COVID-19 coping Resources
During these uncertain times with a new reality, the USM Women's Forum is still working remotely to support all women throughout USM. The following resources can help us to adapt to new routines and to ensure that we are also taking care of our whole selves. Many thanks to the University of Maryland Human Resource Services office, which provided several of these links in its COVID-19 Coping Kit. Check back frequently for webinars and other virtual programs offered by various USM institutions.
Tools for Resilience and Compassion
Health Care Resources to Help Manage Stress and Anxiety
Tools to Help Maintain your Mental Health
The following organizations have tools that can help specifically with stress, anxiety, and other important mental health issues:
Physical Activity Resources
Meditation
Tools for Parents - Learn ways to manage having your work and family all in one place
Meal Planning and Cooking
Entertainment and Museums
- PositivePsychology.com has created The Crisis Kit, which provides free, science-based resources for building resilience in the face of stress. They also offer tips on resilience to help you beat stress, trauma and adversity.
- The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley has compiled resources and offers virtual live connections to promote well-being and compassion during the COVID-19 epidemic for individuals, parents and educators.
- 29k - courses to help manage stress and anxiety and practice mindfulness; includes a nonprofit app, completely free! Download the App or visit the website.
- Free Coursera Online Well-being courses-online learning for mental health and well-being during covid-19, includes courses for college and high school students, resources for career development and more!
- Virtual volunteering--several organizations, such as the United Nations and the Smithsonian, offer online volunteering opportunities. You can help with translation, with making archival resources more accesible and citizen science projects.
Health Care Resources to Help Manage Stress and Anxiety
- Kaiser Permanente - Visit Kaiser Permanente for helpful online resources to understand and manage stress and anxiety.
- The State of Maryland Wellness Program has archived webinars.
- Connect with your medical plan for support in managing stress and anxiety via telephone, email, and video visits: United Health Care, Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Kaiser Permanente.
- Optum Free Emotional Support Line (available to everyone and answered 24/7): 866.342.6892
- The Happiness Lab (Yale University) Podcasts - Updated for coping with the stress of COVID-19
Tools to Help Maintain your Mental Health
The following organizations have tools that can help specifically with stress, anxiety, and other important mental health issues:
- CDC
- National Council on Aging
- Maryland Department of Health
- Department Budget and Management--tips on reducing anxiety.
- Futures Without Violence
Physical Activity Resources
- DoYogaWithMe.com offers many free yoga classes on their website.
- Yoga Journal has free online videos for beginners to advanced.
Meditation
- The Mindful Movement YouTube channel - Discover guided meditations for inner peace and deep relaxation.
- Calm App - Offering free resources for guided mediations, yoga classes, and other tools for reducing anxiety. The app offers several free guided meditations (access to more with a two-week trial).
- Headspace is offering free guided meditations, stories, soundscapes, and music that can help you sleep.
Tools for Parents - Learn ways to manage having your work and family all in one place
- Today Show - Stories and tips for parents
- Baltimore County Public Library: Newsletter for tips and tools on how to keep kids safe and busy!
- Coding resources to help kids cope with stress compiled by The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University.
- The Child Mind Institute has free resources for parents, including a video of the day and links to articles that offer advice and guidance.
- HeartSmarts Adventure - Free access to ELearning programs for kids aged 4-6+; programs to enrich minds of young children; topics from health, wellness, gratitude and paying it forward.
Meal Planning and Cooking
- Kitchn Cooking School sends you 20 cooking lessons in 20 days to learn the basics of preparing food at your own pace.
- America's Test Kitchen - 50 free recipes "you need now."
- The Mealime app helps you organize meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking all in one place.
Entertainment and Museums
- Cirque Du Soleil - Every week Cirque Du Soleil will release a 60-minute recording of one of their touring shows.
- The Lourve museum in France is currently offering virtual tours of specific exhibits.
- The National Women's History Museum has several online exhibits.
- The California Academy of Sciences has an array of online resources including the Academy Breakfast Club, weekly livestreamed mini-classes with Academy experts, science videos, and science activities for K-12.
- The Frida Kahlo Museum/Museo Frida Kahlo offers a virtual tour of Kahlo's house and gardens.