“Relaxation Is The Key To Success” Mark Black
Worry stones have been used for centuries as a tool for reducing anxiety and promoting relation.
Worry stones are typically flat and have an indentation or groove on one side, which is meant to be rubbed with your thumb.
By holding and rubbing a worry stone, you can focus your attention on the present moment and calm your mind. The repetitive motion of rubbing the stone can also help reduce stress, tension and anxiety.
Visit Tara Branch to find self-guided
meditation videos, namaste!
“A holiday is an opportunity to journey within. It is also a chance to chill, to relax. It is when I switch on my rest mode.”
~Prabhas
Holiday Wellness Giveaway!
The Wellness Committee wants to help make your holiday season as stress-free as possible! To spread some calm, we’re giving away a worry stone to the first 150 employees who visit Human Resources.
Stop by and pick up your worry stone to keep stress at bay and bring a little peace into your day. Don’t miss out—supplies are limited!
Happy holidays from the Wellness Committee!
Currituck County has excellent support options for stress management.
- Sentara Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- Visit the Sentara EAP website.
- Use the password Currituck to log in.
- Look for the scrolling banner at the top for information.
- Includes 5 free counseling visits. For assistance, call 800-899-8174.
- Teladoc Services:
- Access services online via Teladoc Health or through their app.
- Offers convenient online mental health support.
Send a Note of Gratitude
The holiday season often provides a meaningful opportunity to slow down, connect with loved ones, and reflect on the positive aspects of life. It can remind us to appreciate not only the big milestones but also the small moments of joy, kindness, and love. Whether through traditions, family gatherings, or personal reflection, the holidays offer a special time to express gratitude and foster a sense of warmth and togetherness.
Take a moment to let someone know how much you appreciate their kindness and support. Let them know whether it’s their encouragement, guidance, or their positive attitude they bring to work, that has made a meaningful impact on you experience here.
Sometimes the simplest gestures can brighten someone’s day, and an anonymous note of gratitude can go a long way.
You have the chance to send an anonymous email until Monday January 6, 2025, so take this opportunity to lift someone spirits today.
American Red Cross Blood Drive – Donating Blood Is As Easy As Pie
Join your fellow Currituck employees and citizens to “Help Save Lives” by donating blood on Monday, March 17 and Thursday, May 22, 2025, between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the:
Currituck County Government Complex
Courtroom C
2801 Caratoke Highway
Currituck North Carolina 27929
For the best donation experience, it is recommend that you schedule an appointment, with the Red Cross and enter in the Sponsor Code field: CCGOVT in the “Find a Drive” search or zip code search; and it will go to the event. Register Now to help us achieve our goal to collect 18 “lifesaving” units of blood.
To streamline your donation experience and save you about 15 minutes visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to read the pre-donation material and complete your health history questions. The questionnaire can only be completed on the day of your donation appointment.
Cooking Up Health This Winter
Get ready to cook up a healthier winter season! NC Cooperative Extension in Currituck is excited to announce a special 3-part workshop series designed to help you make nutritious choices during the colder months. The evening Cooking Up Health series will include interactive classes focused on:
- Budget-Friendly Meal Planning
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2024
Discover how to make nutritious meals on a budget without sacrificing quality or flavor. This session will offer meal-planning strategies, affordable ingredient swaps, and budget-saving tips to support your health without breaking the bank. - Winter Nutrition for Immune Support
Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2024
Keep your immune system strong this winter with nutrition strategies tailored for cold weather. This workshop will cover foods rich in immune-boosting nutrients, along with delicious, hearty recipes to keep you warm and well.
All sessions will be held at the Currituck Extension Center on 120 Community Way in Barco from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m..
Each class is designed to empower participants with cooking skills and nutrition knowledge, to enjoy balanced meals and meet health goals. Attendees will leave each session with printed recipes and a packet of valuable resources to support their journey toward healthier eating.
For more information or accommodations for persons with disabilities please contact Cameron Lowe at 252-232-2261, or email cameron_lowe@ncsu.edu no later than 10 business days before the event
Wellness for Your Wallet – Sentara EAP
The winter holiday season is underway and with it comes increased demands on our wallet. Whether shopping for decorations, groceries or gifts, purchasing event tickets, making charitable donations or paying higher heating bills as temperatures fall, the financial demands can cause stress in what’s often hailed as the most wonderful time of the year.
Company Username: Currituck
Realizing that financial wellness is an import part of well-being, we want to highlight a few resources that can help:
- Sentara EAP Holiday Shopping Tips (PDF)
- Make a gift list.
Identify people to buy for and set a dollar limit for each. - Shop early.
Last-minute shopping often leads to impulse buying and over-spending. - Ask about cash discounts.
When asked, vendors often give discounts for cash purchases. - Check the price adjustment policy.
If you purchase an item and the price drops, you may be able to get money back from the retailer. - Use price-matching apps.
Many apps help you compare prices across retailers to find the best deal. - Use browser extensions.
Browser extensions are plug-ins that automatically search for and apply coupon codes at checkout. - Check your rewards.
If you have a credit card that accumulates cash-back on purchases, don’t forget to check and redeem your balance. - Maximize the savings.
Layer saving opportunities, like if a grocery store offers fuel points on purchases, purchase gift cards there for other retailers you regularly use, instead of using another form of payment when shopping at those retailers. - Inquire of affinity discounts.
Ask retailers if they offer discounts for membership with different organizations or for different jobs.
- Make a gift list.
- Budget and Savings learning center with a budget webinar recording, financial calculators and worksheets, and recommended apps, podcast and books; accessed via the Learning Center section on the SentaraEAP.com homepage and clicking View All.
- Budget Basic webinar recordings – accessed vis the Webinars tile on the SentaraEAP.com homepage
- A host of articles – type “holiday finances” in the Search box on the SentaraEAP.com homepage
Wednesday Walking Group
We will meet at the Extension Parking Lot for a brisk walk around the complex under the lights (weather permitting). All walkers are welcome, no sign up required, just lace up your tennis shoes and come on out!
For more information contact Stacey Smith by email or call 252-232-6027.
Take a Sneak Peek at Our Upcoming Activities
- December we will be targeting Stress around the Holidays.
- January look for comfort food with Healthy Soups-to-Go.
