COVID-19

There is increasing attention and urgency to acknowledge the health and wellness (well-being) of the health care workforce.  The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the gaps in resiliency and a culture of health and well-being at health care institutions here and throughout the world.  We hope these resources help you navigate our new—not so—normal. 

COVID-19 Clinical Resources

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
• GW Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library 
• GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences COVID-19 GW Health Resources
• Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health
• AMA COVID-19 Resource Center for Physicians
• NIH COVID-19 Research
• NEJM COVID-19 Resources Center
• JAMA Network COVID-19 Resources Center
• BJMs Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hub
• The Lancet COVID-19 Resource Centre
• Johns Hopkins Public Health On Call podcast
• Elsevier Connect
• Medscape Novel Coronavirus (COVID019) News & Resources 

COVID-19 Well-being Resources

• Center for Healthy Minds COVID-19 Well-Being Toolkit and Resources (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
• American College of Lifestyle Medicine
• COVID Calm Clinics
• Champions of Wellness: Self-care Tips During COVID
• COVID Coach
• Greater Good’s Guide to Well-Being During Coronavirus
• Medical Society of DC Physician Well-Being Resources
• Gratitude Circle Hotline (Hear messages of gratitude from the public)

5 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle During a Pandemic

The six essential lifestyle elements that optimize health are nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, substance abuse, and social connection.  These tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this extraordinary time were supplied by Leigh Frame, PhD, MHS, associate director of the GW Resiliency & Well-being Center, director of GW Integrative Medicine Programs, and executive director of the GW Office of Integrative Medicine & Health. 

1) Move throughout the day. Walk (even in place) during meetings when you can—go outside in the morning to get vitamin D too! Take stretch breaks (3 you can do every hour & 4 for when you need to move more). Walking after dinner has been shown to have health benefits like blood sugar control: see GW’s own Loretta DiPietro’s research.

2) Make time to clear your head. Just 3 minutes focusing on your breath can lower your blood pressure. Try square breathing—for a count of 3-4 each: inhale, hold, exhale, hold, repeat. Try lengthening the counts as you practice.

Yoga & tai chi are moving meditations you can do anywhere. Try this beginner's yoga program, these beginner’s tai chi moves, or kids' meditation.

3) Eat more plants & whole foods. Focus on fresh or dried herbs & simple food prep. Roasted vegetables = fiber candy! Canned beans = dinner time shortcut!

Nutrition Stripped is my favorite source for interesting, healthy recipes. Check out their 20 Easy Pantry Meal Ideas (Hint: canned beans in here!).

4) Get 7-9 hours of restorative sleep. Prepare by disconnecting (1-2 hours, or even 30 minutes, before bed), avoiding alcohol (3-4 hours before), unloading your mind, etc. A winddown routine can be hugely beneficial: a great time to journal or do your meditation be it square breathing, yoga, tai chi, or through Headspace, which is now available free to all GW employees!

5) Positive social connection. Talk to people as much as possible. Challenge them to a plank-off to strengthen your core while you’re at it…then laugh when you’re finished. Smile!

Grief Resources

• GrieveWell (Provides resources and support to adults in grief.)
• GriefShare (Find a grief support group)
• Grief and Loss in the Workplace During COVID-19
• Dealing with Loss, Grief, and Bereavement in a Pandemic
• Physician Support Line
• Article: Three ways to be gentle and honest with yourself about grief and what you need to heal

We encourage you to utilize staff of GW Resiliency and Well-being Center to facilitate discussions on grief with your department or student group. You can reach us at rwc@gwu.edu or 202-994-7462.