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Wellness for Life

As you navigate this chapter of your doctoral training, your well-being deserves the same rigorous attention you bring to your science. The University of Pittsburgh defines wellness as "the overall balance of body, mind, and soul" and it is a dynamic, ongoing practice of living a healthy and fulfilling life. This period of transition presents a meaningful opportunity to invest in yourself beyond the bench.

We encourage you to engage proactively with the comprehensive resources available to you across three pillars:

  • Mental wellness, to support your psychological resilience and emotional clarity.
  • Physical wellness, to sustain the energy and focus that demanding scientific work requires.
  • Financial wellness, to obtain resources and help you make informed decisions that protect your stability and long-term goals.

Your development as a scientist is inseparable from your development as a whole person, and taking care of yourself is not a distraction from your career, it is a foundational part of it.

Wellness Resources: 

Mental Wellness
  • Life Solutions: This program's resources are available to all postdocs.  
    • Obtain 24 hour support with a Work Life specialist regarding elder care, child care, legal matters, financial matters, and other daily living concerns.
  • Access on-demand resources for life events, partner violence, skill building, DEI, substance use, caregiving,  women's health issues, legal issues and forms, workplace concerns, and more (scroll down to the bottom of the page to many more resources).
  • Free crisis support 24 hours a day/7 days a week by calling 1-866-647-3432.
  • Crisis and support resources from and external to the university, including the University of Pittsburgh police and suicide hotline. 
  • Schedule free counseling and coaching sessions through Life Solutions, following a brief intake, for concerns ranging from stress or depression, family and relationship concerns, workplace issues, lifestyle challenges, and more.
  • Obtain free health coaching if you have UPMC Health Plan coverage to help with managing stress, reducing weight, and more.
  • Obtain support for disability and family medical leave, as well as return-to-work coaching.
  • View wellness-related webinars covering everything from coping with isolation, to reclaiming your joy, self-care, and more.
  • Care.com helps you find resources for childcare, self care, pet care, and more. Fulltime postdocs have access to this free resource.
    • View discounts available through Care.com for resources, services, travel, and more.

University of Pittsburgh Disability Resources & Services can help you formalize any workplace accommodations you may need to succeed.

Additional Confidential Contacts at Pitt to Talk to:

Physical Wellness
  • Access free* healthcare at work:
    • 7am-3:30pm at 3708 Fifth Avenue. (*UPMC Plan members with Panther Basic coverage pay $10 charge until the individual meets their deductible). Schedule your appointment online.
    • Schedule virtual visits, as well. Note that there are both free and low-cost virtual options.
  • Pitt recreation center gym: Pitt postdocs have the same benefits as faculty and staff for campus recreation.
  • Enjoy one of the many walking, hiking, and biking trails around Pittsburgh. Rent a bike if you don't have one! As a member of the Pitt community, you get free rentals by creating a POGOH account.
  • Active & Fit Program: If you have UPMC Health Plan, you can access free, on-demand workout videos as well as find a gym for $28/mo.
  • Health Coaching: One-on-one health coaching is available free of charge for postdocs with UPMC Health Plan coverage.
Financial Wellness
  • Pitt Pantry: Supplement your nutrition with healthy foods and obtain household items at no cost
  • Thriftsburgh: Buy secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories; and donate to receive half back in store credit.
 

Resources:

  • Log into this site first to access a wide variety of financial resources using the Organization ID: Pitt.
    • Financial Resource Center: Take a one-minute assessment to determine your level of financial stress, watch self-paced videos or read articles covering important money matters, use a financial calculator to help you make financial decisions, and more. 
    • Banking and Loans: Learn about the different type of banking and loan terms, how to borrow money, and more. 
    • Budgeting: Watch videos, learn about tools, and use a template to help you budget. 
    • Cars: Learn about renting and buying cars, auto care, and more.