#  Mental and Physical Wellbeing 

 



## As we all practice social distancing in order to ‘flatten the curve’ of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve put together recommendations for you to safely stay physically active and mentally healthy.

  
Remember that [Zoom](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=5d3094cedbfa3704dffdbc32ba9619ec) is available to you to connect with the Harvard community remotely.



 

##  Managing Fears and Anxiety around the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 As information about Coronavirus unfolds and response plans are implemented, there can be a wide range of thoughts, feelings and reactions. [Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS)](https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu/) created a guide that contains coping strategies and resources to help you get through this challenging time.

####  [Download guide from CAMHS](https://www.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/content/coronavirus_HUHS_managing_fears_A2%5B5%5D.pdf)



 

##  Mental Health 

 



 ### Try various meditation and anxiety reduction apps online:

[Headspace](https://headspace.com/covid-19), [Calm](https://www.calm.com/), [TenPercent](https://www.tenpercent.com/coronavirussanityguide)



 

   ![play button icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_youtube_1191396.png?itok=9VMy1cnM) 

 

 

 

 ### Create a call list of folks in your life that you’ll talk to regularly during this period

 

   ![Speech bubble icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_speech_bubbles_708190_2.png?itok=gBx7PhE6) 

 

 

 

 ### Join and participate in online communities of your clubs, friend-groups, entry-way-mates, family, and classmates. 

 

   ![laptop](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_laptop_3181885_1.png?itok=S2uwPqRS) 

 

 

 

 ### If you're on campus, talk to someone face-to-face (6 feet apart!) in your building or as you pick up your meals

 

   ![house icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_house_1711855_1.png?itok=tzqsOvjX) 

 

 

 

 ### Share a meal or coffee virtually with someone

 

   ![coffee](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_coffee_2673401.png?itok=9XmXuXQD) 

 

 

 

 ### Play with a pet (or borrow one if you can)

 

   ![paw print icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_paw_prints_707082.png?itok=DXD9RIle) 

 

 

 

 ### \[re\]Connect with your community of faith and with your spiritual practices

 

   ![candles icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_candles_800930.png?itok=ttfr6a0L) 

 

 

 

 ### Create a daily routine and build downtime into your schedule

 

   ![clock icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_clock_1791668.png?itok=GnFHOdmY) 

 

 

 

 ### Take regular breaks from the news and social media

 

   ![social media icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_selfie_2031378.png?itok=6eshm2Kk) 

 

 

 

 ### Learn something new! 

Check out free resources for [knitting](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/11/smarter-living/how-to-start-knitting.html) and [learning languages](http://duolingo.com/).



 

   ![school](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_school_2053018_01.png?itok=JK07TKyD) 

 

 

 

 ### Visit

[museums](https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours) and [national parks](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/national-parks/virtual-national-parks-tours?did=503183-20200318&utm_campaign=just-in_newsletter&utm_source=travelandleisure.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=031820&cid=503183&mid=31058907921) virtually



 

   ![art icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_art_1288879.png?itok=-MAJu2sS) 

 

 

 

 ### Play online games with others ( Words With Friends, FreeRice)

 

   ![crossword icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_crossword_puzzle_1675153.png?itok=p1X5pTr4) 

 

 

 

 ### Start a Book group - choose a book for shared reading and meet over Zoom to discuss it

 

   ![books icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_bookmark_1288881.png?itok=sWBausPT) 

 

 

 

 ### Netflix has a Chrome extension

called [Netflix Party](https://www.netflixparty.com/), it allows someone to set up a watch party, get a link, and invite friends. It has a built in live text chat.



 

   ![movie icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_movie_2846213.png?itok=WJn4blfF) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  Online Recovery Resources

- [Online Intergroup: Alcoholics Anonymous ](http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php)
- [In The Rooms: Global Recovery Community](https://www.intherooms.com/home/)
- [Al-Anon Electronic Meetings](https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings)
- [Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous Remote Meetings](https://slaafws.org/meetings)
- [Narcotics Anonymous Meetings](https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/text-results.php?country=Web&state&city&zip&street&within=5&day=0&lang&orderby=distance%C2%A0)



 

##  Movement and Physical Health 

 



 ### Go for a walk or run with fewer than 4 friends, staying 6 feet away from each other

 

   ![park icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_park_1968427_1.png?itok=wsqZtZbH) 

 

 

 

 ### Walk or run up and down nearby stairs. You could try the stairs in a local park, building, or your home if you have them.

 

   ![running shoe icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_jogging_shoes_189636_1.png?itok=FsTAg4uC) 

 

 

 

 ### Exercise in your room.

Get started with this [list of free workouts from the Huffington Post](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/free-online-workout_b_7722024)!



 

   ![water bottle and dumbbell icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_water_bottle_and_dumbbell_776043_1.png?itok=FeIH2Re-) 

 

 

 

 ### Put on your favorite

music and [dance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_LQeYUHm4M)!



 

   ![Speakers icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_speakers_832478_1.png?itok=jtLKwuq3) 

 

 

 

 ### Take a break

for [yoga](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7AYKMP6rOE) or light stretching



 

   ![stretch icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_yoga_730445_1.png?itok=qDuSS7eN) 

 

 

 

 ### Harvard Recreation

has granted access to [Wellbeats](https://hls.harvard.edu/staying-active-during-social-distancing/) to all members access to the online platform.



 

   ![sweat icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_droplet_1227620.png?itok=JgMKCE-M) 

 

 

 

 ### Get up from your workstation for 5-10 minutes every hour

 

   ![desk icon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_desk_1267164_1.png?itok=zcw7B6dz) 

 

 

 

 ### Make sure to eat regularly, choose a variety of foods when possible, and stay hydrated.

 

   ![nutrition iccon](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/dso/files/noun_breakfast_1178781_1.png?itok=-BWTQ9iL) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

##  Have a tip to share?

 Let us know what is helping you so that we can share it with the Harvard Community.

####  [Send it to us!](mailto:dso@fas.harvard.edu)