Skip to main content
Full Menu Close Menu

Self-care Resources

The UFT Member Assistance Program understands that time is precious, which is why we have compiled a list of self-care resources that you can utilize when the time is right for you. 

You can also contact the UFT Member Assistance Program for more support by emailing mapinfo [at] uft [dot] org (mapinfo[at]uft[dot]org) or calling 212-701-9620. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or phone or text 1-866-UFT-FOR-U (a free and confidential ÌÇÐÄVlogAppmental health helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week). Learn more about the UFT Mental Health Helpline »

Learn about how MAP can support you »

Managing stress and anxiety

  • Nature Therapy
    Studies have shown being outdoors can lessen blood pressure, sharpen your focus, improve your mood, lessen depression and boost your immune system.
  • offers premium access to their mindfulness app through NYSUT.
  • Understanding stress
    Learn about how stress affects your body and how to handle it.
  • Understanding stress, a quick guide
    When managed successfully, stress can help you be your best. But unresolved stress can lead to emotional and physical problems. Take stock: how do you handle your stress?
  • Stress assessment
    Answer these 21 questions to help yourself understand how you're doing.
  • Recommendations for minimizing stress
    Get 19 quick tips for handling your stress.
  • is a free mindfulness app created just for teachers. Join teachers from across the world in a 10-week meditation program, or browse their library of guided meditations to help reduce stress, regulate emotions, and improve quality of sleep.

Virtual resources


  • Call 888-692-9355 
  • Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH)
    Call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 for crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies.
  • : 27 hours of counseling for a number of specific events either both on and off the job. This is for Active members, not retirees. Specific events include: aggravated assault, sexual assault, injured in a natural disaster, contracted an infectious disease at work, bullying/harassment at work, domestic violence, victim of gun violence, secondary trauma from gun violence at work.
  • : For members who have lost an immediate family member to COVID-19, or for the immediate family of an AFT member who died of COVID-19. In this case the member can be active or retired. This is two hours of counseling including an assessment. Counseling done remotely via phone, webinar or text. 
  • Virtual resources for those struggling with substance use
    Online supports that might be helpful for recovery.
  • Meditation and mindfulness apps
    Practice meditation and mindfulness with these apps for your cell phone.
  • Book apps
    If you have a library card, download these apps to borrow free books from your local library.
  • MAP's Brewing Wellness podcast
    This podcast from the UFT Member Assistance Program is meant to inspire you and motivate you.

Self-care