Are you ready to let go of 2020?

One way to do so is to refresh your mental health to start with a clean slate, good intentions, and healthy habits.

Since everything starts with the mind, clearing it of this year’s mental clutter is one easy way to step into the new year without mental baggage.

 Below, we share 15 ways to mentally refresh. You’ll find activities from decluttering to connecting with others and everything in-between. The goal of each is to renew your mind and help you feel happier and less stressed.

As you reflect on this year and decide what to take forth with you into 2021, we hope you’ll add refreshing mental health to the top of your list.

Here’s a look at how to refresh mental health in 2021:

Ready to adjust your fitness routine for the new year?

If you’re tired of your gym being closed and outdoor exercise is not an option, it’s time to check out some free fitness resources to keep yourself in tip-top shape. Plus, if your wallet is on a budget, free is always an incentive to give a workout a try — even if it’s a trial run.

Whether you’re into yoga, no-equipment workouts, or intense cardio sessions, there’s an app or online resource for you.

Below, you’ll find fitness resources for:

• Workout variety
• Short-on-time workouts
• No-equipment workouts
• Gentle workout options

In this post, we’ll review free fitness resources anyone can use if their regular gym is closed. As we go into 2021, make it your best year yet — physically and mentally —by using these exciting fitness resources.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

The short answer: Yes.

On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older. 

Below, we cover when you can expect the vaccine, who will get it first, and facts about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In times of overwhelm, finding joy may feel like life’s best kept secret.

Or maybe even a chore. Perhaps you don’t notice joy is missing until life feels too stressful, and, well, joyless.

When a life crisis hits or a string of bad luck ensues, it’s normal to think, “I don’t have time for relaxing, sparking joy, or slowing down.” It can be tough to find joy when life keeps throwing curveballs (ahem, 2020).

But alas, that’s when it’s pertinent you set aside time for finding joy.

Plus, joy benefits your overall life by:

• Raising your mood
• Supporting longevity
• Boosting your immunity
• Promotes a healthier lifestyle

In this post, you’ll find nine simple ways to seek joy and bring it into your life during the roughest of times. Here’s how:

There’s no denying handwashing prevents the spread of germs.

Between the pandemic and flu season, National Handwashing Awareness Week — which is December 1 through the 7 — is the ideal time to discuss the importance of handwashing at work.

Intentional handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your employees from getting sick.  

This week, consider taking some time to share handwashing facts while letting your employees participate in fun handwashing awareness activities.

Below, you’ll find interesting facts and creative activities to share and get your employees excited about handwashing.

This season, you may get the flu.

It's that time of year and despite your best efforts, it happens. If it does, you’ll want to be prepared with the best home remedies for flu and cough. In doing so, you can ease your symptoms and stay more comfortable.

And if you have had the flu, you know how miserable it can be.

Flu symptoms range from aches, chills, fever, nasal congestion, cough, and fatigue.

While the flu shot can make symptoms more mild — as can prescribed antiviral drugs like Tamiflu — luckily rest and home remedies are all most people need for a mild flu case.

For those who are open to trying whatever helps the flu, this post is for you!

Quarantine pounds + holiday pounds = too much weight gain.

Being mindful of holiday healthy eating can ensure you enjoy the holidays without overdoing it and adding inches to your waistline.

This year, you’re probably looking forward to the holidays more than ever. It’s understandable to want to indulge in all of your favorite foods. Even a small, low-key Thanksgiving or Christmas event is going to have some temptation to enjoy all the good food. Because after a year like 2020, we all deserve some joy, right?

That’s why we’ve put this short holiday healthy eating guide together: To help you enjoy your food-centered holidays without getting too carried away.

Below you’ll find:

• Tips on how to avoid high-calorie fat traps
• How to make make your holiday meals healthier
• Advice for both hosts and guests on holiday healthy eating

Plus, you’ll get fun tips for “working off” that extra slice of pie if you do happen to go a little overboard.

Here’s to having a happy, healthy holiday with plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food and good company without guilt!

If you’ve recently gotten the dreaded news you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, it’s time to think ahead. You may be wondering, “Now what?”

Here are the basics:

• Stay home
• Inform others
• Self-quarantine
• Self-monitor
• Sanitize surroundings often
• Return to work after recovery

First of all, if you’re in generally good health, take hope in the fact that you may find it’s a rather mild illness. WebMD reports early estimates of “overall COVID-19 recovery rate is between 97% and 99.75%.” But because it can be mild, it also can be deceiving in how contagious it really is.

The most important action to take is to stay home and rest.

On the other hand, if you have underlying health issues, it’s essential to stay in contact with your primary doctor and specialists. Doing so can expedite the necessary medical care to keep you healthy and strong.

Once you’ve gotten your COVID-19 test results back, you’ll want to do a few key things. Below, we cover why it’s a must to stay home, inform others, rest, and other get-well tips.

Here’s a look at what you need to do for yourself and others if you test positive for COVID-19:

World Kindness Day is November 13.

Right about now, we could all do or witness acts of kindness to lift our spirits.

When we are empathetic and kind, it can improve confidence, happiness, and overall optimism. And when others experience or witness our kindness, it may encourage them to do some good of their own.

Collective acts of kindness lift up both individuals and communities, which is why sprinkling a little extra sweetness out into the world on November 13 can start right in the workplace.

Ready to get started?

Below are ideas that can be tried both inside and outside the workplace. Whether your team works together in an office or remotely, they can spread empathy through different variations of these World Kindness Day activities.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite ideas:

When you’re sick with the flu, the last thing you want to do is plan meals.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best food and drink for the flu. This list is based on how each item can relieve your symptoms and help speed up recovery. Plus, most of them don’t take much time to prepare, so you can get back to resting ASAP.

Even if you don’t feel like eating, it’s important to at least try. In order to get better, you have to eat to maintain your strength and stay hydrated.

And since the cold and flu season is upon us, these food and drink options will work just as well if you’re dealing with a cold, too.

Ready to stock your cupboard with all the flu fighting essentials?

Here’s a list of the best foods and drinks for the flu: