Samtec Signal E2 2020

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SAMTEC SIGNAL

EVENTS THAT INSPIRE THE FUTURE

OUR PRODUCTS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD Thanks to customers like SpaceX, our products really are out of this world. You may have even seen SpaceX’s Falcon 9 take off this year.

Samtec Associates around the globe watched history unfold on Saturday, May 30th at 3:22pm EST as NASA and SpaceX launched astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the International Space Station on the Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft.

This mission marks the first time since the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011 that humans have flown to the space station from U.S. soil. For nearly a decade, NASA astronauts have had to rely on Russian rockets to get to the space station, launching out of Kazakhstan.

When SpaceX’s Crew Dragon took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with Behnken and Hurley in tow, it effectively ended the gap in US human spaceflight.

On November 15th, a second Falcon 9 launch with Crew-1 took astronauts Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Soichi Noguchi. They have begun a six-month science mission aboard the space station.

Learn more about the mission: www.spacex.com/vehicles/falcon-9/

FALCON 9 ROCKET Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond. Falcon 9 is the world’s first orbital class reusable rocket. Reusability allows SpaceX to refly the most expensive parts of the rocket, which in turn drives down the cost of space access.

Height Diameter Mass

70 m/ 229.6ft 3.7m/ 12ft 549,054 kg/ 50,265 lbs

Lindsey Striegel and Tara Montgomery, who manage the SpaceX account hold a Supplier gift from SpaceX CEO and Chief Engineer, Elon Musk.

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT FLASHBACK March 5, 2018 Our customer SpaceX is working on a project called Starlink. The plan is for the company to have its own “constellation” of thousands of satellites with the goal of providing worldwide broadband internet access by 2024. Besides the satellites and the supporting ground infrastructure, the system requires ground transceivers (satellite dishes) for consumer use.

Development began in 2015 and prototype test light satellites were successfully launched two weeks ago (February 22).

SpaceX’s irst prototype units use custom HQDP cable assemblies.

Seven variations of these cable assemblies will be used to link the satellite network card to multiple antennae locations. The cables will be routed “outside the box” and directly exposed to space, so extreme shielding must be considered to avoid the effects of radiation and degradation of the insulation.

SpaceX is in a “space race” with OneWeb to be the first to market with this technology.

Jump forward to today >>>

Starlink Today

SpaceX has now launched 955 Starlink satellites, of which 895 are in orbit. The company has started a beta test of the broadband internet service provided by those satellites in the northern U.S. and southern Canada. You can gaze the night sky and the farther up north you are, the more likely you are to see them. See the picture above to see what it will look like.

SEE THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM DECEMBER 21ST The two largest planets in the solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, have fascinated astronomers for hundreds of years. But the two gas giants will do something not seen since the Middle Ages -- they will look like a double planet!

The rare occurrence will happen after sunset on Dec. 21, 2020, the start of the winter solstice.

“Alignments between these two planets are rather rare, occurring once every 20 years or so, but this conjunction is exceptionally rare because of how close the planets will appear to one another,” said Rice University astronomer Patrick Hartigan in a statement. “You’d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky.”

“On the evening of closest approach on Dec. 21 they will look like a double planet, separated by only fifth the diameter of the full moon,” Hartigan explained. “For most telescope viewers, each planet and several of their largest moons will be visible in the same field of view that evening.”

Back in 1614, German astronomer Johannes Kepler suggested that a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn may be what was referred to as the “Star of Bethlehem” in the Nativity story, while others have suggested that the “three wise men” could have been a triple conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. But it’s unknown if the “Christmas Star” was a real astronomical event, like a planetary conjunction or a comet.

This month’s celestial event can be observed anywhere on earth, but Hartigan noted the farther north someone is, “the less time they have to catch a glimpse.”

NASA says the conjunction will appear “spectacular” with a backyard telescope or even with the naked eye.

Stargazers should try to see the event or risk waiting a long time for the next occurrence. The two planets won’t be this close to each other again until March 15, 2080, and sometime after the year 2400, Hartigan explained.

