[{"id":7221,"date":"2026-07-30T06:26:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T06:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7221"},"modified":"2026-07-21T18:27:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T18:27:40","slug":"take-your-workout-to-the-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/30\/take-your-workout-to-the-water\/","title":{"rendered":"Take Your Workout to the Water"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Hot summer days are a little easier to enjoy when there&#8217;s water nearby. Whether you&#8217;re heading to the pool, the lake, or the beach, swimming is an easy way to stay active while keeping cool. This Monday, take advantage of the season and make a splash.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/us.list-manage.com\/lJgwEO56kpf?e=3d56f51b50&amp;c2id=a65ff82c38266be53cb418ff90399887&amp;m=Rrz8sZNMOuzInvXgw57HzuL1N9lanthCXseH7YjwPyWzrSPznvSNt_eO6Jwf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Swimming<\/a>\u00a0builds strength, gets your heart pumping, and is gentle on your joints. Water walking, water aerobics, and leisurely laps are all refreshing ways to move more this summer.<br><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"947\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-1-1024x947.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-1-1024x947.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-1-300x278.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-1-768x711.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-1.jpg 1122w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swimming is one of the few activities that works nearly your entire body while staying gentle on your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/swimming-joint-friendly-and-good-for-the-heart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">joints<\/a>. The water supports your weight, making it a low-impact way to build strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and stay active at almost any age. Whether you\u2019re looking for a new workout or simply a refreshing way to move more, swimming can be a fun addition to your weekly routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular swimming can strengthen your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mitrecsports.com\/aquatics\/why-swim-is-the-superior-workout\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">heart and muscles<\/a>, improve endurance, and support long-term health. Many people also find being in the water&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/stress-management\/blue-mind-theory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">calming<\/a>. The steady pace, the sound of the water, and the chance to unplug for a while can leave you feeling refreshed long after you\u2019ve dried off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And here\u2019s something many people don\u2019t realize: you don\u2019t have to swim laps to enjoy those benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Get Started<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Start with Water Walking<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re new to swimming or easing back into exercise, begin by walking through waist- or chest-deep water. The water creates gentle resistance that helps strengthen your muscles while putting less stress on your knees, hips, and ankles than many exercises on land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Try a Water Aerobics Class<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water aerobics is another beginner-friendly option. Many community pools, YMCAs, and fitness centers offer classes for adults of all fitness levels. It\u2019s a simple way to build strength, improve cardiovascular health, and enjoy the encouragement of exercising with others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Swim at Your Own Pace<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no need to jump in and swim lap after lap. Start by swimming one length of the pool, then take a break before going again. As you spend more time in the water, your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/physical-activity\/the-many-benefits-of-better-endurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">endurance<\/a>&nbsp;will naturally improve.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re not sure which stroke to try first, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usms.org\/fitness-and-training\/guides\/breaststroke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breaststroke<\/a>&nbsp;is often a comfortable choice because of its slower pace and steady rhythm. Once that feels familiar, you might try freestyle for a more continuous workout. Choose the stroke that feels most comfortable\u2014there\u2019s no right or wrong way to begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Build Your Confidence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swimming lessons aren\u2019t just for children. Adults can benefit from them, too. A class can help you feel more comfortable in the water, improve your technique, and teach important water safety skills. Even if you already know how to swim, learning a few tips can make each swim feel easier and more enjoyable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to swim outdoors, a little extra care goes a long way: choose designated swimming areas whenever possible, pay attention to local water conditions, and avoid swimming alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Keep It Simple<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Swimming works muscles that many of us don\u2019t use every day, so it\u2019s completely normal to get tired more quickly than you expect. Start with 10 to 20 minutes and alternate between swimming, water walking, and resting as needed. Every visit to the pool doesn\u2019t have to look the same.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, and swimming is one way to help reach that goal. Whether you\u2019re walking through the water at the beach, taking a water aerobics class, or swimming a few easy lengths, each dip in the water is another step toward a healthier routine.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hot summer days are a little easier to enjoy when there&#8217;s water nearby. Whether you&#8217;re heading to the pool, the lake, or the beach, swimming is an easy way to stay active while keeping cool. This Monday, take advantage of the season and make a splash. Swimming\u00a0builds strength, gets your heart pumping, and is gentle [&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-7221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7221","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=7221"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7221\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7223,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7221\/revisions\/7223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7177,"date":"2026-07-29T06:38:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T06:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7177"},"modified":"2026-07-21T15:42:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T15:42:12","slug":"augusts-well-being-programs-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/29\/augusts-well-being-programs-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"August&#8217;s Well-being Programs Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>These VCU programs are free to attend and most are virtual unless specified below! Register in Talent to receive links.