by Kesi Stribling, ATS Editor

It’s National Mental Health Awareness Month. With most of us still working from home during the pandemic, sometimes we need a quick mood booster to get us through the day.

There are five positive things that we can do (and share with coworkers and families!) to lift spirits and be entertained in the process.

5 Things You Can Do to Boost Your Mood

Skip the news, or at least spend way less time you normally do watching the broadcasts. Be informed, but not overwhelmed by it. Have kids? Check out A Swingin’ Sesame Street Celebration with the Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra on PBS.

Call or video chat with family members and friends. Talk about the weather, school, karaoke competition, share happy memories, or anything that brings a smile to your face, like a dance off between local youth and the Pierce County, Washington Sheriff’s office.

If cute little kittens or puppies calm you, take in 30 minutes of pet videos, or check out the positively perfect panda cam at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, if you feel anxiety creeping up on you.

• Pause for a 30-minute stretching session to relax your body. Classical Stretch instructor Miranda Esmonde-White has several videos that focus on everything from stretching back muscles to full-body low impact workouts. Check out her free sessions on YouTube.

Celebrate yourself! Create your personalized chill station on iHeartRadio, eat that cupcake, leave work a little early, or take in a relaxing movie or show on your favorite streaming service.

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