LiveWell Vermont

Spending time in nature is a simple and effective way to boost your mental health. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, a hike through the woods, or simply sitting in your garden, connecting with the outdoors can work wonders for your well-being. Nature has been shown to reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels , calming the mind, and improving mood. To get the most out of your time, aim to be fully present. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. By immersing in the moment you are preventing past or future stresses from taking this time away from you. Activities like walking, cycling, or gardening combine the benefits of physical activity with the healing effects of fresh air and green spaces. Over the Memorial Day Weekend, we hope you will include a bit of your favorite type of outside time. Love the outdoors? State park access is FREE on 6/7 for Vermont Days!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to prioritize mental well-being, reduce stigma, and support others. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved and make a difference: Educate Yourself : Learn about mental health conditions , and available resources . Knowledge fosters understanding and compassion. This doesn't need to be directed outward, learning about your own mental health conditions can help with your self-compassion.  Practice Self-Care : Prioritize your mental health by incorporating activities like therapy, getting enough sleep, journaling, or regular exercise into your daily routine.  Start Conversations : Break the stigma by talking openly about mental health. If you need a place to start, try asking questions to see if your family has a history of mental health conditions that could be relevant for your medical history. Normalizing these discussions can help others to seek help if needed. Support Others : Check in on loved ones, listen without judgmen...

With the Take Inventory Challenge, we will be tracking actions to support our health. Each day, you will answer the prompt, "Did you set goals or complete an action to move your health forward?" We want you to customize this challenge to you - your life, your needs. You do not need to do a different action each day, you just need to do something meaningful. Below are some ideas to help you get started brainstorming your own. Drink water : Aim for at least 8 glasses a day to stay hydrated and energized. Exercise regularly : Work in a 30-minute walk, bike ride or dance party, any time today. Improve sleep : Commit to a consistent bedtime routine and 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Eat enough vegetables : What if you had a serving of vegetables at every meal today? Slow down : Spend 5-10 minutes practicing deep breathing exercises. Strength : Include a session of resistance exercises to build muscle and improve bone health. Limit screens : Adjust one thing to help reduce screen ...

The Corporate Cup is coming up fast - get ready to run or walk with us! The Corporate Cup is an annual 5K held in Montpelier on 5/15 this year, with virtual participation available through the end of May.  Register here   if you haven't already. Full details on  virtual racing here . Not interested in the 5K but want to be part of the fun?  Volunteer opportunities  are still available!   Wondering about race day details? Race fee reimbursements available: Blue Cross will reimburse fees up to $25 through LiveWell Vermont for the Corporate Cup this year, for those employees who have Blue Cross through State employment.  To get the reimbursement, participants should  sign up  and pay using their own card, and to please choose State of Vermont as their employer ( NOT Department of Health, DOC, or similar) so those eligible for reimbursement can easily be identified.