LiveWell Vermont

Going forward in 2021, we will be hosting a series of live webinars each month.  Everyone is welcome to join them, and the sessions will last about 20 to 30 minutes. Each month there will be different financial topics discussed, and they will be live and interactive.  Here’s a quick agenda about some of the things I’ll be discussing on this first one, it’ll be more of an overview. It’s very similar to one of the ones I did this fall, as these questions seem to come up in a lot of the conversations that I have: State of VT 457b Deferred Compensation Plan -What is it? -How can I benefit from it? -Am I already enrolled? -How does this differ from the Pension? -I have an account, where can I access it online? -Pre-tax vs Roth (After-tax), which is the right choice for me? -How do I change the amount I’m contributing? -How am I allocated with my investments? Is there a way to help simplify this for me? -I have other retirement accounts with old employers, can I ...

Relax. You deserve it, it's good for you, and it takes less time than you think. From WebMD You don't need a spa weekend or a retreat. Each of these stress-relieving tips can get you from OMG to om in less than 15 minutes. 1. Meditate A few minutes of practice per day can help ease anxiety . “Research suggests that daily meditation may alter the brain ’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress,” says psychologist Robbie Maller Hartman, PhD, a Chicago health and wellness coach . It's simple. Sit up straight with both feet on the floor. Close your eyes . Focus your attention on reciting -- out loud or silently -- a positive mantra such as “I feel at peace” or “I love myself.” Place one hand on your belly to sync the mantra with your breaths. Let any distracting thoughts float by like clouds. 2. Breathe Deeply Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing. Sit up straight, eyes closed, with a hand on your belly. Slowly inhale through your nose, feeling the b...

From Livongo: Try these six money-saving tips to help you meet your healthy eating and better budgeting goals. 1.Prep Your Pantry: Stock up monthly on staples like grains, beans, oil, vinegar, and nuts for easier weekly shopping. 2.Survey Your Stores: Remember that the nearest big-box grocery isn’t your only option. Ethnic markets, smaller chains, and warehouse clubs all offer deep discounts and are worth hitting up from time to time. 3. Make Monday (or Tuesday) Meatless: Choosing vegetarian protein like beans and tofu in place of beef or chicken will save you dollars and is a heart-healthy choice. 4. Love Leftovers: Whip up extra items from dinner for tomorrow’s lunch. Add a new flavor for a fresh spin. For example, shred an extra supper time chicken breast and toss with lemon vinaigrette and spinach for a zesty salad. Dinner chili makes a flavorful, protein-packed, baked sweet potato topping. 5. Reimagine Food Scraps: If you only want half a banana on your cereal, freeze the other ha...

How are you feeling about your New Year's Resolution? Are you crushing your goals or, do you feel like you have fallen off the wagon? We hope you are well on your way to victory! But, if it is not the case, take this time to reassess your plan. Maybe your goal was too ambitious, or perhaps just unclear! Now is not the time to quit!! Don’t give up! In fact, as the months go on, it’s a great opportunity to revise, tweak and make your resolution perfect for you. 3 ways to know if you need to revise your New Year’s Resolution 1. You overestimated what is actually doable for you: Perhaps your New Year’s Resolution was to go to the gym 4x per week but it’s proving to be super difficult with work, the kids, etc. After really putting forth your best effort, it’s okay to rethink and make adjustments. Perhaps it’s better to commit to a workout 3x per week (where ever you can make that happen). Maybe you do a home workout, or try a virtual fitness date with a friend! Be real with yourself! 2...

  8 Hallmarks of Emotional Wellness ( From Psych Central ): 1. The ability to live in the present without excessive worry about the future or rumination about the past. This present focus is called  Mindfulness. 2. Having a sense of connection and interpersonal support. Those who are isolated and feel alone tend to be lonely and more unhappy than those with a strong sense of connection. 3. Those who are self-compassionate tend to be happier with themselves than those who have an active inner critic. Self-esteem based on achievement and being better than average does not ensure happiness, as it is is evaluative and judgmental. Those who are kind to themselves instead of beating themselves up for their mistakes and even failures enjoy much more peace of mind. 4. Holding onto grudges and being unforgiving will surely limit your emotional wellness. Those people who keep their life stuck in blame do not realize that forgiveness is truly a gift you give to yourself.  Get bitter...

These are unprecedented times and we are being called to hold steady for a very long time. Not easy for any of us. We all need more messages of hope, but also encouragement for consistent self-care. Weaving resources in with validation and support can improve this process.  When: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | 11 a.m. on Zoom Presenter: Kevin Gallagher is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in private practice in Burlington, Vermont. He has been practicing for 30 years working primarily with couples, families and adolescents. Kevin is also a workshop presenter nationally and internationally and consults with for profit and not-for-profit organizations. More about Kevin here . Register: here .

