LiveWell Vermont

  For all our friends participating in the Wellness Incentive Program through Virgin Pulse , we wanted to remind you that this quarter is short! All points must be logged by 12/1.  This quarter is short to allow time to pay out incentives during the calendar year.  During the month of December, you won't earn points. If you do choose to log activities because that is best for you that is fine, but we want to be sure you understand that this won't be working toward an incentive.  If you have any questions, please reach out to the Wellness team at dhr.livewellvermont@vermont.gov. 

  The holidays are often seen as a joyful time, but they can also bring stress, loneliness, and anxiety. It’s important to take care of your mental health during this busy season. Here are some tips to help you stay balanced and enjoy the holidays. 1. Manage Your Expectations: The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Don’t put pressure on yourself to create the “ideal” holiday. Focus on what truly matters to you and let go of the rest. If you are going to do something very different, communicate to others so to help them manage their expectations too. 2. Take Breaks: With so much going on, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Make sure to take time for yourself. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or just sitting quietly, give yourself permission to relax. Reserve some time for you, and unapologetically stick to it. If you don't feel confident in saying that this time is reserved, say you have a prior commitment or another vague but true explanation that does feel natural. 3. Stay...

  Having a simple morning and evening routine can make a big difference in your life. Routines help you start and end your day in a positive way or a negative way. Intentionally setting a routine that utilizes "autopilot" in a good way sets you up for success without having to consciously choose optimally each time. When starting out, keeping your routine simple can help make it realistic. Below is a sample jumping off point, but no one routine works for everyone. After reading, take a moment to think about what would be helpful for you. Morning Routine: Wake up at your preferred time : Get up with enough time to prepare for the day, but not so early that it prevents getting good sleep.  Stretch or exercise : A few minutes of stretching or light exercise wakes up your body and mind.  Eat a healthy breakfast : A good breakfast gives you energy and helps you focus. It doesn't need to be elaborate, it just needs to be a healthy option that works with...

  Ingredients 1  large   carrot 1  medium   parsnip, peeled 1  medium   beet, peeled 1   medium   red onion 1   medium   sweet potato 3   tablespoons   extra-virgin olive oil 1 ½   tablespoons   apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar 1   tablespoon   fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary or sage (or 3/4 tsp dried) ½   teaspoon   kosher salt ½   teaspoon   ground pepper Directions Preheat to 425 degrees F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet or 9x13 baking dish. Cut veggies (or substitutes of your choice) into approximately 1/2-inch-thick chunks, onions can be a bit larger.  Toss the with oil, vinegar, herbs, salt and pepper in a large bowl until well coated. Spreading into a single layer on a baking sheet or pan. Roast the vegetables, rotating the baking sheets top to bottom halfway through, until fork-tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Enjoy!!!

When the weather turns cold and wet, it’s easy to skip your usual exercise routine. However, staying active is important for your health and can help reduce stress. Here are some simple ways to keep moving, even when the weather isn’t great. 1. Try Indoor Workouts:  If it's freezing rain, bring your workout indoors. You can follow workout videos online, do yoga, or try simple exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks at home. 2. Walk Indoors: If you can't walk outside, try walking in larger stores or other indoor spaces. Even just pacing during phone calls in your house can add up! 3. Make it Social: Invite family or friends to join you in your workout. Play an active video game, have a dance party, or go bowling to keep it fun. It can also help the conversation keep moving when you are suddenly hanging out with that cousin you have nothing in common with! 4. Set a Schedule: Make a plan and stick to it. Set aside time each day for some physical activity, even if it...

  November is a great time to start saving money, especially with the holidays around the corner. Here are some simple tips to help you stretch your budget this month. 1. Plan Your Meals: With cooler weather, it’s a great time to cook at home. Plan your meals around what’s on sale, and use seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, squash, and apples, which are often cheaper. Cooking at home not only saves money but also lets you make healthier choices. 2. Host Wisely: When hosting a gathering, spread out the effort and cost by encouraging friends to bring something. Even simple contributions, like bringing a drink to share can help. This can also help ensure that picky eaters have at least one thing they are comfortable with. 3. Shop Sales Smartly: Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer big discounts, but don’t buy things just because they’re on sale. Make a list of what you need, set a budget, and stick to it. Look for deals on items you were already planning to buy. 4. DIY Gifts: Th...

  It's that time of year again— open enrollment ! This is your chance to review and make changes to your health insurance, dental, vision, and other benefits offered by our company. Here's a simple guide to help you navigate through open enrollment. What is Open Enrollment? Open enrollment is where you can sign up for, drop, or make changes to your benefits for the next year. It’s the only time you can make these changes unless you have a major life event, like getting married, having a baby, or losing other coverage. Why is it Important? This is your opportunity to ensure you have the right coverage for yourself and your family. Whether you’re happy with your current plan or think you might need something different, open enrollment is when you make those decisions. It’s important to review your options because your needs may have changed over the past year. What Should You Do? Review Your Current Benefits : Look at what you have now. Are you satisfied? Did you use all the bene...