POSTDOC LIFE AND WELLNESS
Wellness encompasses many different aspects of life. The more you can incorporate wellness into your daily life, the happier and more productive you will be. There are many aspects of wellness - including mental, physical, and financial. Some resources to help you in those areas are provided below.
Take the time to feel fine
Mental wellness is an essential aspect of overall health and wellbeing. We encourage you to make your mental health a priority and give it the attention it deserves.
Don't know how to incorporate mental wellness activities? Here are some tips:
- Take a stress management workshop through the Career Development Office.
- Start a meditation practice.
- Learn about resiliency.
- Talk to a therapist.
- Prioritize sleep and set a reasonable work schedule.
- Periodically disconnect from work and social media. You have vacation time - use it!!
Have a conflict at work?
The Ombuds Office provides FREE and CONFIDENTIAL support for business-related concerns and conflict mediation.
We encourage you to check out their OMBUZZ Blog, which features tips for dealing with stress and conflict in the workplace.
You can also contact the Postdoc Office at any time. Their purpose is to advocate for and support all postdocs in the community.
Need professional help?
In an emergency, call 911.
The CU Health Plan covers mental health care. Check what services and providers are available under your personal plan at my.cu.edu.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of abuse, the Phoenix Center provides FREE and CONFIDENTIAL assistance, with locations at both CU Anschutz & Auraria.
If you would like to speak to a professional counselor immediately, the Real Help Hotline is available through the CU Health Plan by dialing 833-533-CHAT (833-533-2438). Real Help is available 24/7 and is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL.
Fitness Centers
The Anschutz Health and Wellness Center is on campus and offers a discounted rate for postdocs!
A variety of other gyms offer discounts to CU Employees, including 24 Hour Fitness and CorePower Yoga.
Don't want to commit to one gym? ClassPass allows you to purchase gym credits that can be used at 100+ locations around the metro Denver area.
Enjoy the Outdoors!
Colorado has a lot to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. From hiking to biking to skiing, there are endless opportunities to have fun while getting some exercise.
For more information about outdoor recreation, reach out to the PDA, your Department Rep, or the PDA Slack Channel. We also organize monthly group hikes over the summer and welcome all participants.
Don't be afraid to try something new!
Be Colorado Move Program
Get paid to exercise!!
Be Colorado is an incentive program through the CU Health Plan to encourage physical activity.
Every month that you log 12 days with at least 30 minutes of activity you will receive $25!! Progress is tracked through the Be Colorado App, which can be connected to a fitness track such as FitBit or Apple Watch.
Know Your Worth
Compare your salary to similar Professionals using Glassdoor or Payscale. These tools are also helpful for salary negotiation when you go on the job market!
Utilize Future of Research to investigate the landscape of postdoc salaries across the country and help them collect data by reporting your salary.
Save for Retirement
Unfortunately, postdocs are NOT currently eligible for matched retirement contributions.
You should not let that stop you from saving for the future!
Postdocs are encouraged to make unmatched contributions to a CU Retirement Plan through TIAA. CU will cover the annual fee!
Get Advice
FREE! individual financial consulting is available through Employee Services Personal Consultations.
The CU Employee Services website also curates helpful information related to taxes, payroll, and other financial topics.
Fund Your Research
Receiving a grant or fellowship can help you feel safe and secure in your postdoctoral position.
Not sure where to start?
We STRONGLY recommend that you contact ORDE. They help you search for available funding based on your specific circumstances and provide FREE consultation.
For more info, check out our page on funding sources.
Save Money
Want to get some deals?
CU has partnered with a number of local and national companies to provide discounts to all their employees.
To find deals, check out the UniverCity Key Discount Program and Employee Services curated discount list.