The past month has brought rapid changes in the way we live, work and interact as a society. These uncertain times can certainly provoke feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation as we are asked to socially distance ourselves from others and adapt our way of life. It is important, now more than ever, to understand the impact of well-being on our psyche and prioritize wellness-inspired activities as a part of your day to day life.
The IU School of Medicine Wellness Coalition is working to create virtual spaces for all learners across the state to practice wellness. Additionally, we are utilizing social media to inspire you across the eight dimensions of wellness. Our WC Instagram page is updated daily with suggestions to help you explore the many online options that have been made accessible during this time, recipes to try in the comfort of your home, and workouts to get you moving.
Additionally, we are circulating a robust Google doc for all IU School of Medicine affiliated persons to utilize with ideas on how to make this time less isolating and more productive. Feel free to contribute to the document or simply use it for ideas for you and your loved ones. It can be found here.
If you are interested in joining us in our virtual wellness spaces, here are the days/times/links for our upcoming activities:
Quarantales (Virtual Lunches/Wellness Check-ins by Class Year): Tuesdays at Noon (EDT)
First Years
Second Years
Third Years
Livestream Workouts (HIIT, Zumba, Yoga): Mondays at Noon (EDT), Thursdays at 11 a.m. (EDT)
Mondays HIIT 12pm (4/6 & 4/20)
Mondays Zumba 12pm (3/30 & 4/13)
Thursdays Yoga 11am (3/26-4/30)
Mindfulness Meditation (15 mins to clear your thoughts & focus your energy):
Fridays at Noon (EST)Fridays 12 p.m. (3/27-5/1)
Additionally, it will be important in this time that you also take time to step away from social media from time-to-time. Please be mindful of when you have had enough…enough news, enough email, or just enough screen time in general. Take advantage of the nicer days and get some fresh air. Check on your friends and family by placing a phone call (not just sending a text).
If you are prone to anxiety try to think incrementally. Take each day and divide it up so it seems more manageable. There are lot of things that are completely out of your control at this time. For those of you who have a hard time coping with this, please know you are not alone. Please check out this list of resources if you find yourself in a place where you may need some additional help getting through this time.
And for all of you reading this, thank you for your dedication to your personal wellness. Please share with others and never stop caring for yourself.
