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January 2025 Wellness Newsletter​
Thrive in 2025 with decorative flowers in background 
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Does it sometimes feel that you are just surviving instead of fully thriving? If you have energy, optimism, and good physical and mental health, you are on your way to thriving. When you harness these to help you plan for your future, live your values, do meaningful work, and enjoy supportive relationships, you are well on your way to fully thriving. 

The Wellness Program is here to motivate, inspire, and educate you through our wellness webinars, healthy challenges, guided meditations, wellness coaching, and much more. Let us support you as you embark on your 2025 Thrive Journey!

A New Challenge Starts January 20!Mindful Monday on a beach scene 

Don't leave your wellness out in the cold! Snow Wonder will light a fire in your exercise, nutrition, and happiness routines to help you thrive, no matter how cold the weather. In this challenge, you'll earn inches of snow that convert to a winter wonderland picture and collect snow globes as you log your activities. You'll also participate in "wonders" to help you maintain a positive mindset during the dreary days of winter. Join coworkers, friends, and family members in teams and share successes through an interactive message board. Snow Wonder is the perfect challenge to help beat the winter blues!


Mindful Mondays:
Thrive with Happy Habits
Mindful Monday with a beach scene background
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Monday, 1/13, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Building Happy Habits
It's been shown that people who practice specific habits improve their physical and mental health, are more productive, and live longer. Learn what these happy habits are and how to easily incorporate them into a life of thriving. Register for 1/13 Building Happy Habits

Monday, 1/27, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Practicing Positive Thinking
​When you focus on the positive aspects of a situation, you shift your mindset to one of hope, empowerment, resilience and optimism. Research shows this has a profound effect on your mental and physical health, such as reducing depression, managing healthy blood pressure levels, and even extending your lifespan. Learn how to think positively as you begin your 2025 Thrive journey! Register for 1/27 Practicing Positive Thinking


 Tuesday Wellness From the Kitchen: New Year, New Dishes!  Chef Sandra Wellness from the Kitchen - Entertaining and Deliciously Inspiring​
NEW FOR 2025! ATTEND SESSIONS TO WIN A 
WELLNESS FROM THE KITCHEN/LIFE AT THE TABLE APRON!​

Tuesday, 1/14, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Pad Thai
Craving a healthy dish packed with flavor, history, and a touch of magic? Look no further than Pad Thai! A true fusion of Thai and Chinese food cultures, this delicious stir-fried noodle dish has fresh veggies, and crunchy peanuts in a savory sauce. Your taste buds will dance!
Tuesday, 1/21, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Fiji Chicken Curry
Break out of a boring dinner routine with this flavor-filled Fiji Chicken Curry dish! While there are many styles of curry, this popular one from Fiji is known for its delicious and satisfying flavor. Easy to make and loaded with vitamins and calcium, this healthy meal is a winner any night of the week.

Tuesday, 1/28, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Wonton Soup
The word wonton roughly translates to "clouds" in Cantonese and describes the appearance of the floating dumplings in broth. The small dumplings are made from noodle dough and filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables. When added to the broth, this is a perfect warm and nourishing dish on a cold evening!  

Tuesday, 1/14, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: MetLife Presents Moving Forward in a Changing World
Financial thriving starts by having a financial plan with clear goals. Learn steps to take right now to help you with today's uncertainty and unexpected future events as you explore the benefits of creating an emergency fund, maximizing your employee benefits, and more to develop a plan that works for you.  Register for 1/14 Moving Forward in a Changing World

 Healthy U Wednesday Series: Say Hello to 2025 SMART Goals!
Healthy U ​
Wednesday, 1/15, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: What Healthier Habits Do You Want to Build in 2025?
Many of us try to begin new behaviors without considering if we are really ready to change. In this live webinar, you'll identify your personal stage of change readiness and learn habit building strategies for wherever you are in the change process. Prepare for this session by reflecting on what habits you want to discard in 2025 and new ones you'd like to adopt.
Register for 1/15 Build Healthier Habits​

Wednesday, 1/22, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: SMART Nutrition Goals
It can be discouraging to make an "eat better" goal each January that doesn't last beyond April. Learn how to create a specific, action-oriented, and realistic SMART plan to help ensure your success through April 2025 and beyond!  Register for 1/22 SMART Nutrition Goals

Wednesday, 1/29, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: SMART Fitness Goals
Do you vow to get back in shape now that the holidays are over, only to experience the "too much, too soon" syndrome that leaves you discouraged or even injured? A SMART plan will help you begin on the right foot so that you stay motivated, optimistic, and injury-free!

