Supporting Your Well-being During COVID-19: Winter Edition Video Transcript Supporting Your Well-being During COVID-19 Winter Edition Following COVID risk reduction strategies might feel like it limits your self-care practices… [Photograph of frozen Beebe Lake in the background.] And winter weather add new challenges to the strategies we’ve been using. [Photograph of snow falling on the Big Red Barn at nighttime in the background.] Spending time in nature is proven to support mental health and well-being. There are lots of COVID-safe ways to connect with nature….Even in winter! [Photograph of two masked people building a snowman in the Arts Quad in the background.] Research shows that time spent in nature is good for your overall health and well-being. In fact, time spent in nature has been shown to: [Photograph of snow covered tree branches in front of White Hall in the background.] Boost your physical health and well-being and reduce stress. Positively benefit your mood and improve your sense of overall happiness. Improve your cognitive ability, increase your attention span and ability to concentrate. [Photograph of snow covered garden area by Sage Hall in the background.] Play in the snow! Build a snow fort, have a snowball fight, or make a snow angel. [Image of a fenced in snow covered backyard. A person is rolling a giant ball of snow to make a snowman. A woman lies in the snow making a snow angel.] Walk, ski, hike, snowshoe or sled; just remember to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, even outdoors. [Image of 3 people wearing face masks walking down a street, with lines on the ground indicating “6 feet” between them. One person is walking a dog. One person has cross country skis.] Try a new winter activity. You can rent gear and equipment from Cornell Outdoor Education. [Image of a person dressed in winter clothing. A snowboard, skis, ski poles and ice skates appear on screen.] Bundle up and visit Sapsucker Woods for hiking and bird watching. Trails are open from dawn to dusk. [Image of two masked people on a wooded trail. One looks at a map on their phone. One points at a turkey that walks by.] Try photography—capture glistening icicles, snow covered trees, a winter sunset… [Image of three masked people on a snowy hill. One has a camera and takes a picture of a deer. Two pose for a selfie.] Dress for the weather. 1. Wear warm, loose-fitting clothing in layers 2. Wear warm socks and water proof boots 3. Wear a water resistant jacket 4. Cover your hands and ears—wear gloves and hats 5. Wear a mask—or even two!—it’s COVID chic and adds warmth for your face! [Images of five people dressed for winter. The numbered pieces of advice correspond to numbers showing the people dressed in that manner.] If you can’t get outside- or you dislike the cold- you can bring nature indoors. [Photograph of snow covered Willard Straight Hall in the background.] Take care of plants. [Image of a room with a large window and numerous plants around the room. A woman spritzes water on a plant.] Check out Zoo Cams. [Image of two women sitting in chairs watching television. On screen there are lemurs walking on a tree branch.] Watch aquarium live streams. [Image of a man sitting in a rocking chair watching television. On screen is an underwater scene with fish swimming.] Virtually tour National Parks. [Image of a computer screen showing a spraying geyser with snowy mountains and trees in the background.] Listen to nature sounds. [Image of a person washing dishes at the sink while another person eats at the table in the background.] Enjoy nature. Support your well-being. Take care of yourself. [Photograph of snow covered walkway to Balch Hall in the background.] This Nature Rx video is brought to you by the Skorton Center for Health Initiatives @ Cornell Health. [Image of Cornell seal appears in lower left corner. Images of snowflakes are in the background.]