JANUARY 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 39
Meditation can reduce stress that leads to depression. (Getty Images)
SEEING THE LIGHT
NEW HABITS FOR IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH
BY SHERYL NANCE-NASH
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different
results. The New Year calls for change. Out with the bad habits and in with the healthy ones.
There is no doubt that 2020 knocked everyone off their feet on some, or many levels, but
especially emotionally. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlighted the
severity of the pandemic on mental health. It found that three times as many Americans
met criteria for a depression diagnosis during the pandemic than before it.
Because the fight against the coronavirus is far from over, you’ll need everything in your
arsenal to stay healthy mentally. Here’s how to achieve that goal in the New Year.
PRESS HEALTH
WHAT’S INSIDE continued on page 40
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COVID
GYM TIPS
ROUNDUP
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