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">_______________________________________________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><a>Thursday, August 6<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Full Body Circuits<\/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 30-minute circuit workout targets all parts of the body at different times to get that whole-body workout experience. We will work on arms, legs, chest, back, and core! All levels are welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4pvwEtW\"><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, August 10<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 10 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Money Mondays with Bill: Making Your Money Work as Hard as You Do<\/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\">Join Bill to see what options are available and what you need to know to get started with investing. There will be time for Q&amp;As as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4gDsIEU\"><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, August 13<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SMART Money Goals<\/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\">Let\u2019s start saving smart. In one of our top seminars, we will help you find the right goals and show you how to meet (and exceed) them.<\/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\/16c00994-af68-4e1f-b963-6d2935f8ceaa?session=058afcc5-37e5-4aea-93f4-8c0fb1f1121d\"><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, August 18<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Take Ten for You<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and CommonHealth)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small changes can add up to big improvements in how we feel. This session will help us identify where we can shift the focus of our day to revitalize, simplify, relax, connect, and take care of ourselves in just 10 minutes.&nbsp;Discover ways to lower your stress, reduce clutter, improve your health, give yourself peace of mind, and reduce your risk for chronic disease. Join CommonHealth in exploring how to have more time for a healthier you!<\/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\/fd38057c-f7e8-4042-b100-07487c822bcd?session=56acc7ea-bc53-4d5e-b54c-c64bc6f706fa\"><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, August 19<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stress Reduction Toolkit 2.0<\/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\">How do you know you are stressed? Do you recognize the symptoms of stress? Explore the newest research and what experts are saying about good and bad stress.<\/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\/b4840bb4-6530-47dd-abba-383a3b659b0a?session=aad89b2b-84a3-4301-8b2e-29d14fcde61e\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Friday, August 21<sup>st<\/sup> \u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Total Core<\/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 will focus on your entire core while standing and seated, starting with a short warm-up and ending with a nice stretch. This class is suitable for all levels of practice.<\/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\/a5971162-b5e2-4214-97fd-31f4855cb38a?session=56587d10-cf9f-4d6f-9bda-51ee876f9377\"><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, August 26<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 11 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to Get the Most Out of Your Retirement Income<\/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\">Learn how to plan ahead and create income that lasts the rest of your lifetime. Develop a diversified income strategy that helps you manage risk and protects your financial security in retirement. We will show you how to understand your income sources, create an income strategy to manage risk, optimize your income to last a lifetime, and how to start preparing now.<\/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\/256d72d4-775e-4d62-a15b-9a5c33d092ee?session=a87153ed-37c0-41b2-bbd0-d23292e142e8\"><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, August 27<sup>th<\/sup> \u2013 1 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Invest529<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Invest529)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When summer winds down and students get their backpacks ready, it\u2019s the ideal time to invest in the future with Invest529 \u2013 whether for your child, grandchild, or yourself. In this timely and relevant webinar, you will learn smart ways to save for future education expenses and start the school year feeling more prepared. <strong>BONUS<\/strong> for attending! You\u2019ll receive a $25 gift code to kick-start your new Invest529 account and the chance to win a $100 Target gift card (winner announced live!) Don\u2019t miss out. Register today!<\/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\/5c44bce1-a872-47e4-bc09-24df5aef6c0e?session=691662ab-42b1-47a1-9a95-949cbf1deda3\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><\/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! <a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/video\/12c8af5a-350a-4e98-a375-f05f034a532f\">The Science of Summer Wellness<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/video\/e1eb28be-3d89-4f42-814a-5ac24b77ce79\">Navigating the Student Loan Landscape<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/video\/d8937097-be00-48a6-bbdb-f0f8f5b33709\">Master Your Time, Maximize Your Impact<\/a>, and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Virginia Credit Union \u2013 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vacu.org\/learn\/saving\/watch-get-smart-about-saving\"><strong>Get Smart About Saving<\/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<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For VCU Health team members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a>VCU is pleased to share opportunities to attend university well-being programs with the broader VCU community, including colleagues at VCU Health, VCU Dentistry, and other affiliated entities. <strong><em>Please note that certain sessions\u2014such as those offered by financial vendors who serve only university employees\u2014will not be included.