Department of Budget and Management Health Benefits

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May is Mental Health Month!​
Your Mental Health Matters ​

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being because it affects how you think, feel, and handle stress. Good mental health supports a productive daily life, fulfilling relationships, and effective coping.  As you explore and cultivate positive mental health practices for yourself and your family this month, please remember that the Wellness Program is available to support you in your 2025 Thrive journey.

Virtual Spring Wellness Fairs May 5 thru 15th​Colorful balloon in the sky with clouds and says Thrive in 2025​

Elevate Your Wellness as you learn about no-cost

wellness opportunities from our benefit plan vendors!​



From Monday, May 5th through Thursday, May 15th, each of our benefit plan vendors will share information in 30-minute presentations about their $0-cost wellness resources, which are specific to each carrier.  Most vendors will offer 2 sessions each day, giving you the flexibility to join as many sessions as you want! 

But that's not all - we have fun activities lined up, including wellness trivia, wordle, and jeopardy. Plus, for every session you attend, you'll be entered into a raffle for a chance to win prizes. The more sessions you join, the greater your chances of winning!

So don't miss this fantastic opportunity to learn about valuable wellness resourceswhile having fun at the same time - view the  Virtual Spring Wellness Fair Schedule​ and click on the meeting choice at the listed date/time!

Spring Into Summer With the Summertime Challenge!

Summertime4.png
Remember the joys of childhood, like watching fireflies at dusk and the excitement of the ice cream truck?
What about Picnics? Stargazing? S'mores? Kite Flying?
Relive these memories and recapture your vitality with Summertime, a physical activity program with all things summer that will have you feeling like a kid again.


The Forgiveness Series
Mindful Monday with a beach scene background
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Monday, May 5, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: What is Forgiveness
Forgiveness involves letting go of grudges and bitterness, which can be challenging when you've been hurt. Join this webinar for a discussion on the elements of forgiveness and how to maintain appropriate protective boundaries when forgiving others. Register for 5/5 What is Forgiveness

Monday, May 12, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Forgiveness of Others
If you find it hard to let go of a grudge because someone hurt you and has not acknowledged their actions, this webinar will explore ways to release that hurt so that you can move forward with hope and grace.

Monday, May 19, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Forgiving of Self
How forgiving are you to yourself when you make a mistake? This webinar will guide you on how to be gentle and forgiving to yourself so that you can become your best advocate instead of your worst critic.


Join Chef Sandra for Dishes that Celebrate May!
​  Chef Sandra Wellness from the Kitchen - Entertaining and Deliciously Inspiring​

Tuesday, May 6, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Dutch Baby
Discover your new brunch obsession: the Dutch Baby! Crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and topped with sweet or savory condiments, this effortless dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, and even dessert!

Tuesday, May 13, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Greek Nachos
Give your snack game a healthy Mediterranean makeover! Layers of crispy pita chips, chicken, and tangy toppings create a vibrant, veggie-packed dish that's fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Tuesday, May 20, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Fettuccine Alfredo
Master this creamy Italian classic with just a handful of ingredients and get pro tips that will result in a silky, luscious sauce every time. This comforting dish comes together quickly and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal! Register for 5/20 Fettuccine Alfredo
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Tuesday, May 6, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Estate Planning
It's a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. Find out why you need an estate plan, including determining who will care for your children and make medical decisions on your behalf, and how to keep track of your digital resources and how to avoid probate.

 Healthy U Wednesdays:  Your Mental Health Checklist
Healthy U ​
Wednesday, May 7, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Mental Health Checklist - 10 Tips for Good Mental Health
This month is the perfect time to develop your personal mental health checklist! Using 10 easy-to-do action steps, you'll create mental health goals that will provide focus and direction, leading to emotional growth, a sense of purpose, and improved well-being. Register for 5/7 Mental Health Checklist

Wednesday, May 14, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety
Do stress and anxiety seem to be running your life? Get relief as experts in the mental health field share how spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, reframing your thoughts, and using additional natural tools ease anxiety.

Wednesday, May 21, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: The Power of Social Support
Leaning on your social circle is important when dealing with life's difficulties. Experts will share the best practices to cultivate a support network that you can turn to in times of need.

Wednesday, May 28, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Live Your Best Live - The Power of Mental Health
Learn how to spot the signs of mental health struggles, take positive action, and support others along the way with practical tips and resources to help you feel your best at work, home, and in everyday life.

Thrive Thursdays
Your Mental Health Matters

Thursday, May 8, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Pilates
Tension and stress can cause physical discomfort and mental strain. Seated Pilates helps your muscles relax and tension fade away. Appropriate for all fitness levels, this class will feel like a mini retreat!

Thursday, May 15, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Taking Care of Your S.E.L.F. (Sleep, Exercise, Love, and Food)
Learn effective strategies to elevate four important areas of your life: sleep, exercise, loving relationships (including with yourself) and food! Register for 5/15 Taking Care of Your S.E.L.F.

Thursday, May 22, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Chair Yoga
Practice restorative chair yoga to stretch and lengthen your spine, release muscle tension, and improve blood flow. Appropriate for all fitness levels, this class will leave you feeling revitalized! Register for 5/22 Chair Yoga

Thursday, May 29, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Transformational Thinking
Transform your thinking by expanding awareness of your whole body, learning coping strategies like affirmation and meditation, and how to "think" with your whole body, not just your brain!
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 Guided Meditations to Help You Let Go

TakeTime to Unwind   


Friday, May 9, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Letting Go of Obsessive Thoughts About the Past
Obsessive thoughts often result in anxiety. Meditation soothes anxiety through its ability to distance you from your thoughts. Practice letting go of your thoughts in this guided meditation and feel the relief!

Friday, May 16, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Letting Go of Resentment
The word resentment has Latin roots and its original meaning was "to feel again." To continue to feel past harms is painful - practice letting go of these painful experiences and welcome freedom into your mind and heart.  Register for 5/16 Letting Go of Resentment

Friday, May 30, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Letting Go and Moving Forward
Do you feel that you are often your own worst critic? Combat this self-defeating thought habit by letting go of it to move forward in this guided meditation.  Register for 5/30 Letting Go and Moving Forward​


Tips For a Healthier you in a blue sky with white clouds  
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Friday, May 9, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Learn interesting facts about emotional well-being, identify what mental health means to you, and discover the signs and symptoms of changes in mental health.  Register for 5/9 Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing 

Friday, May 16, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Coping with Anxiety
If you or someone you love experience chronic anxiety, you don't have to face it alone! Join this session for an in-depth review of anxiety and learn what can be done to manage it. Register for 5/16 Coping with Anxiety

Friday, May 23, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Recognizing Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged or repeated stress. Identifying the early signs and symptoms of burnout is the best way to prevent it. Learn the warning signs and when and how to reach out for help.  Register for Recognizing Burnout

Friday, May 30, The Power of Positivity and Affirmation
A positive mindset has been shown to increase overall well-being. Learn what research says about the benefits of adopting a positive perspective and turn lemons into lemonade! Register for 5/30 The Power of Positivity and Affirmation

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Department of Budget and Management
45 Calvert Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
300-301 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201