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHTS

Our customer Microgate develops high-tech solutions for scientific and industrial use. They focus on the development of control systems for adaptive mirrors, real time computers for adaptive optics, adaptive optics sensors and radioastronomy. Micrograte is responsible for some of the most important new generation telescopes in the world, including the Multiple Mirror Telescope in Arizona (2002), the Keck Telescopes on Hawaii (2006), the Large Binocular Telescope in Arizona (2010), the Magellan Baade Telescope (2012), and the ESO VLT (2015) in Chile.

Their new project is an ELT, Extremely Large Telescope.

The European Southern Observatory Council selected Cerro Armazones, Chile, as the site for their planned ELT. When they say extremely large, they mean it – the primary mirror on the ELT is 39 meters (128 feet) in diameter. Among other things, the ELT will search for extrasolar planets (planets orbiting other stars), it will allow astronomers to probe the earliest stages of the formation of planetary systems, and make detailed studies of galaxies. The telescope is under construction now with plans of completion in 2024. Pictured is what it will look like upon completion. To get an idea of how big it will be, the bottom picture shows its size relative to the London Eye Ferris wheel. Microgate has designed our EPLSP high speed cable assemblies, and ERI8 and ERC connectors into the system.

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Our customer Saco Lighting designs, develops, and manufactures super high-end LED lighting systems.

Their customers include large building complexes, hotels, bands/entertainers whose shows includes elaborate lighting systems, concert halls, sports arenas, and just about any location or business that needs to wow customers with their intricate, powerful lighting. For example, pictured are three recent Saco projects: #1 is the Burj Khalifa building in Dubai, which holds the Guinness World record for the largest laser light and sound show on a single building. #2 is the light show used on the Michael Buble tour; Saco has also worked with Bruno Mars, U2, and KISS, among others. #3 is the lighting for the Hard Rock CafĂŠ in Hollywood, CA.

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We care about our Associates, and that includes YOU. This is why we created the TigerTalk podcast; to give you a behind the scenes look into all things Samtec!

Currently there are 3 channels:

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Samtec Life

Improve You

Product Peep

• Simply aimed at a variety topics centered around what it’s like working at Samtec.

• Can be to highlight interesting things employees are doing or working on.

• Discuss newly implement programs or policies (Samtec Cares and Covid-19 as an example).

• Benefits or challenges associates may be facing or privy to (such as working third shift).

• Aimed at having conversations based on personal development.

• Great way to learn more about our leaders within the company.

• Aimed at capturing leadership tribal knowledge.

• Opportunity to learn new leadership or soft skills knowledge that can be applied in daily living. Learn from other’s experiences.

• Learn about our new products and future ventures!

• See how customers are using our products in their end product.

• Understand what makes our products unique and innovative.

• Hear the process of designing and implementing the products from our Engineers.

• Get a glimpse of how we market and sell our products.

TigerTalk FAQ: Why a podcast?

Many associates listen to podcasts while working. This created an opportunity for us to reach out to associates by means of what they are already using to give them information.

What can I expect?

• About 10-20 minutes’ worth of listening material • Available to all associates • Communication when new podcasts release • Catering of content to what YOU want to hear more about • A variety of different speakers throughout the organization How do I get access to the podcasts?

Scan the QR code to the right and also keep an eye out for the HR communications emails when new podcasts release I have an idea/feedback for a podcast, what should I do?

Email the TigerTalk email group with your feedback. We want to hear it!!!

Can I only listen to these at Samtec?

You can listen to them anywhere you have internet access!

Podcasts requires a sharepoint login with your Samtec email credentials to listen to.

What is to come?

• More content for existing channels • More channels with different focus areas are in the works • A variety of new people and topics to be discussed • We are working on finding ways to make these interactive

Meet TigerTalk’s Host,

Nathan Love

Nathan took on a leadership role in L&D at the beginning of the year. He has been with Samtec over 10 years and started in 3rd shift production.

Nathan has degrees in Business Administration, Psychology, and Human Resources Management His hobbies are volleyball, board games, video games and Legos.

Nathan says, “A fun part of my job is finding new and evolving technologies that we can use to better train our Associates.”

SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH US We make these podcasts for YOU. We brainstorm topics we think you’ll be interested in but may not think of everything.

This is why we’d love to hear your topic ideas! Email ideas, comments and more at tigertalk@samtec.com

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Samtec now has limited spots open for Linkedin Learning, previously Lynda.com.

Email Learning and Development for your access code.

