[{"id":7056,"date":"2026-05-26T06:40:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T06:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7056"},"modified":"2026-05-21T21:44:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T21:44:51","slug":"june-2026-employee-well-being-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/26\/june-2026-employee-well-being-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"JUNE 2026 &#8211; Employee Well-Being Programs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Summer is here, and we\u2019re excited to kick off June with a great lineup of employee well-being programs focused on movement, mindfulness, money management, and summer wellness!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We would greatly appreciate your help sharing these opportunities with your colleagues and teams to encourage participation across VCU and VCU Health. Most sessions are virtual and free to attend, making it easy for employees to join from wherever they are. Participants can register through Talent@VCU to receive session links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This month\u2019s highlights include:<br><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\u2600\ufe0f\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/2600_fe0f\/72.png\">&nbsp;Summer Sweat<br><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\ud83d\udcb0\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f4b0\/72.png\">&nbsp;Medicare &amp; Financial Wellness Sessions<br><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\ud83e\uddd8\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f9d8\/72.png\">&nbsp;Guided Meditation &amp; an In-Person Sound Bath in Monroe Park<br><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\ud83c\udf3f\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f33f\/72.png\">&nbsp;The Science of Summer Wellness: Mind, Body and Energy<br><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\ud83c\udfc3\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/17.0\/1f3c3\/72.png\">&nbsp;Low Impact Aerobics<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether someone is looking to reduce stress, improve financial wellness, boost energy, or simply take a break during the workday, there is something for everyone this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you for continuing to support employee well-being and helping us spread the word. Your partnership truly helps us build a healthier, more connected VCU community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please see the full June schedule below and feel free to forward widely!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>JUNE 2026 &#8211; Employee Well-Being Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><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><a><\/a><a>Monday, June 1<sup>st<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 12 pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summer Sweat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation &amp; Well-Being)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This cardio circuit training is really going to challenge your muscles and heart with moves designed to target your full body. Option to add weights or just use your bodyweight<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4f11mYA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>Tuesday, June 2<sup>nd<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 2 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Medicare Overview and State Retiree Health Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Social Security)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join this workshop from Social Security and learn answers to questions about Medicare A and B. eligibility requirements, enrollment periods, application process and online services. VCU Benefits will also present on the State Retiree Health Coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/2d58442e-6755-4416-8d62-1e8663b4b7c9?session=46a8fa3d-ffa2-4bf3-b131-03990ff85297\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><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>Monday, June 8<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 10 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Money Mondays with Bill: Understanding Your Debt So You Can Take Control<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Fidelity)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Would you like to get a handle on your debt, once and for all? Discover real strategies to help you prioritize what to pay off first and tips for managing your spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/b2ddb083-d384-461c-a08b-6885dda4a9d7?session=5bf4c1fd-1b3e-4806-ba51-18478ec2e30c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><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>Tuesday, June 9<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Children About Money<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Anthem EAP)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Surveys repeatedly show that many teenagers do not understand even basic financial concepts. This class will review how we look at and communicate our money values so we can effectively instruct our children. We will discuss parental attitudes toward allowances and working, as well as how to set goals and create spending and saving strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/91627e82-0cbf-4216-a736-6b8aa6d89a46?session=0d92bffb-2fbe-412a-ba6b-0189e75ea84c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>Thursday, June 11<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 11 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sound Bath Meditation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Angela Worris)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Sound Bath is a form of meditation that guides you into a deep relaxation state while enveloped in ambient sound. Waves of soothing, echoing sound from crystal bowls, gong and various instruments assist the mind-body with stress and fatigue. Bring a mat or a blanket with you if you have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><u>THIS SESSION WILL BE IN PERSON IN MONROE PARK \u2013 MEET BY THE FOUNTAIN<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/82353558-62d7-4edf-be96-4e440b245bab?session=56931d17-25c3-4ee6-9e2b-2a6763534e69\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><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>Thursday, June 11<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Planning Your Family\u2019s Finances<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and VACU)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping your finances straight can be challenging. Add in other people\u2019s needs and habits, and it might be time to consult the experts. This seminar teaches you how to maintain and grow your family\u2019s money while making a solid plan for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/c87fca99-0c42-492a-a87d-4f515fdbefcd?session=55033a2e-2ac4-4806-a846-f96fc9fadec1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><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>Wednesday, June 17<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Guided Meditation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation &amp; Well-Being)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a break from the noise to find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This meditation is suitable for all levels of practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/ebf576a3-e9e3-4a6c-b00a-ab204b45e354?session=7c4893d7-ed99-4336-a4a3-3b6abca0dbb6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><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>Thursday, June 25<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 11 am<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Science of Summer Wellness- Mind, Body and Energy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and Employee Health)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Susan Richards, RN from VCU Employee Health will explore simple, science-backed strategies to help you feel your best this summer. In this engaging session, participants will learn how seasonal changes can impact physical and emotional well-being, energy levels, sleep, stress, and overall health. Attendees will leave with practical tips to boost resilience, stay energized, and support their well-being throughout the