TL;DR: Start your week strong with the 15-minute “Monday Mood Uplift.” Move, plan, and connect to boost focus, energy, and positivity — one small reset that makes Mondays feel lighter.

We’ve all been there.

It’s Monday morning, the alarm feels extra loud, your inbox is bursting, and you’ve got a classic case of the Mondays creeping in.

You’re not imagining it. Research shows that Mondays really can feel harder. The sudden shift from weekend rhythm to work mode spikes stress hormones and lowers motivation. Add in a flood of unread messages, and it’s easy to start the week in survival mode instead of thriving mode.

But you can change that story in just 15 minutes.

A short, intentional reset — one that mixes a little movement, a bit of reflection, and a touch of connection — can lift your energy and set the tone for a better week. 

That’s the idea behind the Monday Mood Uplift.

It’s a simple three-step ritual designed to help you shake off the sluggish start and step into your week with clarity and confidence. Because when you start Monday grounded, the rest of the week flows better.

 Let’s dive into how this small shift can make a big difference.

TL;DR: Microplastics may be part of modern life, but your choices still matter. Protect your health by making a few simple swaps that lower your exposure.

You can’t see them, but they’re everywhere.

In the water cooler at work. The lunch you packed. Even the clothes you wear to the office. Tiny plastic particles have quietly slipped into our daily lives. So common, most of us don’t even realize they’re there.

They’re called microplastics, and even though they’re smaller than a sesame seed, there are tons of them out there. Literally. Somewhere between 10 and 40 million metric tons end up in the environment every year. And if we keep going like this, that number could double by 2040. 

We’re still learning exactly how microplastics affect our health. Research is ongoing, and the science is evolving. What we do know is that these tiny particles are everywhere, and awareness is the first step toward minimizing exposure.

While plastics have become part of daily life, reducing your exposure doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider this your Microplastic Defense Plan, some simple ways to limit invisible plastic in your day-to-day routine.

TL;DR: You deserve a workday that lifts you up, not one that wears you down. These eight wellness non-negotiables aren’t “nice extras.” They’re foundational. Start with one or two, and let small changes build momentum.

You know that feeling when your to-do list has its own to-do list?

Between back-to-back meetings, endless pings, and a lunch that’s somehow still sitting untouched at 3 p.m., it’s easy to put yourself last.

That’s where wellness non-negotiables come in. These are the simple daily habits that anchor you, no matter what’s happening around you. They’re the routines that help you reset, recharge, and stay centered through the chaos.

Think of them as your personal baseline. The small choices that keep your energy steady, your mood balanced, and your focus clear. From getting enough sleep to drinking more water and moving your body every day, these essentials are what make everything else work better.

In this article, we’ll explore eight wellness non-negotiables that can help you protect your energy, build resilience, and show up as your best self — even on the busiest days.

TL;DR: Move over, coffee, tea’s having a moment. This quiet powerhouse boosts focus, calms stress, and supports overall wellness. Simple, affordable, and easy to sip anytime, tea is the small daily ritual that can make a big difference in your mood, mind, and energy.

Coffee may rule the breakroom, but tea?

Tea is the quiet powerhouse your wellness routine may be missing.

For centuries, tea has been brewed not just for flavor, but for focus, calm, and a long list of health benefits. And in today’s hustle culture — where burnout is common and self-care often takes a backseat — a simple cup of tea might be one of the smartest wellness moves you can make.

From soothing stress to supporting brain function, tea offers something for everyone.

And the best part?

It’s accessible, affordable, and fits perfectly into the rhythm of your workday. Whether you’re in the office or working remotely, swapping one of your daily drinks for a cup of tea could be one of the simplest wellness upgrades you make this year.

Let’s spill the tea on why this ancient brew still deserves a starring role in your wellness routine.

TL;DR: Stress is part of work life, but relief can be simple. This article shares 10 quick, calming habits that feel like a warm hug, from deep breathing to mindful breaks and short walks. Small pauses, done often, help employees reset, recharge, and show up as their best selves.

If stress had a soundtrack, most workplaces would be stuck on a loop of buzzing phones, endless pings, and back-to-back meetings.

No surprise then: according to APA’s 2023 Work in America™ Survey, a whopping 77% of workers said they felt work-related stress in just the past month.

And stress doesn’t just hang out in people’s heads. It leaks into burnout, turnover, and checked-out employees. It even comes with a jaw-dropping price tag — costing U.S. companies up to $300 billion a year in lost productivity and healthcare. That’s a lot of drained energy and missed potential.

But here’s the twist: the antidote doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Sometimes the tiniest pauses can pack the biggest punch. Think of them like mini resets for the nervous system. Simple moments that leave people feeling calmer, clearer, and more supported.

In this article, you’ll discover 10 quick stress-busters your employees can use right away. Share them in a newsletter, kick off a meeting with one, or lead by example. Sometimes just a few minutes of calm is all it takes to change the whole day.

TL:DR People don’t just want a paycheck. They want to feel seen, heard, and genuinely valuable. In today’s AI-driven world, that sense of mattering is under threat: employees worry their contributions can be replaced by machines. The article argues that making people feel they matter isn’t optional — it’s essential for engagement, mental health, and performance.

