Self-Care During COVID-19
Many of our previous posts have focused on how you can take care of your organization throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is also important that you take care of yourself. The following resources offer support and encouragement to help you cope with the wide range of health- and wellness-related challenges you may be experiencing during this crisis.
The American Alliance of Museums shared an article on Seeking Self-Care Solutions, for COVID-19 and Beyond, sharing some of the biggest stressors facing museum employees and ways employees and employers can work together to mitigate these challenges, according to people in the field. Some of the suggested solutions can help ease tension in the current climate, but many are meant to reach beyond this moment into a post-COVID era.
University of Washington created a webinar on Coping with Uncertainty About the Coronavirus. This course offers tips for coping with uncertainty and regaining control. Note: although this webinar is pre-recorded and available for free to the public, you will need to register in order to view.
Because maintaining strong relationships are an important component of self-care, Americans for the Arts presented a webinar entitled We Are Stronger Together: Navigating Crises and Sustaining Healthy Relationships in the Era of Coronavirus, which included an informative, field-wide conversation with presenters, agents, artists, and legal and emergency response experts around the current business, legal, financial, ethical and relational realities we are facing together.
In order to regain a sense of calm, some are turning to yoga or meditation. Anne Arundel Community College is offering free online personal enrichment classes on Personal Wellness: Beginners Yoga as part of their Corporate Training Group. AACC has been and will continue to be an invaluable resource during these challenging times — situations that require different and sometimes new skills both professionally and personally. They are committed to assisting the community with tools for well-being. Note: registration is required to gain access to the webinars.
Don’t forget, Anne Arundel County parks and trails are open to the public. Yesterday, Governor Larry Hogan provided an Update Regarding Maryland’s Stay at Home Order and Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation. Individual and small group sports are now permitted and closed functions at state parks will be reopened, including all state beaches and playgrounds. Getting outside and taking a walk or exercising is a great way to clear the mind.
Finally, although not geared towards the nonprofit community but to everyone, the team at Shine, in partnership with Mental Health America, has vetted and compiled a wealth of research-backed and helpful tools for you—articles, meditations, access to mental health experts, anxiety screenings, and more. Think of Care For Your Coronavirus Anxiety as your mental health toolkit during this time.
We hope you continue to stay well!