Combining the effects of the winter season’s cold days and long nights with the ongoing stress of COVID-19 is difficult on our mental health. The following tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are a great place to start if you want to take control of your stress.

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. 

It’s good to be informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple of times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.

Take care of your body:

• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals
• Exercise regularly
• Get plenty of sleep
• Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use
• Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine

Make time to unwind.

Try to do some other activities that you enjoy.

Connect with others. 

Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.

While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.