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
Healthy Environments
We have been lucky during the University closure that the weather has been very good.
Be Sun Smart and follow the advice from Healthy Ireland.
Addictive Behaviours
COVID 19 related social isolation and stress can increase susceptibility to substance misuse, addiction and relapse. Substance use can lead to immune system, respiratory and pulmonary changes and may increase susceptibility to COVID 19 as well as complications. There are resources available to help assist individuals and loved ones.
HSE Drug & Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459
Sexual Health and Wellbeing
How often do we think about the routine choices and changes we make to maintain a sense of safety. Check out this blog to read an interesting discussion on “what is the right amount of panic?”.
The experience of sexual harassment in public spaces can be worse for women from ethnic minorities as there is often an element of racial abuse as well.
Mental Health
We are all facing different stresses and demands at this time. It is important that as much as we may be focused on looking after others, we need to aim for positive self-care. A good sleep routine allows us to recharge ourselves and to continue to be a support to others. See here for more advice on developing a healthy sleeping routine.
Physical Activity
It is important to pay attention to how much (or how little) physical activity you are engaging in. Check out this video which the Physical Activity Sub Group compiled for the launch of the Healthy UL Framework. It is just over 4 minutes long and it is packed with suggestions for how to work physical activity into your daily routine.
Healthy Eating
While there are no foods that will “boost” our immune system and prevent or treat COVID 19, eating a healthy balanced diet is still essential for good health and normal immune function. The European Food Information Council provide excellent information on how to eat healthy during the pandemic.
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?