summer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/5901af83-3b6d-4121-97aa-3cc81abd5df6?session=37649301-cb20-49c9-bdb3-d612cce623d6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><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>Monday, June 29<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;\u2013 12 pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Low Impact Aerobics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreation &amp; Well-Being)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This low-impact class is great for any fitness level. Rhythmic, full body movements will help to loosen muscles while elevating the heart rate. No equipment necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Register:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/ui\/lms-learning-details\/app\/event\/dcd0ad01-30fa-44cb-9813-103a16063854?session=fd1bd392-51ae-40ec-a069-8acc45bae95c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Talent@VCU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>On Demand Webinars:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vcu.csod.com\/catalog\/CustomPage.aspx?id=221000415\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Work Life Playlists<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 New! Dealing with the Elephant in the Room and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Virginia Credit Union \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vacu.org\/learn\/saving\/watch-get-smart-about-saving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Get Smart About Saving<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ramstrong.vcu.edu\/on-demand-sessions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>RamStrong On Demand<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Did you know that June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"m_382926332679992718gmail-national-say-something-nice-day\">NATIONAL SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>June 1 is National Say Something Nice Day on the National Day Calendar. Today, we have an opportunity to make today extra pleasant for everyone by saying nice things all day long!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"m_382926332679992718gmail-saysomethingniceday\">#SaySomethingNiceDay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>National Say Something Nice Day is the perfect day to counteract bullying by practicing common courtesy. Our hope is everyone will use today&#8217;s National Day as a way to promote kindness and encourage people to be nice every day of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong><em>&#8220;If you can&#8217;t say something nice, don&#8217;t say anything at all.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Words are important. Once you say them you can&#8217;t take them back, no matter how true we think they might be. Luckily, we all know someone whose true nature is kinder than most who can help us emulate kindness. These people are a good example of how we wish we could or should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few other lessons we can learn from generally nice people. Nice people&nbsp; genuinely listen to others and tend to put others first. When they pay it forward with a compliment, there is sincerity in the words they speak. National Say Something Nice Day is not only about saying something nice, it&#8217;s also a day to do nice things for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"m_382926332679992718gmail-say-something-nice-day\"><strong>SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s easy to say something nice to or about someone.&nbsp;Think about the nicest person you know and take a cue from them by putting their better qualities into practice in your life. Bring a smile to someone&#8217;s face for the sheer joy of seeing them smile. Seek no reward other than knowing that someone&#8217;s day is better because a nice word was said. Use the hashtag #SaySomethingNiceDay on on social media to send nice words to everyone you possibly can<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"m_382926332679992718gmail-national-say-something-nice-day-history\"><strong>NATIONAL SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY HISTORY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mayor Keith Summey of North Charleston, South Carolina proclaimed June 1 as Say Something Nice Day in 2006. This wonderful day recognizes the communication efforts of specialist Dr. Mitch Carnell, author of&nbsp;<em>Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter at Work.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;How to Celebrate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Give a Sincere Compliment:<\/strong>\u00a0Skip surface-level flattery and focus on a person&#8217;s character, hard work, or talents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Write a Note:<\/strong>\u00a0Drop a quick &#8220;thank you&#8221; or positive affirmation on a coworker&#8217;s desk or send a text to an old friend.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share Positivity Online:<\/strong>\u00a0Post an uplifting message or shout-out on your social media accounts.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To read more about the origins and benefits of the observance, check out the&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/nationaldaycalendar.com\/celebrations\/national-say-something-nice-day-june-1\" target=\"_blank\">National Say Something Nice Day<\/a>&nbsp;guide or browse ideas on&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/nationaltoday.com\/say-something-nice-day\/\" target=\"_blank\">National Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summer is here, and we\u2019re excited to kick off June with a great lineup of employee well-being programs focused on movement, mindfulness, money management, and summer wellness! We would greatly appreciate your help sharing these opportunities with your colleagues and teams to encourage participation across VCU and VCU Health. Most sessions are virtual and free [&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-7056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7056","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=7056"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7056\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7020,"date":"2026-05-25T07:12:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T07:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7020"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:14:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:14:10","slug":"motivational-monday-158","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/25\/motivational-monday-158\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"718\" height=\"581\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-22-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-22-26.jpg 718w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-22-26-300x243.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 718px) 100vw, 718px\" \/><\/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-7020","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7020","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=7020"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7020\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7020"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7020"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7028,"date":"2026-05-22T07:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T07:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7028"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:16:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:16:25","slug":"funny-friday-282","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/22\/funny-friday-282\/","title":{"rendered":"Funny Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"845\" height=\"772\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/june-5-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/june-5-26.jpg 845w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/june-5-26-300x274.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/june-5-26-768x702.