Life - Well Balanced Challenge

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Feeling a little unbalanced? Participate in our summer challenge which will focus on overall life balance. Each of the 4 weeks will have a different focus to help you find or maintain a great life balance! Sign up today in the portal!



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How to Build a Low Cost Home Gym

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So many of us wish we could get more use out of our gym memberships, but with hectic lives and unpredictable schedules, it's not always so easy. If you find it too hard to get out of your house every day for a workout, why not bring the gym to you? Creating a gym in your home can save time and money -- there's no need to own the same heavy, expensive equipment found at a standard gym. You may be surprised at how easy it is to tailor a home gym to fit you personal needs. All you need are a few tangible pieces and a motivational vibe! Below are five necessities to start building your home gym. Atmosphere: Think about what you like most about the gym and figure out how to bring some of that atmosphere to your own space. If natural light is a must have for you, find a space upstairs with great windows to create the look you want. If you like to watch TV while you sweat, set up your gym in a room that has screen access. Need a little visual motivation? Try something simple like...
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Vermont Days Are Back!

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  Vermont Days are back this weekend, June 13th and 14th! This annual weekend event celebrates the arrival of summer with free admission to day-use areas at Vermont State Parks and State-owned historic sites, open to both Vermonters and non-residents. Vermont Days reminds us that wellness can take the form of getting outside for a walk, feeling a sense of belonging in our community, trying fishing for the first time , or enjoying a picnic on the lake. Here is a list of some of the offerings to explore: Free State Park Day Use : Visit any of Vermont's 55 State Parks with free day use admission . Find a State Park near you with the  Park Finder . Free Historic Sites Access : Vermont's six Historic Sites will offer free admission, along with the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier and the Vermont History Center in Barre. This Press Release from the ACCD details events happening at some of the historical sites. Free Fishing Day : Vermont's Free Fishing Day on June 14 giv...
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Developing a Workout Routine

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Developing a routine when working out is important for achieving fitness goals and protecting your body from injury. Below are some tips and tools on developing the perfect workout routine. Use these tips to customize a workout routine that works for you! Tip 1: Consistency Building a strong fitness routine does not happen overnight. You must develop a process and work at it regularly. Decide how many days you are going to work out each week and commit to fitting it into your schedule. Tip 2: Recover Your muscles need time to recover to completely benefit from your physical efforts. When creating your routine, make sure there are days for rest! You do not have to remain completely inactive on recovery days. Long walks, light yoga and casual swimming are all things that get your body moving while still allowing time for your muscles to recoup. Tip 3: Variety Consistency is important when you are thinking about duration and frequency of exercise. Variety is import...
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Sunlight, Vitamin D, and Skin Protection: A Balanced Approach

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  With the beginning of summer, many of us are happy to be outside again. Sunlight can help regulate circadian rhythm, support mood, and contribute to vitamin D production. At the same time, ultraviolet (UV) exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, and Vermont consistently reports melanoma rates well above the national average. According to the National Cancer Institute State Cancer Profiles , Vermont's melanoma incidence rate is about 35 cases per 100,000 people, compared to about 23 per 100,000 nationally.  With so much conflicting information available, it can sometimes sound like there are only two choices: avoid the sun or skip sun protection. In reality, the research supports a more balanced middle ground.  Natural light exposure, especially earlier in the day, helps support the body's sleep-wake cycle and may improve alertness and mood. Sunlight also helps the skin produce vitamin D, which is important for bone health, muscle function, and immune health. Importa...
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What's in Season?

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Farmer's markets and farmstands across the state are opening for the summer season, and gardeners are busy planting and transplanting. Eating locally has plenty of benefits , including: Increased nutrient content: produce eaten shortly after harvest often retains more nutrients Supporting the local economy: shopping locally helps keeps money in Vermont communities Reduced environmental impact: shorter transportation distances can help lower fossil fuel use Late spring and early summer also bring some especially fresh and flavorful seasonal foods to enjoy, including: Greens: Spinach, lettuces, and other leafy greens provide vitamins, minerals, and hydration thanks to their high water content. Strawberries: With this year's cooler spring, Vermont strawberries should be especially sweet and flavorful. Try slicing them with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet-and-tart twist. Radishes: Crisp, colorful, and nutrient dense, radishes are an easy addition to salads, grain bowls, or...
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Simple Strategies For Better Time Management

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  Time management is essential to balance our professional and personal lives effectively. Developing strong time management skills can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, more time for ourselves, and a better work-life balance. One key strategy is to prioritize tasks. Start by making a to-do list and ranking tasks by importance and deadlines. For example, if you have a project due at the end of the week, focus on completing the most critical parts first. This ensures that high-priority tasks are completed on time. Another effective technique is the Pomodoro Technique. This involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This method helps maintain focus and prevents burnout. Using a calendar or planner is also crucial. Scheduling specific times for work tasks, meetings, and personal activities can help you stay organized. For example, block off time for answering emails, attending meetings, an...
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Build Your Own Activity Planner

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Use this handy Activity Planner  tool from the Department of Health and Human Services to incorporate more activities into your week! This planner is totally customizable with a variety of activities from home repairs to hockey. According to the CDC adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination each week.  Moderate-intensity activity examples: Walking fast, water aerobics, riding a bike on level ground, pushing a lawn mower. Vigorous-intensity activity examples: Jogging or running, swimming laps, riding a bike on hills, playing basketball. Use the "talk test" to find out which is which! If you are breathing hard but can still have a conversation easily, it's moderate-intensity. If you can only say a few words before you have to take a breath, it's vigorous-intensity.
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