<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can now find <strong>direct links to these programs on the VCU Health intranet<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/intranet.vcuhealth.org\/sites\/employee-health-services\/SitePageModern\/79390\/employee-health-services\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong> The links are located to the right of the RamStrong logo at the bottom of the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a>Keep in mind that some features or services highlighted in the university programs may be limited to university employees or may apply differently to employees of VCU Health or other entities. If you are not a university employee and have questions about how a program or service applies to you, please reach out to your entity\u2019s HR department for guidance. VCU Health employees who are interested in these options are encouraged to reach out to their HR department to inquire about the availability of similar programs or resources.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2019\/01\/cropped-WellnessWheel_1-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2019\/01\/cropped-WellnessWheel_1-1.png 512w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2019\/01\/cropped-WellnessWheel_1-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2019\/01\/cropped-WellnessWheel_1-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2019\/01\/cropped-WellnessWheel_1-1-270x270.png 270w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2019\/01\/cropped-WellnessWheel_1-1-192x192.png 192w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2019\/01\/cropped-WellnessWheel_1-1-180x180.png 180w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2019\/01\/cropped-WellnessWheel_1-1-32x32.png 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These VCU programs are free to attend and most are virtual unless specified below! Register in Talent to receive links. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday, August 6th \u2013 12 pm Full Body Circuits (Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation &amp; Well-Being) This 30-minute circuit workout targets all parts of the body at different times to get that [&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-7177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7177","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=7177"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7178,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7177\/revisions\/7178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7171,"date":"2026-07-28T05:28:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T05:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7171"},"modified":"2026-07-13T19:33:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T19:33:14","slug":"eat-your-ice-cream-for-a-long-healthy-life-this-doctor-says-so","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/28\/eat-your-ice-cream-for-a-long-healthy-life-this-doctor-says-so\/","title":{"rendered":"Eat your ice cream for a long, healthy life? This doctor says so"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heard on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/programs\/morning-edition\/nx-s1-5868025\/morning-edition-for-july-13-2026\">Morning Edition<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/2100208\/allison-aubrey\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/2100208\/allison-aubrey\">Allison Aubrey<\/a> 3-Minute Listen <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/transcripts\/nx-s1-5884664\"><strong>Transcript<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/player\/embed\/nx-s1-5884664\/nx-s1-9845812\">https:\/\/www.npr.org\/player\/embed\/nx-s1-5884664\/nx-s1-9845812<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-28-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-28-26.jpg 790w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-28-26-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-28-26-768x515.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\">Oncologist and bioethicist Zeke Emanuel takes a back-to-basics approach to maintain good health in his new book, including tips like allowing yourself to enjoy ice cream.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re hankering for a cool treat on a hot day, nothing screams summer like ice cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And a physician renowned for shaping U.S. healthcare policy has a message: Go ahead and enjoy it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ezekielemanuel.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zeke Emanuel<\/a> is an oncologist and bioethicist who served as an adviser to the Obama administration, helping shape the Affordable Care Act. He believes in a system that invests in prevention, one that aims to keep people healthy. So when he released his book, literally titled <em>Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life<\/em>, I asked him what motivated him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Mostly anger at the wellness industrial complex,&#8221; Emanuel says. He says the wellness industry is selling people all kinds of things that are expensive and clinically unproven, pointing to the latest peptide trend, whole body scans and &#8220;all sorts of supplements&#8221; marketed as anti-aging elixirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his book, Emanuel takes a back-to-basics approach, based on evidence, to maintaining good health<em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And though the title is a bit tongue-in-cheek, he points to evidence that people who are in the habit of eating ice cream have a <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/s12916-014-0215-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">lower risk of metabolic disease<\/a>, despite the fact that it has lots of sugar and fat. Researchers have dubbed this the &#8220;ice cream paradox.&#8221; There&#8217;s data from 2015 that suggests &#8220;that ice cream is actually pretty good at preventing development of Type 2 diabetes, and dairy in general is good at preventing Type 2 diabetes,&#8221; Emanuel says.<\/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\"><strong><em>Want the latest stories on the science of healthy living? Subscribe to NPR&#8217;s&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/newsletter\/health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Health newsletter<\/strong><\/a><strong><em>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dairy contains whey protein that may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0924224424004175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">benefit glucose regulation<\/a>, which may partially explain the association, though the research doesn&#8217;t nail down cause and effect. Emanuel is also big on consuming more fiber and fermented foods, pointing to the need to feed the bacteria in our guts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Evolution would have gotten rid of them if they weren&#8217;t there for a reason,&#8221; Emanuel says. &#8220;And so treating them well, through eating more fermented foods, whether it&#8217;s yogurt or cottage cheese or hard cheeses like gruyere or kimchi or sauerkraut, good things for us.