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Our Top Ten ways to keep your mountain mind healthy

By Alex Garcia

We get it. Staying at home is tough. Especially for skiers, riders, and all-around outdoor enthusiasts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has many great resources for how we can take care of ourselves and our communities.

Here are a few more tips that have helped us maintain a healthy mind, body, and outlook during these difficult times. We hope they give you a boost and inspire you to stay strong.

  1. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals 
  • Nutrition is about more than vitamins—it also includes fiber and healthy fats. Now is a perfect time to learn simple ways to help yourself and your whole family eat healthier. 
  • Local’s tip: Support local businesses when you can. Here’s a list of restaurants that are offering nutritious and stress-free takeout options in Summit County.  
  1. Get plenty of sleep 
  • Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends 
  • Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature 
  • Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from your bedroom 
  1. Stay active & Recreate Responsibly 
  • If you need to stay inside, try yoga to give your body movement and a good stretch or utilize online- or app-based workout programs you can do at home. 
  • If you can safely socially distance outside, go for a walk or bike ride. Something as simple as just sitting outside in the sun will do wonders for your mood and mental health. 
  • Local’s tip: Recreate responsibly and close to home in Summit County with this guidance.
  1. Make time to unwind 
  • If you’re working from home, it can be difficult to separate work time from personal time. Setting personal boundaries for yourself will help you separate from work and relax. 
  • Set a time to be completely device-free and relax by reading a book, meditating, or going for a walk. 
  • Local’s Tip: Prioritize your wellbeing and give yoga a try. Peak Yoga is offering virtual classes with new content regularly shared. 
  1. Connect with others 
  • Now is a great time to re-connect with those whom you may not talk to as frequently as you’d like. This could be as simple a phone call or leveraging technology for virtual happy hours and game nights. Fun Zoom background are a bonus! Plus, reaching out to others for social connection not only has personal benefits but can help you brighten someone else’s day, too! 
  1. Talk to a professional 
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health issues and/or substance use disorders. SAMHSA’s number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 
  1. Maintain a routine 
  • Routine helps train your brain into having some sort of control during this seemingly out of control time, which in turn can help reduce anxiety. 
  • Local’s Tip: Try glancing at the Lake Dillon and the Rockies each day, if you can. Make a habit of appreciating our local landscape. 
  1. Set boundaries for your news consumption 
  • Having the pandemic as the main news story each day keeps it front of mind to readers and viewers. Every once in a while, change the channel, browse a different website or skip picking up the newspaper one day. Your mind will appreciate the break. 
  1. Stay present 
  • Life can seem overwhelming if we let ourselves think too far ahead. Take each day as it comes at you. See #3-5 for ideas to keep yourself focused on today. 
  1. Be accountable 
  • Sure, all of these ideas are great, but we all know it’s easy to make a plan and a bit harder to stick to it. Set goals for yourself and share those with a friend or family member so they can hold you accountable.