Summer is officially here and I hope you are taking time to enjoy the outdoors! Researchers have showed decreased levels of anxiety, rumination and negative affect, in addition to cognitive benefits, in participants who completed a 50-minute walk in nature (Bratman, Daily, Levy & Gross, 2015).
This Toolkit has been created by Homewood Health to support organizations and leaders in decision making.
"This pandemic Workplace Re-entry Toolkit is a consolidation of content focused on the considerations facing employers and employees as the world prepares for life after COVID-19. We’ve put together a package of informative materials to support you and your organization. Additionally, we’ve included resources for managers and employees, providing guidance and support while addressing some frequently asked questions."
"As we near the summer months, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic continues – filled with evolving new norms of how we go about our daily lives. We know that self-isolation and physical distancing are necessary, as they are preventative measures to slow the spread of the virus and the risk of infection. As we adopt and implement modifications to our routines, these changes can be linked to psychological effects including feelings of fatigue, isolation, and loneliness."
"As we enter a new month of COVID-19 protocols, the indirect and evolving implications of the pandemic are establishing new norms and roles within our family units for parents, guardians and those tasked with childcare responsibilities."
We asked the U of G community to show their thanks to employees who continue to work at one of our campuses or research stations during COVID-19.
The community response was very positive, with many sharing their notes of appreciation and thanks to their colleagues.
See below a compilation of the THANK YOU notes.
Over the last couple of months, it has been inspiring to see and hear about the ways our U of G community has come together to support one another and our community. The article “U of G Community Helping Build Online Volunteer Connections” outlines just some of the many ways our colleagues have stepped up to support the Guelph community and beyond.
"Self-isolation and quarantine are essential in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, home is not the safest option for individuals and families experiencing domestically violent relationships. As quarantine measures continue, many experts and statistics show domestic violence is increasing.
"As the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve beyond physical illness, many are faced with economic challenges as numerous non-essential businesses and their employees have faced temporary closures and subsequent layoffs. Additionally, service-based industries including travel and food preparation are seeing reductions in business as are those in manufacturing and construction. In many instances, businesses have closed in order to reduce the risk of infection.
This handout from Homewood Health is intended as an aide to support yourself, other employees and family members as a result of the questions and possible anxiety that has arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Around the world, we are facing a unique global challenge that’s testing our resiliency as individuals and communities. Many people are now in self-isolation and looking for suggestions on how to improve their overall well-being at this difficult time.
The World Health Organization (2020), has provided 6 tips for anyone who is asked to be in self-isolation or quarantine. Highlighted below are a few resources you might find helpful for each of these suggestions: