LiveWell Vermont

Having a healthy relationship with food means approaching eating with balance, enjoyment, and self-compassion. It involves listening to your body's hunger and fullness cues, allowing yourself to enjoy all types of foods without guilt, and recognizing that no single food choice defines your overall well-being. A positive relationship with food emphasizes nourishment, flexibility, and the pleasure of eating. rather than strict rules or restrictions Indulge without the worry by: 1. Practicing Mindful Eating: Savor each bite by eating slowly and paying attention to flavors, textures, and smells. This approach not only enhances your enjoyment but also helps you recognize when you're full, so you avoid overeating. 2.  Balance Your Choices: Pair indulgent foods with nutritious options throughout the day. If you know you'll be enjoying a rich dessert, balance it out with lighter meals or extra vegetables earlier on. This allows you to enjoy treats while keeping a well-rounded die...

Want to spend more time outdoors this winter? The Vermont Rail Trail System has over 100 miles of pathways throughout the state.  Rail-trails are multi-purpose, public paths created from former railroad corridors. Flat or following a gentle grade, they traverse Vermont’s downtowns, villages, and rural countryside. Ideal for bicycling, walking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, equestrian and wheelchair use, rail-trails are extremely popular for recreation and transportation.   For more information and to find a trailhead near you, visit  Vermont Rail Trails .

The gift of your presence is one of the most meaningful things you can offer to those around you. In a world filled with distractions, simply showing up and being fully engaged can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being, for both you and others. Human beings are inherently social, and research shows that connection with others plays a crucial role in reducing stress, enhancing happiness, and fostering resilience.  When you spend quality time with someone, actively listening and engaging, you create a space for genuine connection and trust. This act nurtures a sense of belonging, which is fundamental to emotional health. The brain releases oxytocin, sometimes known as the "bonding hormone", during positive interactions, which can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Here are three ways to enjoy quality time with those around you: 1. Unplugged Conversations: Make it a point to have device-freed conversations. Putting phones and screens away helps you focus s...

Cultivating self-compassion involves developing a kind and understanding attitude toward oneself, especially during times of failure or personal difficulty. According to recent research, practicing self-compassion includes three core elements: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Self-kindness is about being warm and understanding toward ourselves rather than overly self-critical. Recognizing common humanity reminds us that everyone experiences setbacks, helping to reduce feelings of isolation. Lastly, mindfulness enables us to acknowledge our thoughts and emotions without over-identifying with them, allowing us to process them more effectively. Practicing these elements regularly can help reshape our inner dialogue, making it more supportive and resilient. Self-compassion is closely linked to mental health benefits, such as reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Practicing self-compassion decreases self-judgment, helping individuals be more forgiving of their i...

To balance out the dark, cold, windy, and dry qualities of winter, here are some tips to keep your body, mind, and spirit thriving: Move every day in a way that you enjoy; walk outside and get some winter sun, try yoga at home, swim at the local indoor pool, cycle, etc. Cook seasonal vegetables, make soups and stews, eat a warm breakfast like oats, and incorporate healthy oils like olive oil or ghee into your meals. Keep warm colors around you to combat the winter "blues". Orange, gold, deep reds, encourage a cozy feeling. Cover up with a hat and scarf not only keeps you warm but also provides a sense of safety and calm when it's cold and windy. Head to bed a little earlier and/or wake up a little later when the sun is rising if possible. Get extra rest and sleep as the environment is darker. Go within and practice meditation. Winter can be a good time to reflect on yourself. Try something new! Get creative and pick up a new hobby, book, puzzle, something that excites you...

Spending money in a way that feels good means aligning your purchases with your values and priorities while staying within a budget. This approach lets you enjoy the holidays without the stress of debt or overspending. Choosing thoughtful, meaningful gifts, setting limits on each purchase, and focusing on experiences over material items can create a fulfilling holiday season without financial strain. Spend intentionally so that you feel good about what you buy, know that it's within your means, and brings joy to you and those you care about. Here are some ideas for staying on top of your holiday spending: Set a budget and track spending: Decide on a total holiday budget, covering gifts, food, decorations, and any travel expenses. Break down the budget for each category, then track each purchase to stay within your limits. Give personalized, low-cost gifts: Consider giving thoughtful personalized gifts that don't cost much, like handmade items, or baked goods. Meaningful gifts ...

  Whether you typically participate in challenges through the Wellness Portal or don't use the Portal at all, we would like to invite you to join us for a challenge hosted on our LiveWell Vermont Teams Channel for the month of December! The Find Calm in 5 Challenge is all about trying different mindful, calming exercises that can be done in five minutes or less. We will post a weekly exercise such as deep breathing (spoiler!), and you can try it out any time, or multiple times, throughout the month. We'd love to hear some feedback from you once you do give it a try by leaving a reaction on the weekly post. If you participate all month, you'll be entered into a drawing for a prize!