If you're anything like me, the past eight months have been tough going. We're all working hard, but the things we normally do to unwind and relax have been shut down or severely restricted.

Seeing family or friends, going to a concert or movie or eating out at a restaurant aren't safe like they used to be, so far too many of us have ended up staying home and feeling isolated.

The one place that is unquestionably safe is the great outdoors, and I know so many of you have been spending more time outside than ever. Whether it's hunting or fishing or simply going for a walk or a jog, it's amazing how a little time relaxing outdoors can make such a difference.

I hope all of you will take time outdoors this fall before the weather gets too cold to prioritize yourselves and your mental health in these tough times.

As part of that effort, the IBEW has a longtime partnership with the Union Sportsmen's Alliance, an organization made up of union members to engage and educate union members and other like-minded individuals who enjoy hunting, fishing, shooting and the outdoors. USA, with union volunteers, spends a great deal of time and money on conservation and preservation of wildlife habitats and other outdoor recreational facilities.

More than 50,000 of you, including International President Stephenson and me, are members of USA, and we're proud to help spread their important message to even more of you.

This year, our annual IBEW Conservation Dinner has been forced to go virtual, but the funds it raises are needed as much as ever. Please encourage your local union to sponsor a virtual table at the Dec. 5 event to support USA's community-based conservation efforts.

The IBEW always shows up in force for this event, so we want to make sure we're just as supportive this year. Business managers received an email at the beginning of October with details, and questions can be sent to media@ibew.org. The deadline for RSVPs is Nov. 30.

You can also do your part individually and join USA at unionsportsmen.org.

When things return to normal — and I know they will — we'll all be glad we took the time this year to help preserve North America's natural spaces for our kids and grandkids.

As always, please stay safe at work and at home and make sure to spend some time outside enjoying everything Mother Nature has to offer.

Also: Stephenson: United For Working People