[{"id":7362,"date":"2026-09-29T16:50:12","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T16:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7362"},"modified":"2026-09-29T16:50:14","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T16:50:14","slug":"october-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/29\/october-events\/","title":{"rendered":"October events"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>October 2026 &#8211; Employee Well-Being Programs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>These VCU programs are free to attend and most are virtual unless specified below! Register in Talent to receive links.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><a>Thursday, October 8<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Managing Holiday Finances<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and VACU)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The holidays are just around the corner and we know celebrating comes with a hefty bill. This seminar teaches you how to avoid the financial hangover with intelligent planning, cost management, and organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/ee813d40-9daf-4fdb-82bc-8881f6c5bfce?session=45fd2caf-312f-47d5-bb4f-f43d6fc0e0c1\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monday, October 12<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 10 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Money Mondays with Bill: What is Financial Wellness and Why is it Important?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Fidelity)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being well prepared to handle any financial crisis, that\u2019s financial wellness. Learn how to prioritize your needs and wants, so you can pay today\u2019s bills while saving for your future goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/b2ddb083-d384-461c-a08b-6885dda4a9d7?session=0d0159e8-5122-4716-b199-77415353bcf5\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wednesday, October 14<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strength and Stretch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation &amp; Well-Being)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This class is the prefect combination of strength and flexibility training. There will be 20 minutes of challenging every muscle in your body followed by a 10-minute-deep stretch to enhance recover and maximize your workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/0f86d14b-40ea-418e-b537-ddcc62e1e45a?session=38f22741-0801-472c-9bdc-c939f7765d04\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuesday, October 20<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 11 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Estate Planning: Will your Golden Years Shine?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and TIAA)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Estate planning isn\u2019t just for the wealthy or elderly-it\u2019s for everyone who wants control over what happens to their money, their healthcare decisions, and their loved ones when they can\u2019t speak for themselves. Without a plan in place, you could be leaving your family to deal with months or even years of legal delays, unnecessary costs, and painful conflicts during an already difficulty time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/32745344-46df-4862-a18b-66cdefcbde41?session=7d1da510-408e-4c88-816d-903b49da2075\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wednesday, October 21<sup>st<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Overcoming Work Fatigue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Anthem EAP)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many, working remotely is no longer new. But the joys of working in sweatpants from the comfort of home has given way to some unexpected challenges. From video call fatigue to social isolation, the topic explores strategies to implement consistent work from home success for employees and organizations alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/2de21204-b558-4764-bc9e-a7c4c3d2a41a?session=eb68f410-b1b0-4db4-ae99-157c339ecabf\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thursday, October 22<sup>nd<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Year End Financial Strategies for a Strong Path Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Atlantic Union Bank)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to reset your financial habits and align your spending with your priorities. In this interactive webinar you will learn step by step methods for setting realistic goals, building emergency buffers, and creating a clear path forward for the New Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/923fb55f-ae71-4057-bef2-1c1092261854?session=a2609a5a-b9a0-475c-bf21-49e736faaa5d\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thursday, October 29<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 11 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your Guide to Living Well in Retirement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and TIAA)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can thrive in retirement. Join us as we explore strategies and tips to get you there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/e0de3f2c-6d81-409a-bed0-0a8bc39dda78?session=202ec87c-2c82-47c7-b9b3-f6eda54c2611\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>On Demand Webinars:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learner-search\/search?pageNumber=1&amp;typeIds=536870912\"><strong>Worklife\u2019s Playlists<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 New! <strong>Components for Great Communication, <\/strong><strong>and more!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Virginia Credit Union \u2013 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vacu.org\/learn\/privacy-and-security\/watch-6-ways-to-outsmart-scammers\"><strong>5 Ways to Outsmart Scammers<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ramstrong.vcu.edu\/on-demand-sessions\/\"><strong>RamStrong On Demand<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">It&#8217;s time for the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Celebrating 29 Years of Giving and Volunteerism!\u00a0The Commonwealth of Virginia (CVC)\u00a0is the only annual workplace giving program for the Commonwealth\u2019s workforce and provides employees with a selection of approximately 700 carefully screened charities you can support. The campaign will run from October 7 until December 31. All monetary donations donated through the\u00a0CVC\u00a0are 100% tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You can give by credit card (until December 31) or payroll deduction (until December 15). Learn more about\u00a0CVC\u00a0at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.vcu.edu\/worklife-at-vcu\/commonwealth-of-virginia-campaign\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/hr.vcu.edu\/worklife-at-vcu\/commonwealth-of-virginia-campaign<\/a>. \u00a0Any questions please contact Cindi Phares at <a href=\"mailto:cphares@vcu.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cphares@vcu.edu<\/a> or <a href=\"mailto:worklife@vcu.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">worklife<\/a>@vcu.edu <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Still 2 flu clinics left!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Protect Yourself This Season &#8211; Get Your Flu Shot!&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Upcoming clinics are October 7 and October 14!