During this extraordinary – and hopefully, once-in-a-lifetime event, – you may be feeling bombarded with lots of information.
If you are here because you are looking for information about COVID 19, check out Section One.
If you are looking for more tips on how to promote your health check out Section Two where we provide 6 Weekly Wellbeing Tips. If you find any good tips/sites/resources that you think we should share with the University community please send these to alanna.obeirne@ul.ie
If you are looking for information related to the University, and how the institution is adapting and responding to the pandemic please visit the dedicated UL COVID pages.
Student Life has established a site specifically where students can unwind and get away from all the messages about the coronavirus.
Human Resources has initiated a series of wellness seminars for staff. These provide opportunities to link in real time with colleagues and receive expert advice and suggestions for how to keep well.
6 Wellbeing suggestions for this week
Physical Activity
Consider how much time each day you are sitting down. The recommendations for adults are that you participate in physical activity of moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes each week. Ideally do muscle-strengthening activities on two days. While you might be meeting these recommendations, be aware that now that we are working and studying at home, we could be spending long periods sitting down. Don’t stay anchored to your work or study station all day. Get up every hour for at least 10 minutes to stretch and move about.
Mental Health
It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. The World Health Organisation has some great resources on how to cope with stress during this challenging time. There is also a leaflet for helping children to cope with stress that may be useful.
Sexual Health and Wellbeing
Some LGBTI+ young people may feel isolated from their peers at the moment, may feel stuck in homes with family members who do not support their identify and feel scared and anxious about the future.
BeLonG To are offering support to LGBTI+ young people. They have youth workers available to provide text, email and phone support for those who need it during the pandemic. Reach out and talk to these youth workers who are happy to listen and provide you with information and refer you if needed.
Healthy Eating
Try mindful eating this week. Mindful eating is about maintaining an awareness of the food and drink you are putting in your body. It is about observing rather than judging how the food makes you feel. At first try practicing mindful eating for short five-minute periods and then gradually build up from there. You can practice when you are making a shopping list, when you are preparing meals or when you sit down to eat.
Addictive Behaviour
It is important to be aware that withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous when trying to beat an addiction. In normal circumstances – when there is no pandemic – people battling addictions can access medical help and support groups. Alcoholics Anonymous has moved recovery support meetings online and these may be useful to some people. If you are in difficulty please contact local support groups who are hosting telephone support services and who provide online forums so you do not have to feel alone in this. Without proper medical supervision, alcohol withdrawal is a dangerous thing.
HSE Drug & Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459
Healthy Environment
Please don't forget - WASH YOUR HANDS!
It is the ambition of UL to be a leading university in the promotion of Health and Wellbeing, supporting our 16,000 students and staff.
Health and the environment are inextricably linked and approaches to improve both are deeply complementary
Ensuring UL develops and implements supports and protocols that reduce the stigma of addiction
Learn more about the supports and resources available to UL staff and students mental health and wellbeing
Good sexual health means making sure you have the knowledge, skills and ability to make informed sexual choices and act responsibly to protect your health and the health of others.
The promotion of the health and wellbeing of the university community (staff, students and visitors) supported by the development of sustainable research programmes in nutrition and health.
What are the recommended levels of physical activity to maintain and improve health?