It’s been a long year. Yes, a year. On January 21, Washington State reached the one-year mark since the first case of COVID-19 was reported. Since then, we’ve faced closures of schools, playgrounds and have gone mostly virtual.

Our kids are struggling. Their mental and emotional health has worsened over the last year and it’s going to take our entire community to help them through this time. Isolation, disrupted routines, and loss have increased negative emotions and the need for resources. If you’re a parent or a child who is struggling right now, there is help.

We know it’s tempting to grab that magazine or click on the ad that promises to get you in shape in the new year. However, let’s not forget a part of our body that often gets overlooked when it comes to getting strong and healthy. Let’s show some love to our brains this year. Whether you call it brain health or mental health, here are some simple (and some fun) tips to get mentally fit in 2022.

Chances are you have been affected by a school or childcare closure, lack of staff at the workplace or have had to quarantine because of the rise in COVID-19 infections in the last month. The uncertainty can be exhausting, especially after two years of a pandemic. There are, however, things we can focus on to help find balance with feelings of reassurance and confidence.