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VCU Human Resources is offering four free flu shot clinics for VCU employees from mid-september to mid-October on both campuses. Appointments&nbsp;can be made through our appointment scheduler, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/hr.vcu.edu\/worklife-at-vcu\/flu-clinics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">website<\/a>&nbsp;for times, locations, and all the details. Stay healthy. Protect your community. Power through the season strong! If you have questions or would like to volunteer at one of the flu&nbsp;clinics, please contact Cindi Phares at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:cphares@vcu.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cphares@vcu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>October 2026 &#8211; Employee Well-Being Programs These VCU programs are free to attend and most are virtual unless specified below! Register in Talent to receive links. Thursday, October 8th \u2013 12 pm Managing Holiday Finances (Presented by VCU HR and VACU) The holidays are just around the corner and we know celebrating comes with a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7362","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7362"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7362\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7363,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7362\/revisions\/7363"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7362"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7290,"date":"2026-09-28T05:48:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-28T05:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7290"},"modified":"2026-08-18T14:49:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:49:08","slug":"motivational-monday-176","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/28\/motivational-monday-176\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"590\" height=\"746\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-18-104819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-18-104819.jpg 590w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-18-104819-237x300.jpg 237w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7290","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7290"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7292,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7290\/revisions\/7292"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7254,"date":"2026-09-25T05:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7254"},"modified":"2026-08-18T14:30:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:30:50","slug":"funny-friday-299","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/25\/funny-friday-299\/","title":{"rendered":"Funny Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"757\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/9.25.26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/9.25.26.jpg 780w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/9.25.26-300x291.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/9.25.26-768x745.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7254","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7254"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7254\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7256,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7254\/revisions\/7256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7254"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7254"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7254"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7350,"date":"2026-09-24T06:25:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T06:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7350"},"modified":"2026-09-21T18:33:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T18:33:47","slug":"stay-active-as-the-seasons-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/24\/stay-active-as-the-seasons-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Stay Active as the Seasons Change"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fall is here, and that means hot apple cider, horror movies, and a lot more flannel; but the changing of the season also means new opportunities for outdoor activities. While the summer heat can be oppressive, the cool, tepid temperatures of autumn make it a pleasure to spend time in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But you\u2019ve got to be prepared, because with fall comes shorter days, colder nights, rambunctious children, and lots and lots of leaves. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve made a list of things you can do this week to prepare for a fun fall season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and seasonal activities can make fall an especially inviting time to get moving outside. Take a walk to see the changing foliage, explore a nearby trail, go apple picking, or turn an afternoon of yardwork into a chance to be active. Along with helping you feel more energized, regular movement supports heart health and can lower your risk of chronic disease over time.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the days become shorter and the weather cools,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/us.list-manage.com\/aIsNFXgQmY6?e=3d56f51b50&amp;c2id=a65ff82c38266be53cb418ff90399887&amp;m=Ax49dO3OrDot0wz7DZBMXzo8bPQANo-TeA6cH_nUh3vTmM417vT6tVN93VEL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>a little preparation<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;can help you stay comfortable and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dress in layers, wear reflective clothing in low light, and check your bike or other outdoor equipment before heading out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"670\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/9.22.26.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/9.22.26.png 730w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/9.22.26-300x275.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dress for Success<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From September to October, temperatures can drop pretty quickly, so remember to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/move-it-monday\/4-reasons-to-bundle-up-on-monday-and-keep-moving\">dress appropriately when exercising outside<\/a>. We recommend layering up and experimenting with different types of breathable athleisurewear. A new pair of running shoes can also help cushion your steps and provide you with better traction on the trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stay Safe by Being Visible<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the days get shorter, you\u2019ll be spending more time outside&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/move-it-monday\/these-5-safety-tips-for-outdoor-exercising-may-save-your-life\">during periods of limited visibility<\/a>. If biking or running on the road, make sure to wear some reflective clothing or attach a blinking tail light to your bike or fanny pack. If walking, consider bringing a flash light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find New Hiking Trails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fall foliage is one of Mother Nature\u2019s most generous gifts. Use the Internet to discover new places to walk and hike. You\u2019ll be surprised at all the potential beauty hidden just miles away. Hiking is a terrific exercise for people of a variety of fitness levels. A hike up even a relatively flat incline can get your heart rate up, while working your hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and calves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make the Most of Pumpkin Picking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This may not be a sweat-inducing workout, but a stroll through the orchards picking apples or pumpkins with the