LiveWell Vermont

  Summer naturally disrupts routines - in a good way! Vacations, longer evenings, visitors, and changing schedules all shift how we spend our time. As fall approaches, think of it as an opportunity to settle back into a rhythm that supports your wellbeing.  Rather than trying to change everything at once, choose one routine that makes you and your family's days feel a little easier. Maybe it's preparing breakfast or lunch the night before, taking a short "decompression" walk after work, or setting a consistent bedtime. Small, repeatable habits tend to stick better than ambitious overhauls! It's also worth remembering that transitions take time. If your schedule changes because of school, work, or other commitments, give yourself permission to ease into the new routine. Adjustment may not happen all at once.  Finally, there's no reason to say goodbye to all the things you enjoyed this summer. Eating seasonal produce, spending time outside, or gathering with fam...

  “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” – Hippocrates This week, we are inspired by BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont's August Newsletter, Your Heart Loves Plants . Here's a sneak peek of one of their articles. Check out the full newsletter for more plant-strong wellness ideas.  Putting more plants on your plate lowers the risk of developing or dying early from cardiovascular disease. Plant-forward eating prioritizes vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. This doesn’t have to exclude meat or other animal products. With so many plants to choose from, you can find a style to match your preferences.  Sprinkle nuts on cereal, yogurt, and salads.  Stir chopped greens into soups, pasta, and stews.  Mix lentils or beans into ground meat dishes.  Prepare or order a tofu-veggie stir-fry.  Roast a large pan of veggies to last a few days. BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont August 2026 Wellness Newsletter:...

  With summer in full swing, it is easy to overschedule all our favorite recreational activities. Whether you love getting out on the water, hosting BBQs, or sitting outside with a good book, summer can leave us feeling full of life, energized - or surprisingly drained. We often focus on managing our time, but how we spend our energy can have just as much impact on our wellbeing.   Summer can be a good time to reflect on what truly energizes us, and it's unique for everyone! Two people can spend the same hour very differently. One may feel refreshed afterwards, while the other feels exhausted. Our preferences can also ebb and flow over time.   Try this: think about a positive memory in which you felt calm, present, and engaged. Paint a picture in your head. Where were you? Who was there? What were you doing? Now compare that memory with how you've been spending your time lately. What stands out?   This week, we invite you to choose one activity that relia...

  Did you know coaching is a free benefit available to you as a State of Vermont employee or retiree? The LiveWell Vermont Team offers up to 10 sessions of personalized, 1:1 Wellness Coaching per year. Wellness Coaching is a client-centered process that assists you in connecting the dots between who you are and who you want to be. In coaching sessions, you will explore your goals, values, and strengths in order to make progress on whatever realm of life matters to you. Some possible area of focus may include:  Eating more whole foods  Finding enjoyable forms of movement  Breaking unhelpful habits  Managing work-life balance  Creating a calm morning routine  Preparing for a major life change If it matters to you - it matters to your coach. Send an email to DHR.LiveWellVermont@vermont.gov if you're interested in learning more or scheduling your first session.