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prioritize sleep and stay active<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emanuel&#8217;s other recommendations for increasing your chances of a long, healthy life track with a huge body of evidence on the importance of daily habits, including exercise, social connections and sufficient sleep. A new study published this month in the <em>Annals of Internal Medicine<\/em> finds that people who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acpjournals.org\/doi\/10.7326\/ANNALS-25-01660\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">skimp on sleep for just six weeks start to gain weight<\/a>, in part because lack of sleep throws off hunger hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;We know that biologically, sleep is important. We know that it&#8217;s important to clear out the brain&#8217;s \u2014 to basically empty the garbage, as it were. We know it&#8217;s important to consolidate long-term memories. We know it&#8217;s important for DNA to repair. So there&#8217;s a lot of very important elements,&#8221; Emanuel says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bottom line: Sleep, he says, should not be shortchanged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emanuel&#8217;s most controversial advice: Do not retire. He points out that work provides a structure and a schedule, &#8220;so you get up and you go. It also provides a mental challenge and a social environment,&#8221; Emanuel says. So, you&#8217;ve got to think through how you&#8217;ll find structure, purpose and a social circle if you plan to leave a job that provides these elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He says that unless you consciously re-create this sense of purpose, you could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ajgponline.org\/article\/S1064-7481(25)00354-9\/abstract\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">increase your risk of cognitive decline<\/a>. There are endless hobbies and volunteer opportunities to take up instead. Research from UC Davis shows people who report a higher sense of purpose in life are 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;There are lots of organizations that need help, and you have skills, and you can get to know people,&#8221; Emanuel says, pointing to everything from volunteering at a school or food bank to signing up for a class or joining a club \u2014 all good ways to meet people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People who may want to meet up, he suggests, could also get ice cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;I enjoy it, that&#8217;s for sure,&#8221; Emanuel says. Chocolate hazelnut is his flavor of the summer. But, of course, everything should be taken in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Here&#8217;s a take on his six simple rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. <strong>Don&#8217;t be a schmuck!<\/strong> Avoid self-destructive risks. &#8220;Smoking is obviously not good for you. Vaping is also not good for you,&#8221; he says. Emanuel recommends limiting alcohol to three or four drinks a week, avoiding distracted driving, and he says it&#8217;s probably a &#8220;schmuck move&#8221; to climb Mount Everest, pointing to high risk of harm or death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. <strong>Talk to people<\/strong>. Strike up conversations. &#8220;My standard when I get into an Uber is to ask the person, where are you from?&#8221; Emanuel says. If you initiate a conversation, people will likely respond. &#8220;People actually like to interact. We&#8217;re social beings. We&#8217;re programmed to interact. And so you just need to take the initiative.&#8221; Casual interactions are meaningful and can promote positive feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. <strong>Expand your mind. <\/strong>Emanuel says he realizes most people eventually retire but take steps to maintain lifelong learning and stay curious. Finding ways to stay engaged and having a strong sense of purpose can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4.<strong> Eat your ice cream.<\/strong> A balanced diet matters, and people should eat to nourish and enjoy. Make simple shifts such as limiting soda and sugary drinks and snacks while focusing on healthy meals and having a treat at the end of the day. Everything in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5. <strong>Move it!<\/strong> Regular movement is important, including aerobic exercise that gets your heart rate up, as well as strength training. Walking after a meal is a great way to stabilize blood sugar and can help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/health-shots\/2023\/01\/12\/1148503294\/sitting-all-day-can-be-deadly-5-minute-walks-can-offset-harms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">offset the harms of sitting.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">6. <strong>Sleep like a baby.<\/strong> Sleep is fundamental to good health, and people who give short shrift to sleep are more likely to gain weight and be more sedentary. Sleep aids don&#8217;t work well, so practice good sleep hygiene, including setting a regular bedtime and optimizing your bedroom for sleep.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Heard on Morning Edition Allison Aubrey 3-Minute Listen Transcript https:\/\/www.npr.org\/player\/embed\/nx-s1-5884664\/nx-s1-9845812 Oncologist and bioethicist Zeke Emanuel takes a back-to-basics approach to maintain good health in his new book, including tips like allowing yourself to enjoy ice cream. If you&#8217;re hankering for a cool treat on a hot day, nothing screams summer like ice cream. And 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-7171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7171","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=7171"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7171\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7173,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7171\/revisions\/7173"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7182,"date":"2026-07-27T04:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T04:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7182"},"modified":"2026-07-21T16:01:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T16:01:52","slug":"motivational-monday-167","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/27\/motivational-monday-167\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"796\" height=\"763\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-27-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-27-26.jpg 796w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-27-26-300x288.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-27-26-768x736.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px\" \/><\/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-7182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7182","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=7182"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7184,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7182\/revisions\/7184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7092,"date":"2026-07-24T07:26:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T07:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7092"},"modified":"2026-06-09T19:27:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T19:27:26","slug":"funny-friday-290","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/24\/funny-friday-290\/","title":{"rendered":"Funny Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"812\" height=\"842\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/july-3-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/july-3-26.jpg 812w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/july-3-26-289x300.jpg 289w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/july-3-26-768x796.