family is a great way to get yourself outdoors and in the fall mood. You can even set a distance goal and track your steps as you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get the Bike Ready<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cycling offers great&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/move-it-monday\/physical-environmental-benefits-of-biking\">physical benefits<\/a>, but before riding, you need to follow the ABC safety checklist \u2014 air, brakes, chain. Properly inflated tires prevent flats, so check the sidewall of your tire for the recommended pressure level and fill tires accordingly. To check your brakes, simply give the front and rear brake levers a squeeze to make sure they engage properly. And to check your chain, look to see that the chain and all the gears are well lubricated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Don\u2019t Be Afraid of Seasonal Chores<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raking leaves is a sacred fall ritual, but it can also be a way to sneak in a little extra physical activity. The chore can help build core and upper body strength, and it can even burn some calories (about 240 per hour of raking).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fall is here, and that means hot apple cider, horror movies, and a lot more flannel; but the changing of the season also means new opportunities for outdoor activities. While the summer heat can be oppressive, the cool, tepid temperatures of autumn make it a pleasure to spend time in nature. But you\u2019ve got to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7350"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7352,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7350\/revisions\/7352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7357,"date":"2026-09-23T05:41:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T05:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7357"},"modified":"2026-09-21T19:46:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T19:46:05","slug":"september-wellbeing-tips-for-a-healthier-happier-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/23\/september-wellbeing-tips-for-a-healthier-happier-month\/","title":{"rendered":"September Wellbeing Tips for a Healthier, Happier Month"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">September can feel like a second January. The pace changes, routines restart, daylight begins to shift, and the easy looseness of summer gives way to fuller calendars. That can be energising, but it can also leave the body and mind playing catch-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news is that wellbeing in September does not need a full life reset. Small, steady choices can make the month feel calmer, healthier, and more enjoyable. Think of September as a chance to return to rhythm, not to pressure yourself into perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ease into a routine instead of forcing a reset<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">September often brings a strong urge to get organised. That can help, but an all-or-nothing routine usually collapses by the second busy week. A better approach is to choose a few habits that make daily life easier and repeat them often enough that they become familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with the parts of the day that carry the most weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many people, that means mornings and evenings. A rushed morning can create tension that follows you for hours. A scattered evening can make sleep harder and leave the next day feeling messy before it begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple September routine might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Waking up at a consistent time on most days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Getting daylight early, even for a few minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drinking water before caffeine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Setting out clothes, bags, or breakfast items the night before<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choosing one clear priority for the day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is not to control every minute. The goal is to remove small points of friction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If mornings feel chaotic, build a <strong>minimum routine<\/strong> that works even on difficult days. That might be brushing your teeth, drinking a glass of water, opening a window, and stepping outside for two minutes. It may sound too basic, but basic habits are often the ones that survive real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Evenings deserve the same care. September schedules can fill up quickly, especially with school terms, work cycles, community events, or home projects. Give the day a clear landing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try a short evening pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tidy one small area for five minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write down anything you do not want to forget.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put your phone away from the bed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do something quiet, such as reading, stretching, or listening to calm music.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A routine should support your life, not shrink it. If it starts to feel like another performance, simplify it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"148\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/9.23.26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7358\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protect sleep as daylight and schedules change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sleep is one of the first things to suffer during seasonal transitions. Later summer nights, earlier starts, and busier days can pull sleep in different directions. September is a good time to give sleep more structure without becoming rigid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The body responds well to cues. Light, temperature, movement, meals, and screen use all send signals about when to feel alert and when to wind down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Morning light is especially useful. Getting outside soon after waking can help your body recognize that the day has started. It does not need to be a long walk. Standing by the door with tea, walking around the block, or sitting near a bright window can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At night, the opposite matters. Dim the environment where possible. Bright lights and constant scrolling can make your brain feel as if the day is still active. A calmer sleep routine does not have to be elaborate. It just needs to repeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good September sleep habits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keeping wake-up time fairly steady<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding heavy meals right before bed when possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cutting late caffeine if it affects sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keeping the bedroom cool and comfortable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using the bed mostly for sleep and rest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Giving yourself a screen break before bedtime<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not turn sleep into another source of stress. Some nights will be short. Some will be interrupted. If that happens, return to the pattern the next day instead of trying to \u201cmake up\u201d for it with extreme changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Better sleep often starts with one repeatable cue, not a perfect bedtime routine.