LiveWell Vermont

Going forward in 2021, we will be hosting a series of live webinars each month.  Everyone is welcome to join them, and the sessions will last about 20 to 30 minutes. Each month there will be different financial topics discussed, and they will be live and interactive.  Here’s a quick agenda about some of the things I’ll be discussing on this first one, it’ll be more of an overview. It’s very similar to one of the ones I did this fall, as these questions seem to come up in a lot of the conversations that I have: State of VT 457b Deferred Compensation Plan -What is it? -How can I benefit from it? -Am I already enrolled? -How does this differ from the Pension? -I have an account, where can I access it online? -Pre-tax vs Roth (After-tax), which is the right choice for me? -How do I change the amount I’m contributing? -How am I allocated with my investments? Is there a way to help simplify this for me? -I have other retirement accounts with old employers, can I consolida

Relax. You deserve it, it's good for you, and it takes less time than you think. From WebMD You don't need a spa weekend or a retreat. Each of these stress-relieving tips can get you from OMG to om in less than 15 minutes. 1. Meditate A few minutes of practice per day can help ease anxiety . “Research suggests that daily meditation may alter the brain ’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress,” says psychologist Robbie Maller Hartman, PhD, a Chicago health and wellness coach . It's simple. Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Close your eyes . Focus your attention on reciting -- out loud or silently -- a positive mantra such as “I feel at peace” or “I love myself.” Place one hand on your belly to sync the mantra with your breaths. Let any distracting thoughts float by like clouds. 2. Breathe Deeply Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. Sit up straight, eyes closed, with a hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the b

From Livongo: Try these six money-saving tips to help you meet your healthy eating and better budgeting goals. 1.Prep Your Pantry: Stock up monthly on staples like grains, beans, oil, vinegar, and nuts for easier weekly shopping. 2.Survey Your Stores: Remember that the nearest big-box grocery isn’t your only option. Ethnic markets, smaller chains, and warehouse clubs all offer deep discounts and are worth hitting up from time to time. 3. Make Monday (or Tuesday) Meatless: Choosing vegetarian protein like beans and tofu in place of beef or chicken will save you dollars and is a heart-healthy choice. 4. Love Leftovers: Whip up extra items from dinner for tomorrow’s lunch. Add a new flavor for a fresh spin. For example, shred an extra supper time chicken breast and toss with lemon vinaigrette and spinach for a zesty salad. Dinner chili makes a flavorful, protein-packed, baked sweet potato topping. 5. Reimagine Food Scraps: If you only want half a banana on your cereal, freeze the other ha

How are you feeling about your New Year's Resolution? Are you crushing your goals or, do you feel like you have fallen off the wagon? We hope you are well on your way to victory! But, if it is not the case, take this time to reassess your plan. Maybe your goal was too ambitious, or perhaps just unclear! Now is not the time to quit!! Don’t give up! In fact, as the months go on, it’s a great opportunity to revise, tweak and make your resolution perfect for you. 3 ways to know if you need to revise your New Year’s Resolution 1. You overestimated what is actually doable for you: Perhaps your New Year’s Resolution was to go to the gym 4x per week but it’s proving to be super difficult with work, the kids, etc. After really putting forth your best effort, it’s okay to rethink and make adjustments. Perhaps it’s better to commit to a workout 3x per week (where ever you can make that happen). Maybe you do a home workout, or try a virtual fitness date with a friend! Be real with yourself! 2

  8 Hallmarks of Emotional Wellness ( From Psych Central ): 1. The ability to live in the present without excessive worry about the future or rumination about the past. This present focus is called  Mindfulness. 2. Having a sense of connection and interpersonal support. Those who are isolated and feel alone tend to be lonely and more unhappy than those with a strong sense of connection. 3. Those who are self-compassionate tend to be happier with themselves than those who have an active inner critic. Self-esteem based on achievement and being better than average does not ensure happiness, as it is is evaluative and judgmental. Those who are kind to themselves instead of beating themselves up for their mistakes and even failures enjoy much more peace of mind. 4. Holding onto grudges and being unforgiving will surely limit your emotional wellness. Those people who keep their life stuck in blame do not realize that forgiveness is truly a gift you give to yourself.  Get bitter or get better

These are unprecedented times and we are being called to hold steady for a very long time. Not easy for any of us. We all need more messages of hope, but also encouragement for consistent self-care. Weaving resources in with validation and support can improve this process.  When: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | 11 a.m. on Zoom Presenter: Kevin Gallagher is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in private practice in Burlington, Vermont. He has been practicing for 30 years working primarily with couples, families and adolescents. Kevin is also a workshop presenter nationally and internationally and consults with for profit and not-for-profit organizations. More about Kevin here . Register: here .

2020 was rough!!!  When you’re feeling stressed, anxious or coping with struggles know that you’re not alone. Now, you can talk with a licensed therapist or board-certified psychiatrist using Amwell. It’s an easy and convenient way to get the support you need whether you’re at home, work or on the go. Visit with a therapist or psychologist in 4 days or less! Amwell makes it easy to get the support you need any day of the week. Sign up today or login (enter service key BCBSVT) to get started. Then select therapy to view the available therapists and schedule a 45-minute counseling visit. Therapists and psychologists are available 7 days a week with appointments available at night and weekends. Visit Cost: Maximum cost is $85 per visit with a therapist and $99 per visit with a psychologist, but may be lower depending on your plan. Talk to a psychiatrist to receive medication management.  When talk therapy alone isn’t enough, use Amwell to visit with the psychiatrist of your choice. Sign

  Let's Get Down Dog! Register: 1/1/21-1/11/21 Challenge Runs: 1/11/21-2/9/21  Earn 30 points upon successful completion and earn a chance to win a  Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker! Login to the Wellness Portal:  www.MyWellnessV T New year, new you! Start the year with a commitment to your mental and physical health! Yoga increases body awareness, relieves stress, reduces muscle tension, and calms and centers the nervous system! Challenge yourself for the next 30 days to do more yoga, move more and try new relaxation techniques! Track “yes” each day to meet your goal! There is a 3-day grace period that will run after the official challenge end date of 2/9. During this period, you can backlog any days you missed tracking during the challenge. Be sure you are backlogging during the challenge dates.  Once the grace period closes, you can no longer access the challenge. Points will load into your portal after the grace period expires. 2 021 Back to Square One FAQ!