SAMTEC HUIZHOU In June 2020, for the first time ever, Samtec Huizhou worked with their government on a safety demonstration while over 30 companies watched and learned.

The drill was a learning experience for all and was successfully organized and executed. Huizhou’s TL Lee stated, “We formed a closer professional relationship with our local government because of this demonstration!”

TL Lee also said, “I’d like to thank everyone for their effort in making this a success, especially Chris’ leadership. Because of our dedicated and caring Associates, we were able to execute the procedure safely and effectively. We are better prepared for emergencies and are educated on how to react in the future.”

Great job Samtec Huizhou!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY What is Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity Clark and Floyd Indiana was our Summer 2019 Samtec Cares grant recipient. Habitat for Humanity’s grant request was for funding to provide materials to build a house for a low-income family in New Albany, giving them an affordable mortgage, self-sufficiency and independence. To a recipient of a Habitat house, it means a place to call home.

A ground blessing was recently held on July 17th for the future homeowner, Doneiska Hardin and her two sons.

Our Associates really do care!

As a part of this partnership, Habitat agreed to block off three Saturdays for the build of the home. We had great crews for each of our build days!

Samtec volunteers met at the build site (1510 Chartres Street in New Albany) and were able to meet the new home owner, Doneiska Hardin and her two sons. Part of the recipient requirement for a Habitat home is putting in 250 hours of “sweat equity” into the construction of the home. The Hardins are a wonderful family who truly appreciated the contribution from all of the volunteers, as well as the grant from Samtec Cares.

before. There’s nothing like firing a gas powered nail gun for the first time or attaching a 2x4 to a concrete slab using a tool powered by a .22 caliber shell!

It was a wonderful experience for our team of volunteers. They gave their time and talent to help make Doneiska’s dream home ownership become a reality.

To find out more about Habitat for Humanity Clark and Floyd Indiana or to put together your own team of volunteers, please visit http://www.habitatcfi.org/

While on the jobsite, many of our volunteers were able to learn about the process of building a house from the ground up. There were professional contractors on-site and they were eager to answer any questions. They also helped volunteers by teaching them about the different tools needed, most volunteers had never used

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LAKE RESTORATION PROJECT Samtec is pleased to announce we are making progress in our Lake Restoration Project, located behind Samtec New Albany. We are working closely with an environmental professional to ensure the integrity of the project. This extensive project will be conducted in three phases over the next 1 – 2 years.

Phase 1 is now complete! This includes clearing of non-native plant species and identifying dam repair needs. Although work in this area may appear to be aggressive and harmful to natural settings, it will not pose long term environmental impacts. An excavation company used a forestry brush cutter, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment.

Phase 2 is in progress! The dams have been repaired, an application of herbicide to further eradicate and prevent the sprouting of unwanted invasive plants is in progress, and the sowing of grass is complete.

Phase 3 is the restoration of the lakes and land. This includes the planting of beneficial native species which will attract and promote desirable wildlife. This phase is the most complex. We are hopeful we will be able to involve Samtec Associates in some volunteer activities to promote long term sustainable growth!

Completed Actions • Land has been cleared of invasive trees and shrubbery.

• Property was seeded and strawed. We received some very timely rains in the fall which aided the process.

• We have some small leaks but dams have received extensive repairs.

• The lake closest to parking lot received the most work. It included pumping of water to the closest lake and bringing in approximately 50 dump truck loads of clay and dirt.

• No fish or other wildlife were harmed during this restoration.

• There were animals that were damaging the dams so we contracted an animal control specialist to trap and relocate muskrats and groundhogs.

• Improvements have been made to drainage. There are some difficult spots to manage but the hope is to minimize significant amounts of standing water.

For the Future • We are enlisting professional field biologists and a landscape architect to establish a long term plan for the development of the property. This includes the selection and planting of trees.

• Tree planting should occur early to late winter.

• Approximately 80 trees will be planted in the first phase.

Most of these trees are native to Indiana; white oaks, red buds, sugar maples, etc.

As you can see from the 3 Google Earth views (to the right) from 2001 to 2019, the lakes have shrunk due to leaks in the dams.

The leaks have been found and fixed.

This will stop the loss of water and may eventually restore the original lake size!