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If thoughts race at night, keep a notepad nearby. Write down worries, tasks, or reminders, then tell yourself they have been parked for tomorrow. This simple act can reduce the feeling that your brain has to hold everything at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Eat in a way that steadies your energy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">September can bring a return to packed lunches, quicker dinners, and more eating on the move. Food does not need to be perfect to support wellbeing. It needs to be regular, satisfying, and realistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A useful aim is to build meals that steady energy. That often means including protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and color from fruits or vegetables. This combination can help meals feel more filling and reduce the urge to graze without thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simple September meal ideas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Oats with yogurt, fruit, nuts, or seeds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eggs or tofu with toast and tomatoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soup with beans, lentils, or chicken<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grain bowls with roasted vegetables and hummus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pasta with vegetables and a protein source<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Baked potatoes with tuna, beans, cottage cheese, or chili<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stir-fried vegetables with rice and tofu, eggs, fish, or chicken<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seasonal produce can make eating well feel easier. Apples, pears, squash, carrots, greens, mushrooms, and late-season tomatoes can work in simple meals. Roasting a tray of vegetables once or twice a week gives you something useful for lunches, bowls, omelets, and sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydration also matters as routines change. People often remember to drink more water in hot weather, then forget once the air cools. Keep water visible. A bottle on the counter, in a bag, or beside your usual seat can act as a reminder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If September means busier days, make a few backup meals part of your plan. These are not \u201cfailure meals.\u201d They are part of taking care of yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good backup options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Frozen vegetables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Microwave rice or ready-cooked grains<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Canned beans, lentils, or fish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wholegrain toast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yogurt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nut butter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-washed salad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fruit that travels well<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most helpful food plan is the one that works on a tired Wednesday, not only on a calm Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Move your body in ways that match the season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">September is a great month for movement because the weather often feels more forgiving. It can be cooler than summer but not yet deep winter. That makes it a good time to shift from intense goals to consistent movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Movement supports physical health, but it also helps mood, sleep, focus, and stress. It does not need to look like a formal workout. Walking to an errand, cycling, gardening, dancing in the kitchen, stretching after a shower, and playing outside all count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key is to lower the barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If movement has slipped over summer, begin with short sessions. Ten minutes is enough to restart the habit. Once moving feels normal again, you can build from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try these gentle ways to add movement in September:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take a short walk after lunch or dinner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stretch for five minutes before bed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use stairs when it feels manageable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan one outdoor activity each weekend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do a short strength routine twice a week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walk while making a phone call.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put music on while doing household chores.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strength work matters too, especially as daily life becomes more seated. You do not need a gym to begin. Squats to a chair, wall push-ups, step-ups, and light resistance bands can all build strength. Start gently and pay attention to form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outdoor movement offers an extra benefit. It gives you daylight, fresh air, and a chance to notice the seasonal shift. A walk under changing trees can feel different from a walk on a treadmill, even if both are useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If motivation is low, pair movement with something you already enjoy. Listen to an audiobook, walk with a neighbour, choose a scenic route, or stretch while watching a familiar show. Enjoyment is not a bonus. It helps habits last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Care for your mind before stress piles up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">September can carry a hidden mental load. Plans restart, inboxes fill, school calendars appear, and the mind starts tracking more details. Waiting until stress becomes overwhelming makes it harder to respond well. Small mental health supports work best when they happen early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin by reducing avoidable noise. That might mean clearing old reminders, unsubscribing from emails you never read, or choosing set times to check messages. A calmer environment can reduce the number of tiny decisions you make each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A weekly reset can also help. Choose one short time each week to look ahead. Keep it simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What appointments, deadlines, or events are coming up?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What meals or groceries would make the week easier?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What needs to be prepared the night before?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where do I need rest, not more effort?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What can wait?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This kind of planning is not about packing more into the week. It is about seeing what is real, then making space for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mood can also shift with less daylight. Some people feel this strongly. If you notice a pattern of low mood, low energy, oversleeping, or loss of interest as autumn approaches, take it seriously. Gentle habits may help, but persistent symptoms deserve professional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daily emotional care can be simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Step outside in the morning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Name how you feel without judging it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limit doom-scrolling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spend time with someone who feels safe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do one task that gives a sense of progress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make time for quiet before the day ends.