Happy Monday, friends! And I say that with complete sincerity. The news cycle has been so relentless this year, it's hard to process anything that isn't full of doom. But I'm trying to savor every moment of this joy (which is an important act of self-care, according to experts).

‌

That said, it isn't exactly easy to lean into feelings of happiness. The pandemic is getting worse and the stress from the election isn't just going to magically evaporate. If you're looking to feel grounded right now, I suggest following these tips from reporter Jillian Wilson. She talked with therapists on how to feel a sense of normalcy amid a year that's been anything but.

‌

❤️,

Lindsay

You Oughta Know

In case you haven't heard yet, there's some promising news on the COVID-19 vaccine front: Pfizer released some preliminary data that suggests its vaccine may be 90% effective in preventing COVID-19.

‌

It's important to note that this information is coming from the company and still needs to be independently reviewed. We also still have a long way to go before the country can defeat the pandemic. But, in general, experts are excited about this update.

‌

And speaking of COVID-19 updates, we have more of them outside of the vaccine. Senior reporter Catherine Pearson broke down the five most important things we've learned about the virus in the last month.

A Minute And Change

Got a spare minute? Use it to change your life. Our "A Minute And Change" series will help you become happier, healthier and more productive by doing one thing a little differently. This week's tip comes from sleep expert William Healy on how he gets a better night's sleep:

‌

I was reminded during a fishing trip to the Outer Banks [in North Carolina] with my nephews of the importance of avoiding artificial light before bedtime. We were forced to use propane lanterns on the island each night as there was no electricity available. Several of the parents on the fishing trip remarked that the darkness had improved their sleep so much ... Exposure to bright light suppresses melatonin secretion. What sort of practical steps can one take to avoid bright light? Dim the lights in the home except for a few lamps several hours before bed.

Crushing On This 'Gram

Before You Go...

This year hasn't been easy on us mentally or physically. Thanks to our new stay-at-home and work-from-home structures, our muscles may not be operating the way they were before. Read this piece on the six stretches you should do each morning so you can stay limber. Reporter Jillian Wilson explains the easy moves and why they matter to your overall health.

Everything Thanksgiving

Get all our Thanksgiving recipes, how-tos and more. And ask our food editor your Thanksgiving dinner questions, from how to celebrate safely to cooking tips.

Want More Wellness?

👋 You may have noticed that we've made changes to our comments. Want to join the conversation? Consider becoming a free or paid HuffPost Member.

HuffPost is now a part of Verizon Media Group. -

On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Privacy policy which 

will explain how your data is used and shared. - Learn more.

‌

Does somebody keep forwarding you this newsletter? Subscribe here!

‌

©2020 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost

‌

Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe