LiveWell Vermont

Journaling can be a great way to relieve stress. Check out these eight reasons why journaling is beneficial. 1.) Mindfulness Journaling brings you to a state of mindfulness where past frustrations and future anxieties don't seem as overwhelming in the present moment. If your mind tends to wander a lot, journaling will bring your focus to the present allowing you to actively engage with your thoughts. 2.) Achieving Goals and Dreams Journaling can often include writing about your hopes, goals, and dreams. Writing down your goals signals to your brain that "this is important." This can help your brain form connections and seek out or note opportunities in the future that may help you reach these goals. 3.) Emotional Intelligence Journaling is an outlet for processing emotions and increases your self-awareness. This will create a familiarity that allows you to better understand what others are experiencing. 4.) Memory Boost Writing down thoughts, ideas, and me...

Are you looking for a quick and simple dinner that also provides fantastic leftovers? Look no further than this frittata recipe. This recipe is very versatile. You can switch out the veggies, cheese, and/or herbs to whatever your preference may be. This recipe would go well with roasted potatoes and a side salad to make it a more hearty meal. Veggie Frittata Ingredients: Assorted vegetables, diced (one good combination is broccoli, spinach, and onion however feel free to get creative with what you have in the fridge). 3 Tablespoons olive oil 6 Basil leaves, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 8 eggs 3/4 cup plain unsweetened almond milk (you can also substitute regular milk) 1 1/2 cup shredded cheese. You can use a combination of cheeses or stick to one. Cheddar is a great option. Salt and Pepper to taste  Directions: Add veggies, garlic, and olive oil to a large frying pan. Saute until veggies are slightly tender (6-7 minutes). Whisk eggs and milk in a large bowl ...

Did you know studies have shown that optimistic people have healthier hearts and are better at managing stress? However, looking at the bright side can be easier said than done. Fortunately, even if you don't consider yourself to be an optimist, you can try incorporating these tips to help you live with more positivity!   1.) Have gratitude Being grateful for the good things in your life will help you feel satisfied. Take an inventory of all the good things around you. Additionally, try to be grateful for the hardships and obstacles because these give you strength and teach you how to persevere, which help you form resilience. 2.) Practice listening. When you are actively listening, you're taking in more information and knowledge without the distraction of your own thoughts and words. It also can increase your own self-confidence when you show you have respect for others. 3.) Smile more. Frown less.  When you smile you create a happy and positive environment that d...

There are many things that can impact your sleep - stress, illness, and anxiety to name a few. However, did you know that the foods you eat can also keep you awake at night? Check out these lists for the best and worst foods for sleep! Best Foods for Sleep: Cherries are one of the few foods that naturally contain melatonin, which is the chemical that helps control our internal clock. Bananas, dark leafy greens, and avocados contain natural muscle relaxants (magnesium) and contain carbohydrates which will naturally make you feel sleepy. Turkey, soybeans, and pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan - a chemical that naturally makes you feel sleepy Sweet potatoes contain sleep promoting complex carbohydrates as well as potassium (a natural muscle relaxant). Whole grain breads, crackers, pasta, or rice contain complex carbohydrates which keep you full for longer. Worst Foods for Sleep: Cheeseburgers and other fatty foods stimulate the production of acid in your stomach, whi...

Did you know that water can help provide relief from a headache.  Did you know staying hydrated can reduce afternoon irritability? See below for all the different ways that water can make you feel awesome! 1.) It can aid in weight loss and reduce the feeling of hunger. Extra water can not only make you feel full, but it can also boost your metabolism! Try drinking a glass of water before every meal. 2.) It powers your exercise.   Staying hydrated has many benefits around exercise including: increasing your ability to perform at your best, enhancing the quality of your workout and allowing you to recover faster. 3.) It aids digestion and keeps your kidneys working. Drinking water helps your body break down foods and helps your kidneys and liver flush out waste products. 4.) Hydration can improve your mood! Drinking water not only makes you feel refreshed but also can improve your mindset. Even mild dehydration has been shown to negatively impact mood. Next ti...

Feeling stressed out? Can't sleep? Check out these ideas to help you relax in 5 minutes or less! 1.) Sip on a cup of tea. If it's early in the day, sip green tea (this has caffeine in it so don't drink it too late in the day). Green tea not only has a lot of antioxidants, but it contains compounds that can help you reduce anger. If it's later in the day, drinking herbal tea can help you relax. 2.) Meditate. 5 minutes of meditation is all it takes to feel the benefits. Find a comfortable spot in a quiet place and focus on your breath. Watch your stress and anxieties start to disappear. 3.) Try counting backward. If you're feeling stressed, frustrated, worried, or upset, try counting back from 10. Sometimes all it takes is 10 seconds to help you refocus your thoughts. 4.) Close your eyes. If your office or environment is chaotic, closing your eyes for a minute is an easy way to regain calm and focus. 5.) Squeeze a stress ball. This is an easy and por...

Wouldn't it be nice if once the clock hit 5pm, the to-do lists and emails would stop for the day? Unfortunately it's not that easy, but with a little practice, you can achieve a work-life balance that makes you happy. Consider these simple steps to get you started. 1.) Leave your to-do list at work. It will still be there in the morning. If you find yourself unable to turn your mind off from work in the evenings, try writing a list of projects and goals for the next day and leave it on your desk. Take comfort in having a plan set up for your next day of work. 2.) Don't stay connected. Unless you're on-call or helping out with a work emergency, stop checking your email when you leave for the day. If you are constantly checking your email all night, your mind never really leaves the office. While it seems simple, the physical act of disconnecting from the office is a powerful one. 3.) Establish a transition routine. Perhaps when walking to and from work, you c...

Starting your day off early can give you the opportunity to get in a workout, check off some to- do items, do some yoga, or relax with a cup of coffee or herbal tea before starting your day. The morning offers an opportunity to take some time for yourself before the buzz of the day begins. Did you know that a 20-minute moderate intensity workout in the morning can provide a brain boost for the following 12 hours? Morning exercise is a great use of your time.   Additionally, you can incorporate a few of these morning habits to get your day going on the right foot. 1.) Drink 16-ounces of water upon waking to re-hydrate from your 7-9 hours of sleep. 2.) Make your bed. Did you know making you bed in the morning is correlated with better productivity throughout the day? 3.) Eat a healthy breakfast. Your body needs fuel so it can tackle the day. 4.) Drink a cup of coffee/herbal tea while taking a few moments for yourself. 5.) Prioritize your day. Establish your top pri...