Happy Finals Week, All! Here’s your weekly resource roundup:
Social/Cultural/Emotional/Mental Wellbeing
This time of year, many look forward to celebrating holidays with family and friends – after a long and challenging year, we all need something to look forward to. However, with the steep rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, staying safe this holiday season will mean making adjustments to our traditions, practices and expectations of the holiday this year. The CDC provides extensive guidelines and measures to keep holiday gathering attendees safe, but the task of complying with these guidelines would take an incredibly coordinated effort, likely diminishing quality of time spent together, creating boatloads of stress, and missing the mark on the experience you were hoping for. Not to mention, any gathering poses serious risks this year – even if these measures are adhered to. It may be a good idea to seriously consider the risks – COVID exposure certainly, but also the mental and social stress involved in attending a holiday gathering this year.
For many of us, the thought of not being with loved ones during the holidays is a hard one to face. However, the holidays this year will be different no matter how you look at it – be mindful of your expectations and be open to new approaches this year. Take time to talk with your family, friends, housemates about alternative ways you might celebrate this year – come up with some new, creative and safe ways you can make your holiday season special in lieu of traditions that are just too risky this year. Choose three ways (within your control) that you can make it a meaningful holiday season for you. Document your holiday in a journal, scrapbook or through cell phone photos and videos. Identifying the positives and giving yourself things to look forward to will help you get through it. Think about how you’d like to look back on this holiday season someday – Would you regret taking the risks you’re considering if someone you love were to get sick? Or would a new approach create memories of new traditions, and a time of personal growth, resilience and joy in a difficult time? Discussing your feelings with family and friends may help you feel more assured in making responsible decisions this year – your positive outlook on doing things differently might help them feel better too.
If you’re celebrating in-person, it may be best to stick to doing so with those in your household, and focus your energies on making the most of the situation we’re in. Many folks out there (myself and my husband included) are planning a stay-at-home, scaled-down Thanksgiving this year with the help of reputable cooking and recipe sites such as this one, this one and this one. You might consider pastimes that give you a reprieve from screens such as a new board game or an old classic card game. If Zoom or other video chat services are your only way to connect with loved ones, suggest an activity haven’t done in a while, such as classic parlor games like Charades or 20 Questions, or newer, discussion-based games like Table Topics. For the Zoom-weary, having a loosely structured, fun activity to engage in together can be a helpful way to get through any awkwardness and focus the collective emotions of the moment in a positive direction.
Physical Wellbeing: Nutrition
Students and House Officers: Did you know that your health plan covers nutritional counseling sessions as well? Registered dieticians are available for phone or video consultation visits, which can be scheduled online via HealthyPackPortal or by calling 919.515.2563.
Faculty and Staff, you’ve got coverage for nutrition too! Under the 70/30 and 80/20 Plan, adult and child (age 6+) nutrition and weight management services are included under the Affordable Care Act’s preventive services, meaning that they are covered at no out-of-pocket cost to you. The Employee Benefits page provides more information on this coverage. To find an in-network dietitian, use the Find a Doctor tool and search under “Specialist” for a licensed dietitian/nutritionist. Not sure how to narrow down your options? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a helpful page providing further guidance on selecting the Registered Dietician Nutritionist that’s a good fit for you.
Financial Wellbeing
Faculty and Staff – For many in our community, 2020 has been a financially devastating year. If you are in a position to make a contribution, the State Employees Combined Campaign presents a great way to dedicate funds each month to go to organizations that support communities and people in need. More information can be found on the North Carolina SECC website. Mat Gerard is the CVM SECC Representative for 2020. He recently sent out an email with information on this years campaign and can help answer questions you might have. Pledges can be made through mid-December, and can be made online through the link above. There is a long list of great charities included in the giving guide – I hope you will take a look and consider a gift if you are able and moved to do so.
Environmental Wellbeing
In case you missed the announcement this Fall, you may be proud to learn that NC State University has been named among 10 “Energy Elite” colleges and universities by the American Energy Society (AES).
The report, Top Energy Universities 2020, cited NC State as “the most accomplished and least recognized program in the country.” You can learn more about this accomplishment on the NC State Sustainability Blog.
Career Wellbeing
A job search can, let’s face it, feel like a full-time job in itself! For those on the hunt for jobs right now, it may be hard to find the time to conduct your search. Enter: The Making Time Workbook. Kudos to Amanda Bates, our Director of Career Services and Professional Development for providing this handy guide, which helps you manage all aspects of your job search – and make the time to do so. The workbook can be found in the Career Services Toolkit online for students.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Wellbeing Wednesday resource roundup, and that you found an item or two that might be of use to you. Next week, I’ll take a break from sending the newsletter to enjoy some time for my own wellbeing, but will be back in your inbox the first week of December! Until then, I hope you have a safe and happy holiday break.
All the best,
Julia Rice
CVM Director of Wellbeing