2001

2013

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WEAR PINK

PENANG, MALAYSIA

DONGGUAN, CHINA

COSTA RICA

MATT GOODSELL, CA

JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA

SCOTTSBURG, INDIANA

Samtec Microelectronics Associates, located in Colorado Springs, CO, donated the toys pictured (and more that don’t fit in the photo) to Toys for Tots!

2020 has been an economically trying time for many families. Our SME Associates sent a message of hope to children of these struggling families. Thank you to those who donated! You have greatly impacted the lives of these children.

Samtec New Albany Associates adopted over 50 angels from The Salvation Army Angel Tree this year.

The Angel Tree helps families that are struggling during the holiday season by accepting donations of clothing and toys for children whose family can’t afford to buy gifts for their kids. Thank you to all who donated! Here is a picture of part of the room we filled with gifts for these angels.

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50 MILES+1 DAY DESTINY RESCUE 50 mile run to raise awareness about human trafficking Ethan Jones woke up at 7am and ran 50 miles through trails in the woods to raise awareness and as a fundraiser for the charity Destiny Rescue. Destiny Rescue works to get kids out and keep kids out of human trafficking and sexual exploitation and Ethan wanted to do something more to support the cause. Below Ethan talks about the challenges he faced and support that kept him going!

My run started around 7AM on November 14, 2020 at the Deam Lake Trailhead in Indiana. My plan from the start was to run supported with aid every 5-15 miles and pacers running with me 18 miles. My planned nutrition consisted of water (which I stored in a Nathan Hydration Pack), Gatorade, Clif Bars, Clif Blocks, and Gu Gels. I ended up eating some “real food” with a quesadilla and washing it down with a Mountain Dew at the Elk Creek and Spurgeon Hollow trailheads.

I was definitely nervous. For those who don’t know, November 14th is opening day for deer hunting in Indiana.

I did my best to stay safe by wearing bright clothing and stay aware of hunters (of which I saw many on the trail). I ended up running into another local trail runner at the start, and he ran along with me for the first 2-3 miles (You have to love the trail running community). I received my first aid around mile 10 at the Pixley Knob Trailhead from my wife, Kayla Jones, and two kids. This was a great mental uplift, to go along with a water and fuel refill. I continued on by myself for the next 15 miles, in which I had several encounters with hunters, hikers, and even a stray dog.

Luckily, I made it safely along to the Leota trailhead where I met my friend, Peter Book, who refilled my water and fuel and ran with me for the next 13 miles. We stopped at the Elk Creek Trailhead, where I met many family members (It was practically a full family gathering with 15+ people

there). Here I restocked on water and fuel, and ate some of that quesadilla and drank that Mountain Dew I mentioned earlier. Peter and I continued to the Oxley Memorial Trailhead. As we were about halfway to the trailhead, I was contacted by my Wife, who said the local news station, WDRB, in Louisville, KY wanted to do a story on me! When I arrived at the Oxley Memorial Trailhead, I restocked my water and fuel, and we found a spot where the news station could setup to film me running at a road crossing and interview my wife. I continued on by myself from Oxley to Spurgeon Hollow, where I met my family again, refilled, and ate. My dad ran from there to the Delaney Park Trailhead to finish the 50 mile journey with me.

This run was an experience of a lifetime, and I will never forget the ability a mind has over the body to continue even when things are tough. I won’t forget all of the loved ones who came out to help me, cheer me on, and to help by donating to the cause I was running for. I definitely have to thank my loving wife for supporting me, not only on the day of my run or doing a news interview on my behalf, but for supporting me in all of the preparation/training/lead up to the event itself. She has been my biggest supporter and I honestly couldn’t have done it without her.

Ethan Jones New Albany

https://go.destinyrescue.org/fundraiser/3007712

22 Mile Walk for Veteran Suicide Awareness Josh Turner, a New Albany City Council member and a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 2000-2006, walked 22 miles to raise funds for Mission 22.

Mission 22 is a nonprofit that began in 2014 in Indiana. It offers services and programs for veterans in the hope of preventing suicides and to help those who have served acclimate again to a civilian lifestyle.

The organization is named in honor of the 22 veterans and active-duty soldiers who on average commit suicide each day.

“I don’t know of a veteran that it doesn’t affect. We’ve all had to deal with it hitting close to home,” Turner said Tuesday.