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 845px) 100vw, 845px\" \/><\/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-7028","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7028","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=7028"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7028\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7028"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7028"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7028"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7054,"date":"2026-05-21T06:47:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T06:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7054"},"modified":"2026-05-18T20:49:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T20:49:36","slug":"foods-that-support-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/21\/foods-that-support-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Foods That Support Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Mental health affects how we think, feel, cope with stress, connect with others, and move through daily life. While mental well-being is shaped by many factors, including sleep, movement, stress, and social connection, what you eat can also play a meaningful role in how you feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mental health is shaped by many factors, including sleep, movement, stress, and social connection. Research shows that what you eat can also play a meaningful role in how you feel, since the brain relies on a steady supply of nutrients to support mood, focus, and stress response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When certain nutrients are in short supply, it can become harder for the brain to regulate emotions and manage everyday stress. Over time, this can influence energy levels, emotional balance, and overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This week, take a closer look at a few\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/eat-these-foods-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety\">nutrient-rich foods<\/a>\u00a0that research has linked to better mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"592\" height=\"546\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/05\/may-21-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/05\/may-21-26.jpg 592w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/05\/may-21-26-300x277.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pumpkin Seeds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pumpkin seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of magnesium, and studies have linked adequate magnesium intake with lower levels of stress and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/magnesium-for-anxiety\">anxiety<\/a>. Magnesium plays a role in nervous system function and helps regulate the body\u2019s stress response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding a small amount of pumpkin seeds to meals or snacks can be a simple way to support magnesium intake throughout the week. Other magnesium-rich foods include chia and flaxseeds, black beans, cooked spinach, and almonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chia Seeds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chia seeds are rich in plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and help regulate inflammation. Research suggests that higher&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/12-omega-3-rich-foods\">omega-3 intake<\/a>&nbsp;is associated with improvements in mood and may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Chia seeds are easy to work into everyday meals, from smoothies and oatmeal to yogurt or salads. Other sources of omega-3s include flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish such as salmon or sardines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lentils<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lentils provide several B vitamins, including folate, which support brain function, energy production, and nervous system health. Studies have found that diets rich in B vitamins are linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression. Because lentils are also high in fiber and plant-based protein, they can help support steady energy levels, which may indirectly benefit mood and focus. You can also get B vitamins from dark leafy greens, avocados, and eggs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cashews<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cashews are one of the strongest plant-based sources of zinc, a mineral involved in brain signaling and immune function. Research has found connections between adequate zinc intake and lower levels of anxiety. Cashews are easy to add to meals or snacks and pair well with other nutrient-dense foods. Other zinc-rich foods include legumes, whole grains, and pumpkin seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Spinach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spinach provides both magnesium and B vitamins, nutrients that play important roles in brain and nervous system function. Studies have linked higher intakes of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/nutrition\/the-health-benefits-of-leafy-greens-and-how-to-prepare-them\">leafy greens<\/a>&nbsp;with better cognitive and mental health, especially as people age. Spinach works well as a base for salads, blended into smoothies, or added to soups and grain dishes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Foods to be Mindful Of<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Research also suggests that certain eating patterns may make it harder to support mental well-being over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Diets high in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/nutrition\/ultra-processed-foods-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ultra-processed foods<\/a>\u00a0are associated with a higher risk of depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foods and drinks with lots of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/healthymonday.com\/nutrition\/cut-back-on-added-sugar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">added sugar<\/a>\u00a0can contribute to energy crashes and mood swings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/alcohol-and-anxiety\">Alcohol<\/a>\u00a0may increase anxiety and disrupt sleep<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A note on mental health care:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Food can support mental wellness, but it is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. If stress, anxiety, or low mood are ongoing concerns, a healthcare provider can help you explore options that fit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This week, try adding one or two of these foods into meals or snacks and see how small changes can support how you feel throughout the week.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mental health affects how we think, feel, cope with stress, connect with others, and move through daily life. While mental well-being is shaped by many factors, including sleep, movement, stress, and social connection, what you eat can also play a meaningful role in how you feel. Mental health is shaped by many factors, including sleep, [&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-7054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7054","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=7054"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7054\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7026,"date":"2026-05-20T07:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T07:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7026"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:15:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:15:42","slug":"wednesday-wisdom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/20\/wednesday-wisdom\/","title":{"rendered":"Wednesday Wisdom"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"791\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-20-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-20-26.jpg 788w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-20-26-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-20-26-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-20-26-768x771.