2020 was rough!!!  When you’re feeling stressed, anxious or coping with struggles know that you’re not alone. Now, you can talk with a licensed therapist or board-certified psychiatrist using Amwell. It’s an easy and convenient way to get the support you need whether you’re at home, work or on the go. Visit with a therapist or psychologist in 4 days or less! Amwell makes it easy to get the support you need any day of the week. Sign up today or login (enter service key BCBSVT) to get started. Then select therapy to view the available therapists and schedule a 45-minute counseling visit. Therapists and psychologists are available 7 days a week with appointments available at night and weekends. Visit Cost: Maximum cost is $85 per visit with a therapist and $99 per visit with a psychologist, but may be lower depending on your plan. Talk to a psychiatrist to receive medication management.  When talk therapy alone isn’t enough, use Amwell to visit with the psychiatrist of your choi...

  Let's Get Down Dog! Register: 1/1/21-1/11/21 Challenge Runs: 1/11/21-2/9/21  Earn 30 points upon successful completion and earn a chance to win a  Fitbit Charge 3 Fitness Activity Tracker! Login to the Wellness Portal:  www.MyWellnessV T New year, new you! Start the year with a commitment to your mental and physical health! Yoga increases body awareness, relieves stress, reduces muscle tension, and calms and centers the nervous system! Challenge yourself for the next 30 days to do more yoga, move more and try new relaxation techniques! Track “yes” each day to meet your goal! There is a 3-day grace period that will run after the official challenge end date of 2/9. During this period, you can backlog any days you missed tracking during the challenge. Be sure you are backlogging during the challenge dates.  Once the grace period closes, you can no longer access the challenge. Points will load into your portal after the grace period expires. 2 021 Back to Square O...

The year 2020 has been an unpredictable ride through the pandemic, protests and many more difficulties that had made living life quite hard for people across the globe. But as we near the end of this year, we all should accept the fact that with every passing year, one should leave behind the bad memories and mistakes. So now, as we embrace the upcoming year, 2021, let us all be positive and cheery with shining spirits and aspirations for the future. We should vow to not let the negative times affect us in looking forward to the future and working hard to achieve our dreams and ambitions. So, let us all embrace the new year with much-needed hopes and happiness.

Do you use the New Year as an annual health seminar with yourself? If so you are not alone! This year especially, I think we are ALL looking forward to a fresh start. First and foremost let's  be kind. To yourself. To others. Always – it really does make a difference. Next, set a goal that means something to you personally. It does not have to be extravagant.  Set a goal and come up with a simple plan/make it measurable . Check out our   SMALL steps formula   on how to take successful steps toward your goals or these tools that help us make healthy living easier. Some potential focus areas may include: clean eating, non-toxic living, organic movement or mindfulness! Spend some time thinking about how you want to modify your new year.  Goals to ponder... 1. Add more fruits and vegetables at each meal Consuming a variety of colored fruits and vegetables have  shown  to promote longevity, disease prevention and overall wellness. 2. Drink half your body we...

  It’s the little things that end up making big differences! Whether you are looking for more balance in your life or you are having a hard time getting out of bed because of depression, scheduling activities for yourself can help increase your energy and improve your mood. Take time for yourself to practice good self-care. GRAPES is an activity scheduler that can help you keep track of your progress and give you a sense of accomplishment. There are 6 types of activities and they can be as simple or as challenging as you make it. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection! Do your best to do most tasks each day. If you can’t, pay attention to specific areas you may be missing and aim to do those more the next week. Even if you don’t feel like doing something or you have very low energy, going through the motions will eventually help your mood to improve. So, what is GRAPES exactly?  GRAPES  is an acronym that stands for: Gentle With Self Relaxation Accomplishment ...

Massage Who doesn't love a massage? After all the Stress of the Holiday, your muscles could use some tension relief! Group Fitness Class Does your friend have a favorite class? Most places offer a discount for a multi class punch card! Treat them to health! Personal Training Session Whether they are new to the gym or looking to revamp an old routine, a session with an experienced professional could be just what they need! Foam Roller They love to workout — but when their muscles ache, you hear about it. This foam roller will help keep your favorite fitness lover loose and flexible. It’s small enough to travel with too. Fitness Kettlebell Set Help them stock their home gym with this highly rated set, featuring 5, 10 and 15-pound kettlebells. The bright hues are motivating, too. Yoga Mat The lightweight mat (it’s just one pound) folds up into a square so they can pack it into their carry-on. It's a great option for the yogi who likes to flow on the go! Water Bottle A stylish wate...