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Journaling can help if your thoughts feel tangled. You do not need to write pages. Try three lines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What is taking energy today?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is one thing I can do next?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What can I let be imperfect?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That last question matters. September often comes with pressure to be productive. Yet wellbeing grows through recovery as much as effort. Build in real pauses. A quiet cup of tea, a bath, a slow walk, or ten minutes with no input can reset the nervous system more than another completed task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reconnect with people and places that make life feel fuller<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wellbeing is not only personal habits. It also comes from connection, belonging, and time spent in places that feel good. September can be a good month to rebuild those connections after summer travel, childcare changes, or scattered schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start small. Send one message. Invite someone for a walk. Plan a simple meal. Join a class, group, or local activity if that feels appealing. Connection does not have to be constant to be meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shared routines can be especially comforting in September. A weekly coffee, a Saturday walk, a family dinner, or a phone call at the same time each week gives life a gentle structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nature can play a role too. Parks, gardens, riversides, beaches, trails, and tree-lined streets all offer a sense of place. Spending time outdoors can help the month feel less like a rush back into obligations and more like a season worth noticing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try making a September list with a mix of care and pleasure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cook one warming meal<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear one drawer or shelf<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buy apples or pears<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plan a slower Sunday<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take one golden-hour walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call someone you miss<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit a park or local trail<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read outside with a blanket<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small pleasures are not trivial. They help mark time. They give the month texture. They remind you that wellbeing is not only about preventing burnout, but also about enjoying your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make September feel supportive rather than demanding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best September wellbeing tips are the ones you can repeat. Choose a few supports that fit your life now, not an ideal version of it. Get morning light. Protect sleep. Eat steady meals. Move in ways you enjoy. Plan just enough to reduce stress. Make time for people and places that restore you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the month feels heavy, narrow the focus. Pick one habit for your body, one for your mind, and one for your environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Body Take a ten-minute walk after lunch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mind Write down tomorrow\u2019s main task before bed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environment Prepare breakfast or your bag the night before.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is enough to begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">September does not need to be a dramatic fresh start. It can be a quieter return to what helps you feel well. Let the month be steady, flexible, and kind. Then build from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>September can feel like a second January. The pace changes, routines restart, daylight begins to shift, and the easy looseness of summer gives way to fuller calendars. That can be energising, but it can also leave the body and mind playing catch-up. The good news is that wellbeing in September does not need a full [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7357","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7357","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7357"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7357\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7359,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7357\/revisions\/7359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7357"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7357"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7353,"date":"2026-09-22T05:26:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T05:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7353"},"modified":"2026-09-21T19:39:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T19:39:20","slug":"finding-your-balance-5-well-being-tips-for-the-autumn-equinox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/22\/finding-your-balance-5-well-being-tips-for-the-autumn-equinox\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Your Balance: 4 Tips for the Autumn Equinox"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The Autumn Equinox arrives on September 22<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 a gentle reminder to slow down, honour your rhythm, and practice gratitude as the seasons change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today marks the <strong><u><strong>autumn equinox<\/strong><\/u><\/strong>, the official first day of fall. On this specific day, day and night are exactly equal in length. As the seasons shift and the semester picks up speed, the equinox serves as the perfect reminder to hit pause and find your own balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"391\" height=\"239\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/92226.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/92226.png 391w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/92226-300x183.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 391px) 100vw, 391px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding Equilibrium: A Faculty and Staff Guide to the Autumn Equinox<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, <strong>September 22nd<\/strong>, marks the <strong><u><strong>Autumn Equinox<\/strong><\/u><\/strong>\u2014the official first day of fall. Derived from the Latin words <em>aequus<\/em> (equal) and <em>nox<\/em> (night), the equinox is one of only two times a year when day and night are of nearly equal length across the globe. It represents a brief, beautiful moment of <strong>perfect cosmic balance<\/strong> before the Northern Hemisphere begins tilting away from the sun, ushering in shorter days and longer nights<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For university faculty and staff, this mid-September transition often hits differently. While nature is gently whispering for us to slow down, harvest its bounty, and draw our energy inward, the academic calendar demands peak performance. The rush of the new semester is in full swing, midterms are looming, grading piles are growing, and administrative schedules are packed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This juxtaposition can feel incredibly overwhelming. How do we honor a seasonal shift that calls for rest when our professional environment is operating at 100 miles per hour?