From my office window at the beautiful new St. Luke’s Carbon Campus, I marvel at the pastoral landscape outside, with the fields and hills surrounding this magnificent place of caring. This reminds me that in nature there’s beauty and the opportunity for optimism and joy, which I think we can all appreciate these days.

We may have a lot of cause to be glum and scared, but there’s also reasons for being happy. A popular saying goes, and I’ll paraphrase, “You may not always be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it.”

Yes, the COVID pandemic has gone on much longer than we had imagined, reaching into three years so far, but hopefully turning a corner. We’d all much prefer it to be over, especially in the winter when it’s often necessary to stay indoors, where we have less exposure to the natural benefits of fresh air and sunlight.

The winter days are cold, dark and short. The economy is on a roller-coaster, and the omicron variant continues to threaten our lives, especially the unvaccinated. The news reports on TV or our digital devices seem to be repeating a “loop” of negativity. Don’t get caught up in it.

Our hospital is filled to near capacity with the ill and injured, with staff doing their best, day in and day out, to compassionately help our patients heal.

Why give in to the gloom? There are many reasons to seek sources of happiness and joy, which I do every day.

Happiness is a moment-by-moment choice, and there are practical, simple and effective ways to find and appreciate joy and keep healthy.

It takes creativity, discipline and commitment to a routine. But it can be done if you stay focused on a few tried-and-true activities.

Get exercise regularly. Raise your heart rate, sweat a bit while doing something physical that you enjoy. I like to ride my bike outside in nice weather. And when it’s cold, or otherwise unpleasant outdoors, I climb onto my stationary bike at home, or I make it to the gym for a workout alone or safely with friends.

Being sociable - in person or virtually - and working out have been shown by research to increase longevity and happiness. I have a 95-year-old patient who still goes on hikes with a group because, he says, “I don’t do it just to be healthy. I do it because I like it.” I’m sure we can all find something that’s meaningful and healthy for us and that promotes self-resilience.

Also, please make an appointment to go to your primary care doctor when it’s time for a routine checkup or if you’re not feeling up to par. You can access St. Luke’s doctors online at https://findadoctor.slhn.org or by calling 1-866-STLUKES. Make sure you get the screenings that are recommended for you at specific times of life. Schedule a colonoscopy if you’re 50 years old, sooner if you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer.

If you’re a woman, don’t forget to get a yearly mammogram. Let your doctor know if you have a family history of breast cancer or symptoms that might require further surveillance, testing or treatment.

These and other preventive measures can help you avoid serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. They’re another ideal way to keep healthy.

Keep up with your immunizations. Get the flu shot every year in the fall. If you haven’t gotten the COVID vaccine and booster, please be sure to do this soon for the protection they bring to you, your loved ones and our community. For the latest on COVID, vaccines, boosters and testing, go to https://www.slhn.org/covid-19.

More than 90% of the sickest patients in our hospitals at St. Luke’s are unvaccinated. They’re crowding the patient care units and particularly our ICUs. Many aren’t surviving to be with their family and friends; they can’t share good times or plan for the future. Many regret it in their final moments of life, saying, “I wish I had gotten the vaccine.”

There’s really no reason to avoid the vaccine. Though it’s controversial with some people, I feel quite strongly that it is safe and certainly effective at preventing serious illness and community spread.

In your leisure time, watch a funny movie or comedy show so you laugh. Listen to music you love. Read a book. Cheer on your favorite sports team. Visit a museum. Activities like these can bring meaning and joy to your life.

A few years from now, we will have walking trails, a gym, meditation gardens and organic food growing here at the St. Luke’s Carbon Campus, great added health resources for our community.

But why wait till then to take action? Plan to take a walk outside, alone or with others, or visit a gym. Make that overdue or timely doctor’s appointment. Seek joy and health in your life. For yourself, your loved ones and your future.

Because feeling good and finding happiness were never as important as they are right now.

William Markson, MD, is a cardiologist and vice president, Medical Affairs at St. Luke’s Carbon Campus.