“Although the COVID-19 crisis is, in the first instance, a physical health crisis, it has the seeds of a major mental health crisis as well, if action is not taken. Good mental health is critical to the functioning of society at the best of times. It must be front and centre of every country’s response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The mental health and wellbeing of whole societies have been severely impacted by this crisis and are a priority to be addressed urgently.” United Nations Policy Brief: COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health, May 2020

Saturday, October 12, 2020 will mark World Mental Health Day.

World Mental Health Day, a programme of the World Federation for Mental Health, was first observed on October 10, 1992. This annual event aims to raise awareness in the global community about the critical mental health agendas – with a unifying voice through collaboration with various partners – to take action and to create lasting change through the messages we promote.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer to an already significant issue, it is important for every one, of every age and stage, to protect and improve mental well-being.

While the team at Hot Tub Covers Canada loves starting or ending the day with a soothing soak, we also encourage each other to make sure self-care comes first. This looks different for each staff member, so we’ve compiled some of our favourites:

I love getting home from work, being greeted by our dogs, and then taking them for a walk along the local trails. We are so fortunate to have beautiful green spaces to enjoy… four-legged friends in toe or not!

My secret pleasure and pick-me-up is a hot black coffee with little pieces of rich, dark chocolate served up on the side. If I’m feeling even more indulgent, we make homemade buttery croissants!

If you would have told me back in March I would start walking, then jogging and then running, I would have laughed you away. It turns out getting “my sweat on” outside of my hot tub time actually makes me feel amazing and clear headed. Don’t shy away from trying something new!

Truth be told, our family stress buster has been playing board games. We make time at least twice a week to step away from our phones and devices, pick a game or two, and then enjoy each others company… and competitiveness. While I may not be great at Farkle (the dice are never in my favour), teaching my kids Sequence has been a blast.

Have you been taking time to do something for a healthier you? We would love to know about it. Feel free to share your tips and tricks in the comments!