Coping amidst the ongoing disruptions from COVID-19 is a universal challenge for our HS community and frontline clinical teams, and fatigue is setting in for many as we enter week 11 of the pandemic. A glimmer of hope has emerged as the stay-at-home order is lifted and Phase 1 of reopening begins Friday in D.C. All things considered; we are fortunate in Health Sciences to have expertise to help us during this extraordinary time. Welcome to a special edition of Heartbeats focused on personal health and well-being while working from home. In addition to news, this issue features healthful advice and tips for self-care from resident HS experts. Dhinu Jayaseelan of the Department of Health, Human Function and Rehabilitation Sciences (HHFR) will help keep us moving to prevent work injuries, Leigh Frame of the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership CRL) offers healthy lifestyle advice, and we’ve included a list of free resources for stress relief, courtesy of Janette Rodrigues in the Office of Integrative Medicine and Health. There’s even a fun diversion: a “What do you think?” contest Heartbeats is sponsoring on when we will return to campus. (A prize will be awarded for the closest guess.) We hope you find these resources helpful. It might be cliché, but we are all in this together. We can flip the perspective and see this as an opportunity to reset – start meditating, practice self-care, eat a more plant-based diet. Distinguish necessary physical distancing from social engagement with friends, family, and colleagues. And if you need help, please reach out. #HealthSciencesStrong
*Note: HB will be on vacation in June and July. We'll see you in August!