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer lies in harnessing the &#8220;fresh start effect&#8221; of autumn to build micro-habits of balance. Here are four practical, mindfulness-based strategies designed specifically for higher education professionals to find equilibrium this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. Audit and Rebalance Your &#8220;Work-Life&#8221; Ecosystem<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The equinox is nature\u2019s reminder that data-driven productivity must coexist with restorative downtime. When the academic year starts, it\u2019s easy to let work expand to fill every available hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Faculty Tip:<\/strong> Protect your research or grading time, but also set a firm &#8220;log-off&#8221; boundary. If you find yourself answering student emails at 11:00 PM, try shifting your wind-down routine just 15 minutes earlier tonight to signal a clear boundary between the campus and your personal life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Staff Tip:<\/strong> Take an intentional lunch break away from your desk. Stepping out of your office or administrative suite\u2014even for 20 minutes\u2014disrupts constant multitasking and protects your brain from cognitive fatigue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. Embrace the &#8220;Campus Harvest&#8221; Walk<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Autumn is historically celebrated as a time of harvest. Take stock of your physical well-being by utilizing your campus environment. The cooler air and changing light are perfect for low-pressure physical movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set a &#8220;walking meeting&#8221; with a colleague instead of sitting in a conference room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dedicate 10 minutes to a mindful stroll across the quad. Focus entirely on the crisp sound of leaves or the lower angle of the autumn sun. Grounding yourself in physical sensations acts as an immediate circuit breaker for mental stress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. Clear the Clutter to Reset Focus<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just as trees prepare to shed their leaves, the equinox invites us to let go of what no longer serves us. Physical clutter in your workspace can subtly spike cortisol levels and fracture your attention span.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spend just <strong>5 to 10 minutes cleaning one small space<\/strong>: a chaotic desk drawer, a crowded desktop screen, or that stack of old papers sitting on your office bookshelf.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A small workspace reset can cultivate surprising mental clarity and make a demanding workday feel highly manageable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4. Practice Mid-Semester Gratitude<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fast-paced nature of university life forces us to constantly look ahead to the next lecture, the next grant deadline, or the next committee meeting. The equinox asks us to temporarily pause and look backward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep an index card or notepad on your desk today.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write down <strong>three specific things that have gone well<\/strong> so far this semester. Acknowledging small wins\u2014like a breakthrough with a struggling student, a seamless process rollout, or a supportive conversation with a colleague\u2014rebuilds your emotional resilience for the months ahead.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Autumn Equinox arrives on September 22\u00a0\u2014 a gentle reminder to slow down, honour your rhythm, and practice gratitude as the seasons change. Today marks the autumn equinox, the official first day of fall. On this specific day, day and night are exactly equal in length. As the seasons shift and the semester picks up [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7353","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7353"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7353\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7356,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7353\/revisions\/7356"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7281,"date":"2026-09-21T05:44:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T05:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7281"},"modified":"2026-08-18T14:45:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T14:45:18","slug":"motivational-monday-175","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/21\/motivational-monday-175\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"547\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/9.21.26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/9.21.26.jpg 547w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/9.21.26-214x300.jpg 214w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 547px) 100vw, 547px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7281","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7281","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7281"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7281\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7283,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7281\/revisions\/7283"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7281"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7281"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7215,"date":"2026-09-18T04:11:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T04:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7215"},"modified":"2026-07-21T16:12:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T16:12:03","slug":"funny-friday-298","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/18\/funny-friday-298\/","title":{"rendered":"Funny Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"434\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/sept-19-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/sept-19-26.jpg 434w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/sept-19-26-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7215","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7215","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7215"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7215\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7215"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7215"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7215"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7346,"date":"2026-09-17T06:44:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T06:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7346"},"modified":"2026-09-08T14:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T14:46:16","slug":"how-to-shift-mental-gears-10-ways-to-build-resilience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/17\/how-to-shift-mental-gears-10-ways-to-build-resilience\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Shift Mental Gears: 10 Ways to Build Resilience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If we view challenges as stressful setbacks, there&#8217;s an opportunity to shift our perspective and grow from our experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"701\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-08-104502-1024x701.