Caring for yourself
As you settle in to your new remote work environment, we encourage you to continue with many of the practices you have developed for yourself that allow you to be at your best each day. The well-being of the whole employee is always a priority for us. Consider what elements typically make up your daily routine and see how they might be adapted virtually. We also wanted to point you to a few additional resources available at this time, as well as share some recommendations from fellow colleagues.
Employee Well-Being
Employee Well-Being
Staying Healthy
Here are some helpful tips on keeping a healthy lifestyle while at home.
- Read Harvard Medical’s School’s advice on how helpful ways to strengthen your immune system and fight disease.
- Review this guide to Self-Quarantine Meals.
- Try out some new recipes with your family.
Mental Health Resources
For any employees needing support mentally or emotionally, we recommend the below resources:
- Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a wide range of services and solutions to the challenges of daily life.
- The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has created a resource page to provide helpful tips and strategies for managing anxiety during this difficult period.
Mindfulness
During these times, it is important to take time to address the emotional toll you might be experiencing. Below we’ve highlighted some programs available to the Harvard community.
- All of the spring mindfulness classes offered by the Office of WorkLife will now be held virtually.
- Harvard Chan School of Public Health will launch a series of weekly interactive forums.
- The Team behind the 10% Happier app is offering a daily chat and free sessions on the app.
- Sign up for a free, virtual 6-week mindfulness program with Jonathan Levene. Designed as an introductory course for parents with little or no experience with mindfulness, it will help to establish a virtual community of support and build essential skills in stress reduction and personal resilience.
- Learn about various ways Harvard is trying to bring normalcy to the the community.
- Staff also recommend: Mindful.org and Headspace.
Physical Activity
Physical activity supports both stress relief and physical health. Below are some ways to help stay active while staying at home.
- Take a virtual class from Harvard’s Recreation Center.
- Check in with your regular fitness provider to see what online options might be available or take this moment to try out something new.
- The Harvard Recreation Team is offering free access to its fitness partner Wellbeats’ online platform through April 30.
- Learn about the various fitness studios that have shifted to live streaming for free during the outbreak.
- Staff also recommend, Peloton’s free 90-day trial, and a variety online workouts.
Staying Connected Socially
Keeping connected while practicing social distancing can be difficult. Below are some suggestions for how to be social from a distance.
- Schedule time to share lunch virtually, as a team or with a colleague.
- Discover a new way to watch your favorite shows together.
- Get together for virtual game night.
- Start a virtual book club.
- Watch a movie virtually with Coolidge Corner Theatre