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px\" \/><\/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-7092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7092","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=7092"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7092\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7230,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7092\/revisions\/7230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7156,"date":"2026-07-23T07:48:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T07:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7156"},"modified":"2026-07-07T19:49:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T19:49:56","slug":"the-calming-power-of-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/23\/the-calming-power-of-water\/","title":{"rendered":"The Calming Power of Water"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.us11.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=1830e3c3d9dd1f0d36ffaa91b&amp;id=7b861634f8&amp;e=3d56f51b50\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blue Mind Theory<\/a>&nbsp;is the idea that being in, near, or even listening to water can calm your mind and leave you feeling mentally refreshed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research suggests spending time around water may lower stress, boost your mood, and improve focus. Explore simple ways to tap into the calming power of water, no ocean view required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"562\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-23-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-23-26.jpg 562w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-23-26-277x300.jpg 277w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ever experienced a profound sense of peace and tranquility when near a body of water?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, you\u2019re not imagining it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Enter the Blue Mind Theory:<\/strong>&nbsp;the idea that being in, under, or around water can have measurable&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcbsm.mibluedaily.com\/stories\/mental-health\/what-is-blue-mind-theory\">physical and mental health benefits<\/a>. For example, research suggests that being near water increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with relaxation and feelings of bliss, as well as other happiness hormones such as serotonin and oxytocin, resulting in lower stress levels, decreased heart rates, and an enhanced sense of relaxation. Additionally, the rhythmic motions and sounds of water can induce a meditative state known as \u201cblue mind,\u201d which fosters self-reflection, mindfulness, and artistic inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what if you don\u2019t live near the ocean or coastline?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t worry. The good news is that you don\u2019t need to be seaside to enjoy the advantages of Blue Mind Theory. Interacting with any body of water can yield positive effects. Here\u2019s a list of ways to help anyone become more blue-minded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Swim<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A quick dip in the pool can help reduce the risk of depression, especially if you take a swim in colder water. This aquatic activity can also help reduce anxiety and may even&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bupa.co.uk\/newsroom\/ourviews\/benefits-of-swimming\">promote the growth of new brain cells<\/a>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Go River Rafting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides being a thrilling outdoor adventure,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20923066\/\">river rafting<\/a>&nbsp;is associated with several psychosocial benefits, including relaxation, an appreciation for nature, and a sense of accomplishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lounge by the Lake<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just sitting by a pond or lake can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, according to an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0272494422000391\">article<\/a>&nbsp;published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. That means you can still enjoy the benefits even if you forgot your swimsuit.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Drink More Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dehydration can have disastrous health consequences. Drinking water throughout the day helps facilitate cell growth, regulate body temperature, maintain energy levels, and manage waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Visit an Aquarium<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides featuring an array of exotic colors and visuals, an aquarium can also be a source of stress relief. Research shows gazing at a personal aquarium for ten minutes can help lower blood pressure as well as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/10645578.2013.768077#preview\">&nbsp;foster an appreciation for marine sustainability<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Listen to the Waves<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sound of crashing waves or a babbling brook can offer some mild therapeutic benefits, even if you\u2019re just listening to a recording. One study found that listening to ocean noises before bed can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1307884\/\">help improve sleep quality<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Blue Mind Theory&nbsp;is the idea that being in, near, or even listening to water can calm your mind and leave you feeling mentally refreshed. Research suggests spending time around water may lower stress, boost your mood, and improve focus. Explore simple ways to tap into the calming power of water, no ocean view required. Have [&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-7156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7156","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=7156"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7156\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7158,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7156\/revisions\/7158"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7168,"date":"2026-07-22T05:25:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T05:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7168"},"modified":"2026-07-13T19:27:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T19:27:32","slug":"5-simple-morning-rituals-to-brighten-your-mood-and-support-mental-well-being","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/22\/5-simple-morning-rituals-to-brighten-your-mood-and-support-mental-well-being\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Simple Morning Rituals to Brighten Your Mood and Support Mental Well-Being"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Morning rituals have become a cornerstone of overall wellness. It isn\u2019t uncommon to hear everyone from your boss to celebrities herald their morning routines as a reason they\u2019re successful. While drinking hot lemon water, exercising, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-meditation-2795927\">meditation<\/a> are typical morning go-tos, we became interested in learning more about the uncommon routines people use in those precious first ten minutes of the morning.