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7347\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-08-104502-1024x701.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-08-104502-300x205.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-08-104502-768x526.png 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/09\/Screenshot-2026-09-08-104502.png 1122w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imagine two equally talented graduates at their first job. Within a year, both are laid off due to downsizing. One becomes caught up in thinking he\u2019s failed: \u201cI was never good enough, my boss hated me.\u201d The other decides, \u201cI wanted this job so badly, I better fix my resume and learn how to deal with a difficult boss better.\u201d Who do you think moves through adversity more quickly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our perspective toward whatever we encounter in life fundamentally changes how we experience it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Redefining Stressful Setbacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stress itself can be defined as the&nbsp;<em>perception<\/em>&nbsp;that something is more than we can handle.&nbsp;&nbsp; When we frame challenges as surmountable, we more easily surmount them (or at least begin to work our way forward). When we frame them as opportunities for failure, we more easily fail. That may sound like the most hackneyed, clich\u00e9d advice ever\u2014but it is a foundation of resilience research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resilience relies on how we perceive our lives. So maybe we get queasy watching our child on stage for the first time; anxious and concerned, we start ruminating. Within those thoughts exist layers of assumptions, perspectives, and mental filters:&nbsp;<em>I didn\u2019t prepare her enough, she\u2019s going to embarrass herself, I must do something to save her<\/em>. If we feel our role is to protect kids from&nbsp;<em>everything<\/em>, that moment on stage becomes miserable. If we recognize we cannot shield our children from every hurt but we\u2019ve done our best, the experience changes:&nbsp;<em>I\u2019m almost as stressed as she is! Hope it goes well, but I\u2019m here if it doesn\u2019t.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2011\/04\/building-resilience\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Perception itself is malleable\u2014a focus of the military\u2019s resilience training<\/a>&nbsp;for soldiers. Participants explore&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindful.org\/the-5-major-mind-traps-that-hinder-happiness\/\">mental traps<\/a>\u2014habitual distortions that undermine emotional well-being. These \u201cicebergs\u201d can be as simple as thinking&nbsp;<em>asking for help is an admission of failure<\/em>. They might include catastrophizing the worst possible outcome of every situation, or alternatively, minimizing and ignoring whatever overwhelms. One might be an overly active&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindful.org\/basic-meditation-tame-inner-critic\/\">inner critic<\/a>, letting us know we are not good enough to manage. All represent filters that twist perspective and pull us away from resiliency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With mindfulness practice, we learn to hold these patterns to the light and question ourselves: What is valid, if anything, and what isn\u2019t useful? Is our view inflexible, reactive, or full of doubt? &nbsp;Without belittling ourselves or forcing ourselves to be unnaturally positive, we observe with curiosity, and redirect ourselves until new habits develop.&nbsp;<em>Right, she\u2019s on her own up on stage now; I\u2019m nervous but need to let go.&nbsp;<\/em>It\u2019s not that&nbsp;<em>every<\/em>&nbsp;challenge leads to growth; it\u2019s more that whatever happens, we\u2019ll get through it somehow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without belittling ourselves or forcing ourselves to be unnaturally positive, we observe with curiosity, and redirect ourselves until new habits develop.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindful.org\/living-loving-imperfect-life\/\">Uncertainty and change are inevitable in life<\/a>. But if the only relief we seek is striving to battle uncertainty into submission, that causes needless stress since certainty never happens\u2014and too much stress changes not only how we feel but the choices we make day to day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When we try to fix all we face and reach for a perfect picture of happiness, we often undermine our best intentions. There\u2019s a time for action, but quite often there\u2019s benefit from pausing and letting things be. We can shift our perspective to accept that not knowing everything and every outcome for sure is the norm. The perception that life can be anything other than uncertain and changing pushes us far from our most skillful and resilient selves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mindfulness Practice: 10 Ways to&nbsp;Build Resilience into Your Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1) Pay attention to how you experience challenges<\/strong>. We often add to unpleasant moments in ways that make them even more difficult. Note how your body feels, your emotions, and where your thoughts go. Are you projecting difficulty years into the future? Are you caught up in regret or resentment? Also, begin to separate your perspective (<em>This shouldn\u2019t be! Nothing ever changes. I should be able to manage this on my own<\/em>) from the experience itself. Children learn more from what you&nbsp;<em>do<\/em>&nbsp;than what you&nbsp;<em>say<\/em>, so your resilience\u2014the way they watch you approach adversity\u2014affects theirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2) Pay attention to your attitudes around setbacks<\/strong>. Many attitudes toward adversity seem like factual statements.&nbsp;<em>Those people are like that. My child will never \u2026.&nbsp;&nbsp; I\u2019m not the sort of person who ever \u2026 .<\/em>&nbsp;Notice those habitual thoughts, and ask of them,&nbsp;<em>Is it true<\/em>? Recognize your assumptions and predictions for what they are and see if anything changes when you open to other possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3) Catch yourself with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindful.org\/s-t-o-p-stress-tracks\/\">STOP practice<\/a><\/strong>: When feeling off-balance because of a challenging situation, pause.&nbsp;<em>Stop<\/em>&nbsp;whatever you\u2019re doing;&nbsp;<em>take<\/em>&nbsp;a few slow breaths;&nbsp;<em>observe<\/em>&nbsp;what\u2019s going on around you and in your mind; and then&nbsp;<em>pick<\/em>&nbsp;how to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4) Insert mindful moments into your day to build resilience<\/strong>. These suggestions, adapted from&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.apa.org\/helpcenter\/road-resilience.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recommendations of the American Psychological Association,<\/a>&nbsp;provide a framework for shifting perceptions and building resilience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5) Make connections and accept help.<\/strong>&nbsp;Value relationships with close family members and friends, and reach out for support when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6) Monitor for mental traps.<\/strong>&nbsp;Whatever your mental icebergs, pause, label them (<em>catastrophizing again<\/em>), and redirect. For example, if you feel shut down by fear, acknowledge that fact, then refocus on something useful to be done as a first step.