Mental Health Hygiene

As the days get shorter and the weather gets grayer, it’s common to feel a little off. This time of year can be hard on your mental health, so it’s important to find additional ways to take care of yourself. Here are some ways to touch up on your mental health! 

Much like brushing your teeth and showering are easy ways to keep your body clean and healthy, there are simple things you can do to help keep your mental health in check.  

Practice mindfulness. This can help improve focus, reduce negative thought loops and lower anxiety.  

Move your body. Exercising can increase endorphins, also known as the “feel good” hormones and reduce cortisol and other “stress hormones”.  

Connect with others. Relationships make us happier, improve our

resilience and keep us in better physical health.   

Journal. It can help with processing experiences, reduce stress and help manage anxiety and depression.  

Find a hobby. Having a hobby can boost mental well-being, cognitive function, as well as risk of chronic disease. Listen to a great podcast episode about the importance of hobbies here.

Limit screen time. Reducing screen time can improve physical health, boost mood, strengthen social connections, encourage creativity and help build a stronger sense of community. 



These are just a few ideas about how you can support your mental well-being. If you’re concerned about your own mental health or someone else’s, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional or call a support line like 988. You’re not alone. Free help is available 24/7.  

Giving one (or more) of these tips a try? Use the hashtag #WinterHealthVT and tag us in your photos.

What is antimicrobial resistance?

A. When bacteria form a union and protest.

B. When antibiotics no longer work against bacteria.

C. A punk band based out of Vermont.

Hint: Look at our antibiotic use page

Be bright at night

When walking, biking, or rolling at night (which starts very early now...), make sure you can be seen by drivers!

You can help yourself stand out by wearing light and bright clothing, or better yet, have flashlights or bike lights and wear something reflective.

If walking or rolling, be sure to use sidewalks whenever possible and always keep your eyes peeled for cars, bikes and other vehicles since they might not be looking out for you. 

Watch this video to learn more!

Clean air for cozy days

It’s that time of year when Vermonters spend more time cozying up indoors! Before you snuggle up by the fire with a good book, be sure you take steps to improve your home’s indoor air quality.

You can’t always smell air pollutants, but they can have serious health effects, from triggering asthma to headaches, nausea and even death.

Here are some tips to keep your home’s air clean: 

• Have your home’s heating system checked and install carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide (CO) can build up to dangerous levels from fuel-burning appliances, and CO poisoning can be deadly. 
• Increase ventilation when possible, like using your kitchen’s exhaust fan while cooking or even cracking a window to let a little winter air in if you’re feeling brave! 
• Use air purifiers to reduce particles like dust and keep your air clean. 
• Learn more about reducing indoor air pollutants on our website.