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"492\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-22-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-22-26.jpg 737w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-22-26-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We talked to five different people with widely varying occupations, ranging from a writer to a massage therapist to a professional skateboarder. Some of their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/morning-routine-4174576\">morning rituals<\/a> were unique twists on tried-and-true go-tos, while others were ones we had never considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Talk To Your Pets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joey*, a writer, shared that their morning routine is simple: They drink coffee and talk to their cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think that because I spend a lot of my day on my computer looking at the screen for writing and stuff, it\u2019s lovely to start my day interacting with these sweet furry creatures,\u201d they explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watching their cats play offers Joey a respite from screentime. And it has another benefit: \u201cThey make me laugh,\u201d Joey said. Laughter has been shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce stress.1 \u201cCats are very funny, so there\u2019s also something grounding about enjoying the humor of it all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Embrace a Spiritual Interest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lily is a creative director and astrologer. When it comes to prepping for work days, she relies on classic methods like drinking hot <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/i-drank-lemon-water-for-a-week-11690668\">lemon water<\/a> and going for a long walk with her dog. However, she digs into a different routine on the weekends. \u201cI usually like to start my leisurely days with a spiritual mental component,\u201d she shared. She\u2019ll light a candle, pull a tarot card, and journal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her final step is to review the day\u2019s astrological aspects. \u201cIt feels great to start my day like this because there is a depth to it that I really love,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to note that Lily uses <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/the-psychology-behind-why-we-care-about-astrology-5217929\">astrology as a supportive tool<\/a> for self-reflection or to understand how she might experience the day, rather than as a be-all end-all oracle. Using astrology to predict the future, or relying on astrological aspects as definitive information, can increase stress. As with all things, moderation is key.2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Sit in Complete Silence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leeann is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/massage-therapy-for-panic-disorder-2584306\">massage therapist<\/a>. This means her job isn\u2019t only physically demanding; it can be emotionally taxing too. That\u2019s why she observes a period of complete silence in the morning. She\u2019s not meditating, reading, drinking coffee\u2014she is just still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBeing in a client-based business, you\u2019re constantly chatting. I have to adjust myself to other people\u2019s tone, and that can be exhausting,\u201d she shared. Her quiet mornings refill her cup so she seldom feels depleted at the end of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This practice was prompted by Leeann\u2019s partner\u2019s morning ritual. Her partner, also a massage therapist, wakes up and cleans their entire home, which helps her start the day with a clean slate. She also prefers quiet while she cleans, which led Leann to sit quietly with herself in the mornings. Leann soon realized it was the perfect dynamic for them, and the perfect morning practice for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Look Out the Window and Get Some Sun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is well known that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/daily-micro-habit-morning-sun-11779903\">getting some sun<\/a> in the morning can increase melatonin production and make for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-sleep-hygiene-5085887\">much better sleep<\/a> in the evening. But some people can\u2019t seem to get out of bed early enough for a morning walk. If you fall into that category, then this suggestion is for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mike, a retired professional skateboarder, isn\u2019t a morning person. He lives in a condo, so he doesn\u2019t have a backyard he can walk out into to get some sun. Instead, he brushes his teeth, drinks a large glass of water, and stands by the brightest window. By basking in the light, he finds himself <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/how-to-get-more-energy-naturally-8636255\">getting more energy<\/a>. While getting direct sunlight is probably ideal, this is the next best thing.3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Take Some Time to Be Creative<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Katie, a writer and producer, is doing all the right things in the morning: Meditation, water, and exercise. She also dedicates 1-2 hours of her mornings to writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While some may focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/writing-in-a-gratitude-journal-for-stress-relief-3144887\">journaling and gratitude lists<\/a>, Katie focuses on her creative projects, like a feature film she\u2019s writing. \u201cI feel like I get a little <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-dopamine-5185621\">dopamine boost<\/a>,\u201d explains Katie. \u201cIt makes me much happier because I\u2019ve carved out time for my creative work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Take Your Mornings to the Next Level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every person we interviewed had one thing in common: They all found a specific way to meet a key personal need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To level up your mornings, tap into what you feel the most depleted by at the end of the day. Maybe it\u2019s socializing, or not having time for a creative project, or not being able to sleep. Whatever it is, see how you can counteract that with one simple act first thing in the morning. Use that as the foundation for your new and improved morning routine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mood-boosting morning rituals can support your emotional, physical, or creative well-being.