&nbsp;<em>If nothing else, I\u2019m calling the pediatrician today and getting a referral.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7) Nurture a positive view of yourself.<\/strong>&nbsp;Catch your inner critic in action, set it aside, and focus on your own strengths instead.&nbsp;<em>Thanks anyway, I wish I\u2019d done it differently but I didn\u2019t. What would be the best thing to do now?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8) Aim to accept that change and uncertainty are a part of living.<\/strong>&nbsp;One common misperception that undermines well-being and resilience is fighting with whatever is truly beyond our control. Even when something upsetting happens, separate the experience from a broader expectation that it \u2018shouldn\u2019t\u2019 have happened in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9) Develop step-by-step goals and take decisive action.<\/strong>&nbsp;Rather than detaching and wishing stress away, stay proactive. When tasks seem unachievable, ask,&nbsp;<em>What\u2019s one small thing I can accomplish that moves me in the direction I want to go?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10) Take care of yourself.<\/strong>&nbsp;Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed for resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read the article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindful.org\/building-resilience-shift-mental-gears\/?utm_source=Mindful+Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=TOPSTORIES_MORGALWAYSON_09072026&amp;mc_cid=f8406a0ce5&amp;mc_eid=2c44ac7852\">here<\/a> on mindful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If we view challenges as stressful setbacks, there&#8217;s an opportunity to shift our perspective and grow from our experiences. Imagine two equally talented graduates at their first job. Within a year, both are laid off due to downsizing. One becomes caught up in thinking he\u2019s failed: \u201cI was never good enough, my boss hated me.\u201d [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7346"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7346\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7348,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7346\/revisions\/7348"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7324,"date":"2026-09-16T05:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7324"},"modified":"2026-08-18T15:33:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T15:33:24","slug":"the-easiest-way-to-walk-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/09\/16\/the-easiest-way-to-walk-more\/","title":{"rendered":"The Easiest Way to Walk More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get More Movement Wherever You Go<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>There&#8217;s no shortage of reasons to get out of the house this time of year. Farmers markets, local festivals, concerts in the park, botanical gardens, and neighborhood events all offer a chance to explore while naturally adding more movement to your day.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Movement doesn&#8217;t always have to come from a workout. The latest\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/us.list-manage.com\/tjPvDWvuUgd?e=3d56f51b50&amp;c2id=a65ff82c38266be53cb418ff90399887&amp;m=MtNo1BYcAiAR8MAJHR77kGW9OQ6QTgvm7f7W5a-MARv41JYjBErx5p5SrTAV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">research<\/a>\u00a0suggests that around 7,000 steps a day may be enough to see health benefits, and many of those steps can come from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/us.list-manage.com\/6FBPMM3NqeJ?e=3d56f51b50&amp;c2id=a65ff82c38266be53cb418ff90399887&amp;m=3GzCeTOgzFHWgO_BE8Quwl2GuqrI40mfMIJ7RIViVe2KIG_AzbyU4YtAXOKk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">everyday activities<\/a>.<br>This week, do something that gets you walking without making exercise the main event.<br><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"592\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-18-113202.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-18-113202.jpg 592w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-2026-08-18-113202-300x224.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take a look at your week. What outings do you have planned? What events are happening in your community? Movement might already be hiding inside your calendar. Here\u2019s how to make the most of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hit the farmers market.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wander stall to stall. Carry your own bags. Stop to chat with friendly faces. Go a little earlier than you planned and take the long way around. A farmers market trip has more movement built into it than most people realize, and none of it feels like exercise while it\u2019s happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>See what\u2019s happening in your community.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head to a county fair, explore a local festival, visit a botanical garden or the zoo, wander a boardwalk, or enjoy a free concert in the park. Walking the grounds, finding the next stage or vendor, swaying to live music, exploring what\u2019s around the next corner: these outings are naturally full of movement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make vacation days walkable.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re traveling somewhere new or taking a stay-cation, look for the walkable version of your plans. Choose destinations you can explore on foot instead of driving from one attraction to the next. Some of the best vacation moments happen when you\u2019re just walking around with nowhere specific to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Build movement into family get-togethers.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A walk before the cookout. A game of cornhole or frisbee in the backyard. A stroll around the neighborhood after dinner. These are easy, natural additions to time you\u2019re already spending with people you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Turn nearby errands into a walk.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the library, post office, coffee shop, pharmacy, or a local restaurant is within walking distance, consider leaving the car behind. Picking up a coffee, returning a library book, mailing a package, or grabbing takeout can all become opportunities to fit a little more movement into your day. You still get everything on your to-do list done, with the added benefit of fresh air and a few extra steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get More Movement Wherever You Go There&#8217;s no shortage of reasons to get out of the house this time of year. Farmers markets, local festivals, concerts in the park, botanical gardens, and neighborhood events all offer a chance to explore while naturally adding more movement to your day. Movement doesn&#8217;t always have to come from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":640,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7324","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7324","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/640"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7324"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7324\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7326,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7324\/revisions\/7326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7324"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7324"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7324"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]