The end of the year can be a tough time, with feelings of sadness or anxiety becoming more intense. While stress from school and the holidays may play a part, the colder, darker days of winter can also affect your mood. Whether you’re dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or just feeling down, there are some things you can do to feel better. Staying active is important—even something as simple as a quick walk can give you an energy and mood boost. Try to get outside during the daylight hours to soak up some natural light, which can help, too. Keeping a steady sleep schedule, making time for things you enjoy, and spending time with people you care about can make a big difference as well.

If you need someone to talk to, friends and family are one option. There are also many free, anonymous, and confidential helplines that provide support. You can find more ways to get help on our Hotlines page.

Research presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America found that vaping can harm blood vessel health and lower oxygen levels in the blood. Researchers discovered that people who vape have worse endothelial function, which is important for healthy blood flow, and lower oxygen levels compared to those who don’t vape. This suggests that vaping might be more dangerous for the heart and blood vessels than many people think. Scientists believe these findings suggest that regular vaping could increase the risk of vascular disease later in life. They also emphasize the need for more research on vaping’s long-term health effects.