Health and Safety - University-wide COVID-19 Information
For the health and safety of all members of the Rutgers community, it is important to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to prevent getting sick and what to do if you are sick. Please visit the Health and Safety section of the University-wide COVID-19 Information website.
COVID-19 Psychological Services Network
In response to COVID-19, the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) will offer phone and telepsychology services to help members of our community obtain short term supportive therapy or facilitate referral to therapists in our network.
If you need to speak with someone about how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted you, please go to the COVID-19 Psychological Services Network website and complete an online referral form.
Employees are encouraged to participate in activities that promote wellness while telecommuting. This includes physical, emotional and social well-being.
Examples of activities that promote wellness:
- Eat healthy
- Drink plenty of water
- Maintain exercise routine or activity from home, or outside where possible
- Take a lunch break and short breaks throughout the day
- Maintain regular sleep schedule
- Have frequent team check-ins
- Encourage video collaboration and multiple channels to communicate often
- Consider mindfulness, breathing or meditation apps such as Calm or Headspace
- Take breaks from watching the media coverage
- Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed
Explore the resources below to promote wellness and minimize the stress that we are all dealing with during these unprecedented times.
Physical Wellness
- Ten Exercises at Home: Keeping your body moving and being physically fit is not only a great distraction but improves your overall health at the same time.
- 10 Minute Standing Yoga: Take 10 minutes to improve your fitness and flexibility.
- Healthy Recipes: Explore these recipes to create healthy, nutritious, satisfying meals.
- Virtual Fitness Classes: Rutgers Recreation is offering free virtual fitness classes via Instagram and meditation classes via Facebook.
- Why Sleep Now Matters More Than Ever: Ted Talk focused on why a good night's sleep has perhaps never been more important.
Mental Wellness
- Coronavirus, Isolation Causing Anxiety, Depression? Here are resources to help.
- Helping Children Cope with the Stress of the Coronavirus Crisis: A Rutgers mental health expert advises parents on how to manage their children’s anxiety and maintain a sense of normalcy.
- How to Take Care of Your Mental Health While Social Distancing: A Rutgers mental health expert discusses ways to stay engaged and healthy.
- Mindful Minutes with Kathy Shoemaker: Tune into Rutgers' Instagram, Facebook and Twitter pages every Wednesday as Kathy Shoemaker from the Graduate School of Education guides us through practicing mindfulness and meditation in our everyday lives.
- Managing Anxiety & Stress: Coping with stress can help make you, your family, and your community stronger.
- Managing COVID-19 Anxiety and Stress: (pre-recorded webinar)
- Mindfulness Practice for Stress Reduction Webinars: Faculty and staff are invited to take part in webinars called "Mindfulness Practice for Stress Reduction and Resilience in Unique Times”
- Meeting link: Join a mindfulness session
- Oprah and Deepak’s 21-Day Meditation Experience: Join Deepak Chopra, Oprah Winfrey, and millions of meditators around the world to find peace of mind during turmoil and do your part to help our global community find hope and optimism.
- Podcast: Coping During COVID-19: How to stay happier and calmer in difficult times.
- Rutgers4U (1-855-652-6819): Rutgers Health has launched a new confidential support line that offers emotional and therapeutic support during and following the COVID-19 pandemic to Rutgers staff, faculty members and their families.
- Supporting Your Well-Being during Times of Change and Uncertainty: LinkedIn Learning path where you can gain skills to support your well-being during times of change and uncertainty.
- TED Talks: Talks to Help You Manage Stress: Sometimes life can feel like a bit of a mess, but these talks are here to help you de-stress.
- #weRUnited Website and Campaign: Explore the #weRUnited website which features inspirational stories and resources, as well as a tribute video that illustrates how Rutgers is connecting in new ways, making new discoveries, and changing the world.
Staying at Home
- Got Kids? Try these 11 quick tips for working from home while they’re with you.
- Healthy Connections: Use this guide to facilitate healthy connections amongst your team, which includes discussion topics and activities that bring people together virtually, support well-being and strengthen our community.
- How to Deal with Suddenly Spending 24/7 with Your Partner and Family: Spending 24/7 with your significant other and family can certainly add to stress levels during current times. This article provides some tips on dealing with the sudden change in work and home routines.
- Pet Care in a Time of Crisis: Rutgers alumna and veterinarian offers insights on keeping our furry friends happy and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Stay Connected: Ways to stay connected without leaving your home.
- Things to Do: Things to do while staying home.
- The Best Ways to Kill Coronavirus in Your Home: Rutgers experts on viruses, microbial risk assessment offer their tips.
- Tips for Working Parents Turned Teachers: Advice to help homebound parents balance work duties while educating their children.
- Tips for Sequestered Families: Being together in close quarters, even with loved ones, can be stressful.