Feeling Stressed? Join a Free Online “Lunch & Learn” to Boost Your Mood

Life can be tough, but you don't have to handle stress alone. This spring, University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension is offering a free online class called WeCOPE to help adults in our community feel better and stay positive.

WeCOPE (which stands for Connecting with Our Positive Emotions) is a 6-week program that teaches simple, proven ways to lower stress and improve health. Instead of just talking about problems, this class focuses on "pro-tips" for your brain—like how to find the silver lining in a bad day or how to be kinder to yourself.

“Stress is a part of life, but it shouldn't run your life,” says Margo Dieck, Health and Wellbeing Educator at Extension Eau Claire County. “This class gives you a 'toolbox' of skills you can use every day to feel calmer and happier, even when things are busy or difficult.”

Why Join WeCOPE?

Research shows that people who use these skills often feel less depressed, sleep better, and make healthier choices. The class covers 11 simple skills, including:

• Gratitude: Noticing the good things, even the small ones.

• Mindfulness: Learning how to stay calm in the present moment.

• Acts of Kindness: How helping others actually helps YOU feel better.

• Satisfied participants: “My mindset shifted towards positivity and gratitude, and the tension in my body eased as if a giant knot had been released.” - recent WeCOPE participant

Class Details

This "Lunch & Learn" series is held online via Zoom, so you can join from home or work during your break.

• When: Tuesdays, March 31 through May 5, 2026.

• Time: 11:30 AM 12:30 PM.

• Cost: FREE (All materials are included when you can pick up at a local Extension Office).

How to Sign Up

Registration is easy! Visit  https://go.wisc.edu/15kcue to save your spot. For more information, contact Missy Bablick at 715-788-6217 or email missy.bablick@wisc.edu.