purpose
Resident Life recognizes that the nature of our work is hard and at times exhausting. Therefore, we encourage all staff to take time for self-care and also promote community care. Self-care is important and places responsibility on the individual to attend to their basic needs. Each person has agency over how they want to pursue self-care. However, self-care is enhanced when the collective’s care is also supported. Community care involves taking care of people together. This guide provides suggested resources that staff members are invited to consider for self and community care.
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UMD Campus Resources for Relaxation and Refocusing
The following resources range from relaxing and rejuvenating to opportunities for disconnection and creating distance from the everyday stresses of work and life. Click a resource to find out information or participate in their services.
University Health Center
• Faculty Staff Assistance Program – Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is an assessment, referral, coaching, consultation, and short-term counseling service available to all full and part-time employees of the University of Maryland.
• Mediation Sessions – Meditation can be a useful antidote to stress. It invites us to slow down, breathe, and cultivate a greater awareness of the ways in which our body and mind can work together.
• Acupuncture & Massage Services – Promotes health and healing in mind, body, and spirit with the purpose of encouraging relaxation, stress management, and the treatment of some health conditions.
UMD RecWell Activities and Facilities
• Well @ Work – The Division of Student Affairs Wellbeing Unit work together to help you live well and be your best in and out of work.
• E-Sports – The Esports program includes premier B1G10 competitive and clubbased recreational gaming at the University of Maryland.
Campus Chaplains
• UMD’s chaplains work collectively to serve the spiritual needs of the University of Maryland community.
Memorial Chapel’s Reflection Garden & Labyrinth
• Visit this lush and open campus space for meditation—a place free from everyday demands.
Resident Life’s Affinity Groups
• Provides community spaces for staff who share aspects of identity that have been historically excluded and marginalized in higher education.
UMD Extension Programs
• The Clarice Performing Arts Center Events – Escape the everyday rigamarole with art events that inspire creativity, wonder, and self-expression.
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Recharge On Your Own Time
Take charge of your self-care via some of the suggested activities and resources below.
Libby App
• Download the app and enter your public library card to begin downloading audio and ebooks options!
Visit Your Local Library
• Check out your local library for a new adventure or hobby between the pages of a book or via their seasonal or family-friendly programs.
Exploration
• College Park Trails – College Park is home to miles and miles of interconnected hiker-biker trails.
• Trail Link – When you’re looking for your next trail adventure, the TrailLink apps can help you find trails near your location.
• Discover your local county’s parks and recreation programs!
• Explore DC, Maryland, and Virginia!
Wellness
• Treat yourself to a massage from a local establishment.
• Try out some yoga – Yoga can reduce stress and calm mental noise.
• Wellness Apps – There are a whole host of apps you can use to boost your wellbeing. Check this link out for 21 of them!
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UMD Staff Perks and Benefits
As UMD employees, there are perks we have access to that can help with work/life balance. Below are a few examples.
Family Care Benefits
• The University of Maryland is committed to supporting caregivers and families. The family care benefits webpage is a resource for employees who need help with their caregiving responsibilities including children, pets, and eldercare.
Health Benefits
• Additional Benefits (from the UHR website) – the benefits listed include SECU services, Athletic Event access, library privileges, and more!
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Time Off and Temporary Schedule Adjustments
All exempt and non-exempt staff at the University earn annual, sick, and personal leave. It’s important for staff to use their earned leave time throughout the year as one way to take care of self and ensure healthy work-life integration. Throughout Resident Life, we support and encourage staff members to use their leave time.
Flex Scheduling
• In a variety of roles within our department, staff may have responsibilities in the evenings & weekends (programs, events, duty, move-in & move-out activities, emergency response, etc.). In those situations, staff can work with their supervisors and unit heads to establish temporary schedule adjustments to account for these additional hours. This may mean discussing with your supervisor that you may modify your schedule that week; perhaps coming in late the next day, leaving early, etc.
• Some considerations and tips to help when planning time off or requesting temporary schedule adjustments:
• Schedule a point person for your area to ensure coverage during your time away so urgent matters can be attended to and you can enjoy your approved leave without interruption.
• Plan ahead and communicate so colleagues know when you are out of the office and whom to contact in your absence.
• Flex your work schedule when needed. For example, consult with your supervisor on options to come in late or leave early as operations allow.
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community care tips
Community care is an action or action taken that is intended to help another person or group of people. This kind of care consists of interpersonal acts of kindness and compassion like reaching out to a friend to see how they are or sending gratitude messages to co-workers. Read to check out some easy ways to incorporate community care into your schedule.
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Supervisors and Leaders
Check in with Your Team Members Individually
• During 1-on-1s include reminders to ask how someone is doing, remind them about taking time away, and actively listen/observe for any signs of burnout or stress as we do with our students.
• Sometimes, when we’re so busy, a kind and genuine well-being check-in from someone else is appreciated.
• Ask about any joys or gratitude worth noting (professionally or personally). Taking time to reflect on gratitude has direct links to being more mindful which can increase joy and positive feelings.
Individual Staff Members
Check in with Yourself Regularly
• At least once a week ask yourself if you’ve practiced self-care or used your resources to make time for rest.
• Center joy and gratitude for you that day or week. Pause and reflect for just a few minutes about what are you thankful for or what small moment brought you joy. Resist the tendency to delay the need to disconnect and take a break from work or adulting.
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Work
on creative ways to flex schedules or find coverage to encourage staff to feel empowered to take time off.
Practice
what you preach! Role model practicing gratitude and making time for self-care or rest.