Baby, it’s cold outside! But that doesn’t mean you need to hang up your walking shoes until springtime. Whatever the weather, it can still be a good time for outdoor exercise. The secret is to be prepared. Here’s how you can stick with your walking routine when the temperatures drop. 1. Wear Layers - use the 3 layer method Layer 1: This layer should wick sweat from your body and dry quickly. A synthetic fabric like Coolmax® or polypropylene will do the trick.  Layer 2: This layer provides insulation. Try a fast-drying synthetic fabric like Polartec®, or a wool blend. Avoid cotton; if it gets wet, it will not dry quickly. Depending on how cold it is, you can wear this layer on the top or bottom, or just the top. Layer 3: This layer protects you from the elements. Waterproof or water-resistant jackets and pants will help keep rain and snow out. Look for jackets and pants with vents that you can open and close to help regulate temperatures.  2. Don’t Forget Your Fingers - Wh...

When we think of fruits and vegetables in season, we usually think of the new growth of spring, the ripening warmth of summer, or the harvests of fall. But it might surprise you to see how much rich, colorful produce blossoms in the cool of winter! Here are seven recipes that feature delicious winter veggies to treat your taste buds, fill your belly, and warm your bones.  Check out these delicious recipes from Livongo!

 With the transition to more time at home comes more time in the kitchen! COVID-19 has caused a lot of us to cook more! Some of us have been using using this time to experiment with new recipes and others finding solace in tried and true comfort food.  We asked our Wellness Ambassadors to share with us their favorite ways to nourish themselves! They have provided some DELICIOUS versions of their favorite foods. We hope you enjoy!

  EAP has another opportunity to Lunch & Learn scheduled for next Tuesday, December 8th. This is part of a series of FREE WEBINARS to support us through this "new normal". This next webinar will cover:  Your Powerful Mind and the Effect of Self Talk Dec 08, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Join us during this encouraging presentation to bring awareness to your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and how to influence your mind-body connection. Webinars will be hosted online through Zoom.  These free, EAP members-only sessions are designed to be educational, supportive, and inclusive. Registration is limited to 300 attendees per session,  register today ! Additional resources are available on the  Invest EAP Website ! ​

You are probably familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday...but have you heard about GIVING TUESDAY?!? Today is a day meant to encourage seasonal giving.  #GivingTuesday launched in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y , the UN Foundation , and numerous partners, the inaugural #GivingTuesday was hugely successful, fueling a dramatic increase in charitable giving. Blackbaud reported that it processed $10 million in online donations during the first #GivingTuesday, marking a 53% increase in donations over those received on the same day during the previous year. Endorsed by celebrities, politicians and thought leaders alike, the initial campaign received 2.5 million social media impressions , with the #GivingTuesday hashtag trending nationally and ultimately being mentioned 185,000 times online . Below are a few tips to maximize your own Giving Tuesday experience. These "gifts" do not have to be extravagant! They can be small gestures of gratitude or kindness. For even more actionable...

For variety, convenience, and more structured home exercise, you can't beat exercise videos. There are workouts for every age, gender, goal and interest, and you can workout anytime you like in the privacy of your own home. The best thing about exercise videos: There are thousands upon thousands to choose from, so almost anyone can find a video they like. The worst thing about exercise videos: There are thousands upon thousands to choose from, making the search for the perfect video an overwhelming process. Best for Beginners :   Leslie Sansone's Walking at Home Videos ,   Shapely Girl Workout Videos Great Circuit Training Videos : Paul Katami's Hollywood Bootcamp 4x4, Michelle Dozois' Peak 10 More Cardio Strength, and Cathe Friedrich's Circuit Max. Best High-Intensity Cardio Videos :  Amy Dixon's Breathless Body 2 , Michelle Dozois' Peak 10 Cardio Interval Burn,  Cathe Friedrich's HiiT Training Best for Seniors : Jane Fonda's Prime Time Firm and Bur...

Thank you for your submissions! We were able to put together a delicious collection of our favorite recipes. Give them a try and share your creations with us on Instagram or Facebook. 

Thanksgiving celebrations will look a little different this year! Public health officials urge families to keep celebrations small, avoid mixing households and open the windows. - From the NY Times: It’s been a year of sacrifice, social distancing and skyrocketing stress. Can we at least enjoy Thanksgiving? In terms of risk, the timing of the Thanksgiving holiday couldn’t be worse. The coronavirus is raging across the country, setting new daily infection records. More than 235,000 Americans have died of Covid-19, and small gatherings are believed to be fueling much of the spread. While public health officials caution against family and friends gathering in homes for the traditional Thanksgiving meal, they know many people plan to spend the holiday together anyway. The solution? A scaled-back Thanksgiving — with open windows, fewer people and a big serving of precautions. “You don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious di...