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Habits like laughter, quiet time, sunlight exposure, and creative work may help people feel more energized and balanced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The most effective morning routines often address a personal need, such as stress, fatigue, or lack of creativity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Morning rituals have become a cornerstone of overall wellness. It isn\u2019t uncommon to hear everyone from your boss to celebrities herald their morning routines as a reason they\u2019re successful. While drinking hot lemon water, exercising, and meditation are typical morning go-tos, we became interested in learning more about the uncommon routines people use in those [&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-7168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7168","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=7168"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7168\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7170,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7168\/revisions\/7170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7218,"date":"2026-07-21T18:25:51","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T18:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7218"},"modified":"2026-07-21T18:25:53","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T18:25:53","slug":"dont-let-summer-spending-stress-you-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/21\/dont-let-summer-spending-stress-you-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Don&#8217;t Let Summer Spending Stress You Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer expenses can add up quickly, especially when routines and income change. If money worries are taking up too much mental space, a few practical steps can help you feel more organized and less overwhelmed. Start by assessing your finances, creating a realistic budget, and finding healthy ways to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/us.list-manage.com\/HY49RXR0yzS?e=3d56f51b50&amp;c2id=a65ff82c38266be53cb418ff90399887&amp;m=AyZnsKoS9ZMTwNmpcOIbTwru5gjB2J1GLEjp0MFhyrr2OXbe8A2SbDe4hx67\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manage financial stress<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"869\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-869x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-869x1024.jpg 869w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-255x300.jpg 255w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26-768x905.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/jul-30-26.jpg 962w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 869px) 100vw, 869px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many, financial stress is an all-consuming anxiety. The specter of debt, late payment, and seizure of assets lingers over a growing number of individuals and families around the world.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2015\/04\/money-stress\">Surveys<\/a>&nbsp;show that nearly three out of four American adults reported feeling stressed about money during the past month, while around a quarter of respondents said that they experienced \u201cextreme stress.\u201d Parents of young children, as well as younger generations (Millennials and Gen Xers), are especially susceptible to feeling anxious over their income, debt, and financial stability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Financial problems can be painful, challenging, and demoralizing, but handling them emotionally or haphazardly will only make them worse. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to approach financial stress the same way you would approach other emotionally challenging situations. By gaining a better understanding of financial management and learning a few key stress reduction techniques, a person can develop the clarity, confidence, and knowledge necessary to overcome this challenge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Find Support&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sharing something deeply personal is never easy, but keeping it all inside can be even more destructive. If you\u2019re feeling embarrassed or ashamed, consider discussing the matter with an online community, a financial advisor, or a support group. You\u2019ll quickly learn that you\u2019re not alone, and that many others are in a similar situation. Once comfortable, try talking with a trusted friend or family member. Not only will this relieve some internal tension, but it may also yield some valuable insight or advice, or simply help put things in perspective.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Understand Your Current Financial Situation&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When facing financial difficulties, the most productive step is to assess your current financial situation. Don\u2019t ignore bills or creditors; this will only compound the problems. Instead, take a deep dive into your financials, which may feel intimidating at first, but will help you comprehend and manage your situation in the long run. Have a document on your computer that lists your debts, spending, and income sources. Try to cut back on unnecessary expenses, like fancy morning coffee, pricey lunch, or nonessential subscriptions (hello, streaming services), and avoid scenarios that may compel you to spend money unwisely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Create a Monthly Budget<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step to creating a budget is to calculate your net income (take-home pay after taxes). Next, track and organize your expenses. Review your monthly bank or credit card statement to identify fixed costs (such as rent, mortgage, and car payments), variable costs (which change month-to-month), and any additional spending (on leisure, dining, entertainment, or subscriptions). Think of this process like spring cleaning or a yard sale. The more you cut, the more money you will be able to save (and spend) later on. Defining a budget helps offer perspective and allows you to identify the things that truly matter to you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Practice Stress Management Techniques&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clear mind is essential when dealing with complex or challenging scenarios. Use different stress management techniques, like deep breathing practices&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/stress-management\/the-4-7-8-breathing-technique\">(4-7-8 technique<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/disease-prevention\/belly-breathing\">belly breathing<\/a>), yoga, visualization techniques (picture yourself debt-free), or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/stress-management\/stay-focused-and-motivated-with-positive-words-of-affirmation\">positive affirmations<\/a>, such as \u201cI am strong, resilient, and can overcome challenges\u201d or \u201cI am enough, just as I am,\u201d to help&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/stress-management\/let-negative-thoughts-pass-monday\">reframe negative thoughts<\/a>&nbsp;and alleviate tension throughout the day. Regular sleep, a nutritious diet, and routine physical activity are all equally important to maintaining a positive outlook during challenging times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Financial stressors are always difficult and upsetting, but by talking with others, finding support, enlisting the help of professional financial advisors, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/stress-management\/healthy-intentions\">maintaining a clear mind<\/a>&nbsp;and healthy body, you will be best equipped to weather the storm. It may feel like you\u2019re alone, but keep in mind that this issue affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels. Take the next step with our free&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Finance-Stress-Relief-Workbook.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Financial Stress Relief Workbook<\/strong><\/a>, a practical tool to help you stay organized, manage stress, and find financial peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out all the financial well-being resources available on <a href=\"https:\/\/ramstrong.vcu.edu\/resources\/financial\/\">RamStrong<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summer expenses can add up quickly, especially when routines and income change. If money worries are taking up too much mental space, a few practical steps can help you feel more organized and less overwhelmed. Start by assessing your finances, creating a realistic budget, and finding healthy ways to\u00a0manage financial stress. For many, financial stress [&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-7218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7218","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=7218"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7218\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7220,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7218\/revisions\/7220"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7163,"date":"2026-07-21T06:49:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T06:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7163"},"modified":"2026-07-07T20:51:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T20:51:17","slug":"beat-the-heat-and-protect-your-heart","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/21\/beat-the-heat-and-protect-your-heart\/","title":{"rendered":"Beat the Heat and Protect Your Heart"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warm weather can make it easier to get outside, be active, and enjoy time with family and friends. But extreme heat can also affect heart and brain health. Heat places added strain on the cardiovascular system as the body works harder to stay cool. This can be especially important for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and others living with chronic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"237\" height=\"211\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/07\/july-21-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7164\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This summer, take a few simple steps to protect your health before heading outdoors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check the forecast and local\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/us.list-manage.com\/DvvXxJqLEQq?e=44f0166d3c&amp;c2id=2cb513e66676c97cb5df7b597650d2d2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>HeatRisk<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>before planning outdoor activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule walks, exercise, yardwork, or errands\u00a0<\/strong>during cooler morning or evening hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take frequent breaks<\/strong>\u00a0in air-conditioned buildings, shaded areas, or cooling centers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drink water regularly,<\/strong>\u00a0even before you feel thirsty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing<\/strong>\u00a0and use sunscreen when outdoors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Know the warning signs of heat-related illness,<\/strong>\u00a0including dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or fainting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Make a plan for medications and fluid limits.<\/strong>\u00a0If you have been told to limit fluids or take medications that may be affected by heat, talk with your health care provider about a safe summer plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extreme heat can come on quickly, but planning ahead can help you stay active and safe. Small choices, like moving activities to cooler parts of the day or taking more breaks, can make a meaningful difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay heart healthy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Warm weather can make it easier to get outside, be active, and enjoy time with family and friends. But extreme heat can also affect heart and brain health. Heat places added strain on the cardiovascular system as the body works harder to stay cool. This can be especially important for people with heart disease, high [&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-7163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7163","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=7163"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7163\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7165,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7163\/revisions\/7165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7098,"date":"2026-07-20T07:32:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T07:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7098"},"modified":"2026-06-09T19:32:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T19:32:45","slug":"motivational-monday-166","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/07\/20\/motivational-monday-166\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"570\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july-3.jpg 570w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/06\/mm-july-3-300x294.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px\" \/><\/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-7098","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7098","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=7098"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7098\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7175,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7098\/revisions\/7175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7098"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]