UMB Interim President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, says it’s important to exercise self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From The President's Message newsletter, here is the May column from Dr. Jarrell:
It’s been eight weeks since we moved from in-person and on-campus to a virtual coexistence. While I had hoped this letter would be a welcome back, I am glad to know that we are all doing the best we can for each other and our University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community by staying home as much as possible. By following guidance to limit the spread of COVID-19, we are creating a healthier tomorrow. It’s in that same vein — of staying healthy — that I wanted to check in. In the midst this not-normal, but now somewhat routine schedule, self-care becomes increasingly important.
The COVID pandemic can be overwhelming and seems all-encompassing, and our new way of working and living brings with it added stressors. Our front-line responders are caring for those affected in incredibly intense and stressful conditions, putting their lives on the line, and often limiting interaction with their own families to keep them safe. But the vast majority of us are working from home, relying more on technology, and juggling family, parenting, and household responsibilities. Boredom, loneliness, tension, and general worry affect us, and there is much uncertainty.
To counteract this, we need to find and practice self-care and coping mechanisms. Setting a schedule that includes meals, time for fresh air, and doing something you enjoy are all important strategies for self-care. A way to start is to think about what activities keep you centered.
Many of you know that I enjoy working with metal as a hobby. Blacksmithing brings me joy and allows me to relax. I wake up each morning and work in my blacksmith shop for a bit. I find starting my day this way centers me, especially knowing that each day of this pandemic brings new challenges and unexpected changes. The routine of allowing myself a few moments on something I enjoy allows me to better support UMB.
Is there part of the “old-normal” that you can take a few moments for? Appreciating spring flowers while walking the dog, enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning, reading (non-COVID-related) articles and books, exercise or an artistic outlet? When we take a few moments — even if it is just a few — to focus on ourselves, it helps relieve some of the anxiety and tension that this very stressful period brings.
Is there something new you can do? Could you join a fitness class? URecFit has an array of online fitness and wellness options that are free to the UMB community on a dedicated page, Virtual URecFit and Wellness. The UMB community also can visit 2020recreationmovement.com and participate in free online fitness classes — and if competition fuels you, log your minutes and help UMB fight for the No. 1 ranking.
Launch Your Life, UMB’s hub for work-life and wellness resources, has created a UMB COVID-19 Coping Kit that includes resources for resilience, movement, and maintaining mental health, as well as tips for parents and strategies to manage stress. The Employee Assistance Program also is available for support.
Are you using technology not only for instruction and work functions, but also to connect with friends and family? Watching a movie together, participating in online religious services, or playing games allows us to take a few moments to connect differently. Whether taking time to do something new alone or reaching out to friends and family, making the effort to focus on something other than COVID-19, something that brings you joy and centers you, can help build resilience. I am proud of how UMB has risen to the ever-changing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As individuals and as UMB, we are building that resilience.
After all, we are in this together. Whether we are treating COVID-19 patients, researching and evaluating therapies, moving to online instruction, coordinating and delivering help to those in need, or supporting our families, we are striving for success amidst unprecedented challenges. Now I know that we do not always have the luxury of time with our many responsibilities and responses to this crisis, but I hope that you will commit to taking at least five minutes today to acknowledge your own feelings and strength, and to focus on you.
While there are many unknowns, you can expect that our current telework plan will continue into the summer. I will continue to share regular updates with you. As a University, we are looking toward the future while working in this ever-changing present, by preparing for strategic recovery from COVID-19, restoring key operations when possible, and seeking opportunities to advance, grow, evolve, and innovate to strengthen UMB in the long term.
Our Core Values guide us to ensure the safety of our students, staff, faculty, and visitors; maintain our high standards in educating our students; and value the contributions of our people — our most important asset. So please, take time today to remember that you are an asset. Developing a plan for self-care is not a selfish endeavor. We can better care for, educate, learn from, and work with others by taking care of ourselves.
Disclaimer: Elm Voices & Opinions articles reflect the thoughts or opinions of their individual authors, and may not represent the thoughts or values of UMB as an institution.