Is the coronavirus mutating and becoming more contagious?

A new coronavirus study prompted some scary headlines this week about how the virus is mutating and how the new dominant strain may be more contagious than the original. So, should we be freaking out? Read this breakdown from experts, which will tell you everything you need to know.

‌

Once again, we also answered some burning coronavirus questions this week, including:

‌

I know I say this every week, but I truly hope you're all doing OK and are staying well. As more areas relax their restrictions, keep in mind that the best way to keep the spread down is by practicing good, healthy habits. It's not just for you, it's for everyone!

‌

❤️,

Lindsay

You Oughta Know

To state the obvious, we're glued to our devices now more than ever. You're likely consuming a LOT of negative news during this time, which can affect you both physically and mentally. We broke down how it impacts you, along with some advice on how to pull back.

THIS IS YOUR BODY AND BRAIN ON CORONAVIRUS NEWS

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 fitness expert Kelvin Gary on a quick way to relieve stress:

‌

Stretching can help you keep better posture and alignment in your spine. It helps you feel physically better, which, in turn, keeps you from getting into a degraded mental space.

‌

If you're looking for a few quick stretches, try some of these.

Crushing on this 'Gram

Before you go...

It's Mental Health Awareness Month. Read this important piece on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the Latinx community's mental health. The COVID-19 crisis has heightened the stress on Latinxs and highlighted the widespread lack of mental health care. This piece goes into that issue, plus offers some really great resources.

Want More Wellness?

Illustrated PSA

The world is trying to cope with the coronavirus, from the serious to the mundane. We’re dealing with jamming full lives into one apartment or house, and trying to stay calm about a world full of an invisible virus. We’re trying to learn how to homeschool our kids, or to make bread for ourselves. It’s a whole new world, and HuffPost is launching a new illustrated series about how to live in it.

‌

Each week, we’ll feature an artist offering their vision for how to handle the world as it is today. We hope they make you think, make you smile, or just offer something to do other than staring wistfully out the windows.

‌

Click on the image to see a full-size version. See previous entries in the series here.

Illustration by Erik Carter