Dear Colleagues,
We made it! Our strange summer of quarantine, physical distancing, curb side pick-up, and virtual happy hours is over. In my household, we called it "the summer that never was that never ends." Now, by all accounts, the fall semester is well under way.
In the midst of the semester's transitions and adjustments, the first Teaching Tip of the new year focuses on well-being. As our students settle into the new routines of the semester, I want to point you to resources that can help them academically, emotionally and physically. These resources will give you tools for supporting your students as they juggle this new learning environment.
It's important that we as faculty recognize our own needs, too. If you are like me, you have learned tricks and tips of new technology along with the ins and outs of Zoom. We are using Canvas in new ways, delivering lectures in different formats, and holding virtual office hours. A lot more of our work is happening from home than ever before. Despite these changes, some things have stayed the same: we continue to teach, study, and conduct research. Here are some resources that can support your well-being through care for your body, mind and spirit this semester.
For your eyes:
- Optometrist Dr. Millicent Knight recommends the 20/20/20 rule to maintain healthy eyes as we increase screen time. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
For your mind:
- Yoga: The Fitness Institute of Texas (FIT) has created two "Five Minute Yoga Breaks" for whenever you need a quick break to check in with your body. You can also now take part in the popular Yoga for Anxiety course from your own home by accessing Healthpoint's free video series with instructor Jamie Justus (LCSW).
- Stress Reduction: The Employee Assistance Program and Healthpoint Wellness at UT Austin provides many resources for staff and faculty at our university. EAP has a list of Stress Reduction Resources that includes a Stress Reduction and Biofeedback Center, 5-minute audio Relaxation Tracks in English and Spanish, and research-based sleep resources such as "40 Winks on the 40 Acres."
- Support groups: The EAP hosts a weekly discussion/support meeting, called Parenting in Challenging Times, offered virtually each Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. to support those that are caring for kids during these challenging times. Each meeting has a brief (10 minute) presentation on topics such as self-care, balancing the demands of work and family, UT resources, and parenting strategies. Participants will then join small group, break out rooms with those caring for kids of similar ages to share their struggles, support each other, and exchange helpful strategies. All UT employees and their partners/spouses that are caring for children are welcome to join. For more information or to join the weekly meeting, specify which ONE discussion break-out group you wish to join (Under 2 years old, Preschoolers, Elementary Aged, Tweens/Teens, Solo Parenting, or Caring for Kids with Special Needs) with an email to eap.
For your body:
I hope you and your colleagues can benefit from these resources--I know I have.
Sincerely,