“Being a veteran, it’s sometimes hard when you become a civilian again, it’s hard to find that camaraderie and fitting in is tough when you first get out.”

The pressures to “fit in” and resume what’s considered a normal lifestyle can overwhelm veterans and make them feel alone, he continued. That’s why Turner believes organizations like Mission 22 are so important.

Local members of the organization have been active in the community to raise awareness about Mission 22’s cause.

In June, local ambassador Skip Cissna handed out information detailing resources to help veterans while he waved a Mission 22 flag at the corner of Grant Line Road and McDonald Lane.

He said veterans often just need to know that someone cares about them when their service ends.

“They feel alone. That’s where we come in. You’re not alone.

There are people who want to help, because your life has a lot of value,” Cissna said.

His goal was to walk the Ohio River Greenway three times, from Jeffersonville to New Albany, to account for the 22 miles.

His walk began at 5 a.m. at Big Four Station in Jeffersonville and he then made his way to New Albany.

Turner said he typically walks about 12 miles a day, but 22 was a first. However, he knew he could do it. He said it usually takes him about two hours to make one full trip on the greenway.

Ambassadors from Mission 22 were there to provide information to veterans and those wishing to donate.

Josh Turner New Albany

To donate to the cause, go to https://mission22. networkforgood.com/projects/106601-22-for-22.

4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours for Pediatric Cancer A lot of people run, but they probably don’t run four miles, every four hours, for 48 hours (or the 4/4/48 challenge). Josh Martin was determined to do this challenge and to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude’s raises money and treats children with childhood cancer.

Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, hosing or food because of gracious donations and fundraisers!

Josh began on a Friday at 8 p.m. with his first four-mile run. He then ran four miles every four hours until 8 p.m. that Sunday.

Josh, who is 27, said he just started getting into running as he was training for the Kentucky Derby Mini-Marathon. He added that he was motivated to do a challenge like this by following ultra-marathoner and former Navy Seal David Goggins, as well as wanting to help St. Jude’s Hospital.

“This is something I want to do on my own,” he said. “St. Jude’s is a cause I really support. A lot of people were a little surprised, and didn’t think it’s possible. It took a lot of mental focus and there was some pain to make it happen. But I was super motivated.”

Josh said his pain was nothing compared to the pain felt by the children at St. Jude’s and their families. His goal was to raise $500 and he ended up with over $2,000!