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 788px) 100vw, 788px\" \/><\/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-7026","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7026","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=7026"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7026\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7026"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7026"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7026"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7016,"date":"2026-05-18T07:10:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T07:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7016"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:11:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:11:36","slug":"motivational-monday-157","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/18\/motivational-monday-157\/","title":{"rendered":"Motivational Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"536\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-18-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-18-26.jpg 536w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-18-26-241x300.jpg 241w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px\" \/><\/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-7016","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7016","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=7016"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7016\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7016"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7016"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7016"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7024,"date":"2026-05-15T07:14:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T07:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7024"},"modified":"2026-04-29T19:14:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:14:51","slug":"funny-friday-281","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/15\/funny-friday-281\/","title":{"rendered":"Funny Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"381\" height=\"472\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-22-26-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-22-26-2.jpg 381w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-22-26-2-242x300.jpg 242w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 381px) 100vw, 381px\" \/><\/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-7024","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7024","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=7024"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7024\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":7051,"date":"2026-05-14T06:36:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T06:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=7051"},"modified":"2026-05-04T15:37:57","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T15:37:57","slug":"how-to-have-balance-in-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/14\/how-to-have-balance-in-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"How to have balance in your life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"848\" height=\"992\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-04-113723.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7052\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-04-113723.jpg 848w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-04-113723-256x300.jpg 256w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/05\/Screenshot-2026-05-04-113723-768x898.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 848px) 100vw, 848px\" \/><\/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-7051","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7051","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=7051"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7051\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7051"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":6996,"date":"2026-05-13T06:24:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T06:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=6996"},"modified":"2026-04-21T18:25:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:25:57","slug":"taxes-are-done-maybe-celebrate-with-a-shopping-trip-here-are-some-best-practices-to-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/13\/taxes-are-done-maybe-celebrate-with-a-shopping-trip-here-are-some-best-practices-to-help\/","title":{"rendered":"Taxes are done! Maybe celebrate with a shopping trip. Here are some best practices to help."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"571\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-13-26-1024x571.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-13-26-1024x571.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-13-26-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-13-26-768x428.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-13-26-1536x857.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-13-26.jpg 1870w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/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-6996","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6996","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=6996"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6996\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6996"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6996"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6996"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":6991,"date":"2026-05-12T07:21:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T07:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/?p=6991"},"modified":"2026-04-20T19:23:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T19:23:55","slug":"digital-burnout-why-are-you-tired-all-the-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/2026\/05\/12\/digital-burnout-why-are-you-tired-all-the-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Burnout: Why are you tired all the time?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Digital burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged screen exposure. Often showing up as constant fatigue, poor concentration, anxiety, irritability along with physical symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and disturbed sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A major driver behind this is screen addiction where people spend nearly 5 hours daily on devices with almost 70% of that time on social media, gaming or reals leading to information overload, reduce focus and an unhealthy dependency on digital content. Every swipe, every scroll keeps the brain switched on when it should be slowing down. Screen addiction disrupts sleep, floods the mind with constant stimulation, and raises stress levels. Over time, this overload sparks inflammation, dulls focus, weakens memory, and quietly accelerates brain aging, turning a daily habit into a long-term cognitive risk.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"386\" height=\"268\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-12-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-12-26.jpg 386w, https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/413\/2026\/04\/may-12-26-300x208.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Your eyes are equally affected. Prolong screen use can cause eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, commonly known as digital eye strain. While blue light interferes with melatonin production, making it harder for your body to fall asleep naturally. At the core of this issue is dopamine, the brain&#8217;s reward chemical. Screens overstimulate it, creating an addictive cycle. This imbalance combined with constant notifications leads to chronic stress and declining mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, simple lifestyle changes can help reverse digital burnout, such as limiting screen time, following the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain (Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away), avoiding phone use before bedtime, taking regular digital detox breaks, spending time outdoors, practicing dopamine fasting, and maintaining a healthy diet and sleep routine. Taking a break from your screen isn&#8217;t a luxury anymore. It&#8217;s a necessity. Because when you give your brain time to rest, you give yourself a chance to truly reset.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Digital burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged screen exposure. Often showing up as constant fatigue, poor concentration, anxiety, irritability along with physical symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and disturbed sleep. A major driver behind this is screen addiction where people spend nearly 5 hours daily on devices with [&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-6991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6991","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=6991"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6991\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.vcu.edu\/hr-worklife\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}]