Think back to the last time someone at work said, “Thank you.”

Chances are, that moment stuck with you longer than expected. Why? Because we all crave something deeper than a paycheck. We want to know we matter. We want to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. That’s what “mattering” is all about, and it’s one of the most powerful forces driving happiness and success at work.

But today, this timeless human need is running headfirst into a modern worry: artificial intelligence. As AI takes on more tasks, many employees are asking, Will my job still matter? Will I still be valued, or could I be replaced? That uncertainty cuts right to the core of mattering — the need to know that your ideas, your presence, and your contributions truly make a difference.

When people believe they matter, they see their efforts count. Their voices carry weight. Their contributions get noticed. And in a world where technology is racing ahead, reinforcing that sense of mattering may be one of the most important things leaders can do to protect wellbeing, reduce fear, and build resilience.

In this article, we’ll explore why mattering isn’t just a nice-to-have but essential for organizations. And we’ll look at what leaders can do right now to help their people feel valued.

TL;DR: Flu season hits harder than you think — especially at work. Germs hide on shared surfaces, and the virus can spread before symptoms show up. These surprising facts will change how you think about office hygiene, sick days, and how to keep your team healthy all season long.

Just when you thought pumpkin spice was the biggest thing arriving this fall, flu season shows up quietly, ready to crash your calendar and your immune system.

But before you roll your eyes and chalk it up as “just a bad cold,” hold up.

The flu is sneakier, faster, and way more powerful than most people realize. In fact, there’s a lot about the flu that might just surprise you. And the more you know about it, the better prepared you’ll be to stay healthy and keep your team going strong.

From strange historical facts to things most people never hear about, we’re diving into the weird, wild world of influenza, and why this fall is the perfect time to protect yourself and your workplace.

TL;DR: A seasonal reset can boost mental clarity, lower stress, improve sleep, and help you feel more energized at work and at home. This fall, try small shifts — like refreshing your space, planning cozy meals, booking your appointments, and setting new goals — to create balance and resilience heading into the year’s final stretch.

When the seasons shift, so do we.

Think about fall in Stars Hollow: crisp air swirling with the smell of coffee, Rory bundled in a sweater with books under her arm, and Lorelai convincing everyone that yes, you really do need that third cup of coffee. There’s something magical about the way autumn arrives. It isn’t just a change in weather. It’s an invitation.

The transition from summer’s go-go-go pace to fall’s cooler and cozier rhythm is the perfect time to hit “reset.” For employees, this reset goes beyond swapping tank tops for sweaters or lighting that first pumpkin candle of the season. It is about creating breathing room that restores energy, boosts focus, and makes life feel more balanced at work and at home.

Fall naturally nudges us to slow down and focus on what matters most: comfort, connection, and fresh starts. The golden leaves, shorter days, and that first chilly morning all whisper the same message. It is time to reset. To refresh your space, your routines, and your mindset.

This season is like a giant refresh button for your home, body, and mind. Here are some simple and inspiring ways to welcome the new season with intention and maybe even bring a little Gilmore Girls-level coziness into your everyday life.

TL;DR: Healthy habits aren’t about sheer willpower, they’re about working with your brain. These 10 science-backed simple psychology hacks make habit-building easier by rewiring your mindset, boosting motivation, and reducing overwhelm. Start with one small change this week and notice the shift.

Ever feel like your brain has 47 tabs open and not a single one is loading? Same.

Between juggling work, life, endless notifications, and the occasional 2 a.m. worry spiral about that thing you said in a meeting three weeks ago… our brains are doing a lot.

And all that mental noise? It’s draining your focus, zapping your energy, and cranking up your stress.

But your brain is way more powerful (and flexible) than you think. With a few clever tweaks — aka brain hacks — you can train it to focus better, stress less, and feel a whole lot sharper during your day.

These 10 psychology hacks are based on real science and simple behavior shifts. They’re like quick mental upgrades you can sprinkle into your day.

Ready to reboot your mental operating system? Let’s dive into 10 science-backed ways to make your brain your BFF. 

TL;DR: The FDA has narrowed COVID-19 vaccine approval to adults 65+ and anyone with a high-risk condition, but major medical groups still recommend broader use. That means guidance is confusing and access may vary. 

COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, but the way we protect ourselves from it is shifting.

In late August, the FDA made a surprising move: it narrowed the official approval for this fall’s COVID-19 vaccines to just two groups — adults 65 and older, and anyone six months and up with a high-risk condition. That’s a major change from previous years, when nearly everyone over six months old was encouraged to get vaccinated.

So what does that mean for families, workplaces, and everyday life?

In short: there’s a lot of confusion.

While the FDA narrowed its label, trusted medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) continue to recommend broader use — including for pregnant women and young children. Pharmacies, doctors, and insurers are still sorting out what this all means in practice.

Here’s the bottom line: the COVID-19 vaccine is still safe, effective, and a smart choice for many people. The difference now is that the rules feel a bit murkier. That’s why we’re unpacking the latest changes and what they mean for COVID-19 clinics at TotalWellness.