Josh Martin New Albany

To donate to the cause, go to https://www.facebook.com/ donate/2582958935306950/

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COSTUME CONTEST 1st

Gail Farris New Albany

2nd

Josh Ferry New Albany

Sandie Dunham Scottsburg Kalynn Hentrup New Albany Rachel Craghead SME

3rd

Ryan Brewer New Albany

Ryan Weiss SME

Bryson Mills New Albany

Sue Ann Blaylock Scottsburg

Jon Shogren FSE

Maggie Boozer Wilsonville

Susie Ferguson SME

Callie Payne New Albany

Mary Noble Harrisburg

Kelly Stewart Scottsburg

Ashley Puder Erie

Brook Abbott Scottsburg

Carol Armendariz SME

Jacob Reid New Albany

Kim Reed New Albany

Gabe Mooneyham SME

Kayla Woods New Albany

Jennifer Padilla SME

Karen Denton New Albany

PUMPKIN CONTEST 1st

2nd

3rd

Susie Ferguson SME

Jacki Shepherd Scottsburg

Chris Atchley New Albany

Matt Davis FSE

Nancy Shellenberger New Albany

Susan Pronko Teraspeed

Mohamad Hailmi

Sue Ann Blaylock Scottsburg

Laureen Proper SME

Michael Byrd Erie

Joe Kintz Erie, PA

Jeffrey Nesbitt Erie, PA

Dave Morgan FSE

Paige Martin New Albany

Sandra Sandlin New Albany

Ashley Puder Erie, PA

Jimmy Grayson SOG

Stacey Bissel SME

Julie Howard New Albany

Kayla Russell New Albany

Shelley Mestas SME

Rose Pickett New Albany

Jacob Bowling Scottsburg

Travis Wilson New Albany

HOLIDAY SWEATER CONTEST 1st

Dipesh Parmar New Albany

Arthur Penn New Albany

2nd

3rd

Josh Martin New Albany

Jon Shogren Colorado FSE

Ashley Puder Erie, PA

Matt Baumgartle New Albany

John Skinner SME

Kalynn Hentrup New Albany

Wayne Valdez SME

Karen Jackson SME

Derrick Schmidt Scottsburg

Sherri Ziemba Scottsburg Rob Conway New Albany

Cathy Wesner New Albany

Eric Gatzke New Albany

Jack Moran New Albany

Jim Gardner Arizona FSE

Shelley Mestas SME

Cliff Clarkson SME

1st

GINGERBREAD CONTEST

Mandi Arnold Scottsburg

Derrick Schmidt Scottsburg

Matt Baumgartle New Albany

2nd

3rd

Kelly Hammer New Albany

Jennifer Padilla SME

Aaron Baumer New Albany

Bryson Mills New Albany

Carol Armendariz SME

Jon Shogren SME

Brittany McCrite New Albany

Eric Poole SME

Sandie Dunham SME

Josh Rohl New Albany

Chase Mestas SME

Kayla Woods New Albany

Paige Dickey New Albany

Brandon Cook New Albany

Tom Jacks New Albany

Kalynn Hentrup New Albany

Dipesh Parmar New Albany

Deysi Gonzalez Scottsburg

Alexander Hagerman New Albany

Ethan Jones New Albany

Jacki Shepherd Scottsburg

Chris Walker Scottsburg

Gail Farris New Albany

Ashtyn Sharp New Albany

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

It’s officially winter for the Northern Hemisphere and with shorter days and colder weather, you may find yourself indoors more. Here are 10 ways you can uplift your mental health and enjoy the season.

1. 10-MINUTE DAILY NATURE SESSIONS Studies have shown even short walks in nature increase mood, among other benefits for the body and mind. I’ve made it a goal to get outside every day, even if it’s below freezing or there are flurries in the forecast.

2. COZY ACCESSORIES When you’re dressed for the elements, you’re more likely to go for a daily nature walk. So, put on your warm clothes and get comfortable! Feeling good indoors is important too. Grab a blanket, some fuzzy socks, and other cozy necessities. All these cold-weather comforts help to focus on the charm and magic of winter, instead of the cold weather and short days it brings.

3. SCENTED EPSOM SALTS To generate some uplifting vibes and soothe your body, sit in an Epsom salt bath, preferably one that has a citrus scent to improve mood. You can buy a large bag of Epsom salts for the cost of a couple lattes, and it lasts quite a while! You can upgrade your “ME” time with your favorite self-care essentials: an aromatherapy candle, journal, or your favorite playlist. Just remember to set your phone aside during your soak.

4. LIGHT BOXES The National Alliance on Mental Illness recommends daily 30-minute exposure to a sunlight or (during times you can’t get outside ) a light therapy box! You can place your light therapy box on your work desk, on your bedside table, or anywhere really. Many claim it helps regulate your WakeSleep cycle as well as boosts mood.

5. CARING FOR PLANTS Taking care of a houseplant can truly uplift your mood!

Studies have shown that gardening can help reduce feelings of depression. It’s a simple thing, but I really do believe watering my little succulents can help lift the clouds of my gray mood.

6. EXERCISE Exercise is just as important for your mental wellbeing as it is for your physical wellbeing. Exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. Even if it’s just trying yoga while watching YouTube, give it a try!

7. MEDITATION Meditation is an incredibly powerful practice for the mind, proven through numerous scientific studies to boost emotional health. If you’re not sure how to meditate or need some guidance, there are many apps such as Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer, and more! Or check out YouTube for free guided meditations. Your mind will thank you.

8. STARGAZE Awe is an emotional state that psychologists know is healthy and positive. Contemplating something so vast and incomprehensible as a star-filled sky, we feel small in the best possible way, parts of a great and infinite whole.

9. HAVE A FIRE Don’t underestimate what a beautifully lit yard can do for your mental health. An outdoor living space can be the perfect place for a mental escape from the rest of the world. Lighting In the evening, particularly warm and softly toned lighting levels, can have a calming effect. So can the crackling and warmth of a fire.

10. MOVIE NIGHT In today’s world, even if you’re not with your loved ones, there are so many ways to connect and watch a movie “together” even if you are in a different place. Grab some fun snacks and drinks for even more fun!