LiveWell Vermont

  Why to get involved in Community Getting involved in your community is a powerful way to make a positive impact while enriching your own life. Your participation strengthens connections to prevent loneliness and build a sense of belonging. It’s a chance to meet people from different backgrounds, learn new skills, and contribute to causes you care about.  Community involvement also boosts mental well-being by fostering purpose and reducing isolation. For families, it sets an example of civic responsibility and teamwork. Even small efforts—like helping at a food drive, attending a town meeting, or cheering at a local school event—can result in meaningful experiences. When you invest your time and energy into your community, you help create a stronger, more supportive environment for everyone. Plus, the relationships and experiences you gain along the way can be deeply rewarding and lasting. How to get started: Volunteer : Offer your time and skills to local nonprofi...

  Summer is the perfect time to get moving, but busy schedules can make regular exercise a challenge. With a little creativity, you can turn everyday moments into active ones and keep everyone energized and healthy. Use early mornings or evenings. Beat the heat and the busy calendar by fitting in a walk, badminton, or yoga before breakfast or after dinner. 20 minutes makes a difference! Try mini workouts. Break activity into small chunks—dance breaks during chores, 10-minute yoga in the living room, or a quick game of tag in the yard all count! Choose active errands. Walk or bike to the store or library when possible. Park farther away to add extra steps. Embrace water play. Swimming, running through sprinklers, or playing water balloon games are fun ways to stay cool and active. Save the screen-time. Swap a show for a walk or challenge each other with fitness videos online. Make it a family affair. Plan active outings like bike rides, nature hikes, or visits to local parks...

 This week's challenge is to pay special attention to the small details that make summer wonderful. If you are not in the habit of noticing the good or life is throwing you a lot of chaos, this can feel impossible. However, finding the glimmers is especially important in hard times.  When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. But even in difficult times, small moments—called “glimmers”—can spark feelings of calm, joy, or connection. Glimmers are the opposite of triggers; they remind us that peace and hope still exist, even in little ways. These glimmers might be as simple as a warm cup of coffee, the sound of birds outside your window, or a kind text from a friend. You don’t need a big reason to feel better—just one real, gentle moment each day. For one week, look for one thing each day that makes you feel a little lighter. Write it down, snap a photo, or just pause to notice it. Maybe it’s sunshine on your face, a favorite song, or laughter fro...

Summer heat can sneak up on you, making hydration more important than ever. Whether you're spending time outside, exercising, or just going about your day, your body loses water through sweat—and it needs plenty of fluids to stay healthy and energized. Staying hydrated helps regulate your body temperature, support digestion, and keep your joints and muscles working smoothly. It also helps prevent fatigue, headaches, and dizziness that can come from dehydration. Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Carry a reusable water bottle, add slices of fruit for flavor, or enjoy water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges. If you're sweating more or spending time in the sun, be sure to drink even more. Hydration keeps your body happy and your summer active, safe, and fun.