelings and experiences of COVID-19. Art, poetry, music, etc is encouraged)