Thursday Wellness Focus:
Simple Holiday Self-Care Tips​
Food for Thought on piece of paper

Thursday, 1/9, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Herbs and Other Natural Foods
Herbs have long been used to support good health, from reducing joint inflammation and pain to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and reducing stress. Natural foods such as fresh fruit and veggies, nuts and whole grains, and fish provide a bounty of good-for-you nutrients. Learn about healthy and safe herbs and other natural foods to try on your thrive journey!   Register for 1/9 Herbs and Other Natural Foods

Thursday, 1/16, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Smart Grocery Shopping and Label Reading
Don't let the claims on the front of a food package fool you - they're designed to convince you that the product is healthy. It's the back label that's important, where the ingredients are listed by highest to lowest quantity. An easy rule of thumb is to look for products that list whole foods as the first three ingredients. In this webinar, learn other easy tips and tricks that help you shop smartly!  Register for 1/16 Smart Grocery Shopping and Label Reading

Thursday, 1/23, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Food and Mood
Do you crave chocolate, ice cream, or potato chips when you're stressed? This is a very common attempt to relieve stress and seems to work momentarily. However, there are more healthy, calming, and lasting actions you can take for relief without the extra calories! Register for 1/23 Food and Mood

Thursday, 1/30, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Dining Out the Healthy Way
Dining out has its benefits - it's enjoyable dining with others and provides an opportunity to explore new food cultures. But there are unique challenges when trying to dine out the healthy way. Learn easy tips and tricks that overcome these challenges and allow you to fully enjoy the experience, including desserts!  Register for 1/31 Dining Out the Healthy Way

Friday Unwind Time Guided Meditations to Cultivate a Thriving Mindset

TakeTime to Unwind   

Friday, 1/10, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Focusing on the Positive Moments of the Day When you have "one of those days" where you feel overwhelmed and anxious, your brain and body need a positivity break. In this guided meditation you'll focus on the positive moments of your day. Experience how these glimmers of joy boost your strength and resilience when you're in survival mode as well as when you are thriving. Register for 1/10 Focusing on the Glimmers

Friday, 1/17, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Reflecting on a Positive Future
In this guided meditation you'll connect to a place inside you that's ready to create a positive and thriving future. Experience what it feels like as you see what your future looks like in your mind's eye and take this feeling with you as you head back to your day and beyond. Register for 1/17 Reflecting on a Positive Future

Friday, 1/24, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Giving Gladness to Your Thinking Mind
Your brain does so much for you! It takes in, processes, analyzes, and stores heaps of information for you. Yet sometimes it can do too much for you, leaving you feeling stressed and tired. In this guided meditation, you will give your mind permission to simply be. Your brain will thank you!

Friday, 1/31, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Reflecting on a Role Model
It's important to have a role model who influences you to thrive. In this guided meditation, you'll reflect on someone who inspires you as you consider the qualities of their presence that you would like to develop in yourself.  Register for 1/31 Reflecting on a Role Model​

Tips For a Healthier you in a blue sky with white clouds  
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Friday, 1/10/25, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Dietary Guidelines
If your 2025 resolutions include healthy eating, you're in luck! Nutrition goals can be simple and easy to achieve. Explore the updated 2025 dietary guidelines to learn how to increase the nutritional content of the meals you eat.  Register for 1/10 Dietary Guidelines

Friday, 1/17/25, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Know Your Health Numbers
Knowing your current health numbers can help you set the right goals. Learn important numbers to focus on as you set your 2025 health goals.
Register for 1/17 Know Your Health Numbers

Friday, 1/24/25, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Get Up & Go!
Are you considering increasing your physical activity in 2025? If so, good for you! This webinar will offer creative and practical ways to add more movement to your day. Register for 1/24 Get Up & Go!

Friday, 1/31/25, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Choosing Food for Health
Adding more nutritious fruits and vegetables to your daily diet can be time and financial challenges. In this webinar, you'll learn how to overcome both to make it more time-efficient, less costly, and even fun!
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Department of Budget and Management
45 Calvert Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
300-301 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201