List of Wellness activities

 As we climb over the peak of winter, I would like to offer some Wellness activity ideas that are little or no cost. These are based on recommendations from your Wellness leaders, and resources that other staff have used and enjoyed.   

Interval Trails - The Intervale Center trails are open to the public in the winter for snowshoeing and XC skiing (both classic and skate style). A trail map is here. Follow them on Facebook for up to date information about conditions and trail etiquette. Their annual Wintervale celebration is scheduled for March 6, 2022.

Yoga with Adriene - I kicked off the new year with a free, 30-day yoga challenge to Move with Adriene. When I started talking about it, I learned that other Winooski school staff enjoy Adriene's challenges and her many free videos on YouTube as well. 

Down Dog apps - Down Dog is offering its device apps free for educators and students until June 1, 2022! Down Dog apps include yoga, meditation, prenatal yoga, HIIT,  barre, and running. Look for the app on the Apple App Store, or get it on Google Play.

YouTube Channels

Sharona's Hill - This YouTube channel is full of home fitness workouts, kickboxing or dance style, set to popular music. Videos are short and fun. 

Get Fit with Rick - Here is another walk-at-home program--Getting Fit with Rick can either be via videos on his YouTube channel, or you can sign up for a free 7-day trial.

List of 15-min workouts - In this Good Housekeeping article, several youtube fitness programs are listed including HIIT, strength and cardio circuits and dance workouts.

Vermont Comedy Club - Laughing and comedy can be a great way to reduce stress. Whether you want to take in a show (live or LiveStream), or learn improv, the VCC has something for you. Check out some Vermont-made comedy here.

Cook Once, Eat Twice - Whole Health Nutrition, based in Williston, VT, has created a 4-part series of Mediterranean diet-based recipes like this Mezze Platter with recipes for tzatziki, tabouleh, baba ganoush and hummus. More recipes and tutorials are hosted on the recipe page of their website. And, Whole Health is in-network for BCBS-VT and other insurance providers so some nutritional counseling sessions should be covered. For instance, BCBSVT covers 3 sessions, but you may be eligible for more with some medical conditions such as diabetes. 

Drawing - At the start of the pandemic, I turned to How 2 Draw Animals online tutorials to learn to draw some of the birds that were coming to my feeder, like this chickadee and this cardinal with colored pencils. 

Acrylic Painting - Here are some staff-recommended tutorials if you'd like to try your hand at painting with acrylic on canvas. From Painting with Jane, a Tropical Sunset (32 min) and Summer Breeze (1 hr, 4 min). From Color by Felks, try this Tropical Painting (46 min). and Art with John Magne Lisondra brings you a Winter Evening with Snowman (1 hr, 6 min).

This Restorative Justice Life - For those of you who have taken on RJ in your classroom or just want to know more, you may be interested in this podcast which offers conversations and storytelling with Restorative Justice Practitioners, Circle Keepers, and others about how they bring Restorative Justice philosophy, practices, and values into their personal and professional lives.