Belonging to a community that supports you is an important part of your well-being! USG supports you and your family in many ways to provide a sense of community. Whether you’re sharing your wellness story to inspire others or looking to others for support and inspiration — we want to help you on your journey!
When you are working to improve your health and well-being, we want you to know that you have the support of your USG community throughout your journey. These success stories are meant to motivate, inspire and encourage all USG employees to be well together!
USG Well-being Success Story
Kimberly Griffis
Georgia Institute of Technology
Thanks to the reminders from USG Well-being, I have started bringing veggies to work to snack on. I like having them as add-ons to my lunch or for a mid-afternoon snack. My favorite go-to snack is cucumbers. I also love bell peppers and broccoli with a drizzle of Italian dressing. For fruit, blackberries and strawberries are my favorites. I love to eat apple slices with peanut butter too! One of my favorite tricks is to put frozen fruit in my water to add flavor.
I have been participating in the Livongo program and have enjoyed the lessons and working with a coach. The scale has been really helpful — I use it almost every day. I’ve just recently hit a new low weight for the first time in 15 years! I have more that I want to lose, but I am so proud of how far I have come.
I’m not going to lie; the money motivated me at first. Extra money in my paycheck before the holidays? Yes, please! But it’s the programs and content material that got me to stick around — I really enjoy it. The other truth is that I don’t want to have to take 30 pills a day or rely on insulin. I want to spend my money on other things! I want to be able to keep moving and stay active — it helps my joints. I want to keep healthy and happy, and USG Well-being is helping me do that.
I really like the gamification of well-being through the Virgin Pulse platform, especially the destination step challenges. There’s an endorphin kick that comes with “unlocking” a new location, and I enjoy reading the information and learning about new places along the way. It’s also fun to read my Daily Cards and complete Journeys — great tips to build healthy habits.
Some days are tough, and I ask myself, “would a nap help?” Sometimes you need to just give yourself a moment. Sit back and relax and then get back out there. If I’m having a craving and I want to eat junk — that’s ok! I enjoy that meal or snack and then go back to eating well the rest of the day. The main takeaway is that I’m tuning in to myself. Noticing what makes me feel good and keep reminding myself why I am choosing to be well.
You’re not going to be perfect all the time and that’s ok! My advice — don’t go for 100%. It’s not an all or nothing mentality. Find your wins in each day rather than beating yourself up for what you didn’t get a chance to do. In short, five minutes of something is better than nothing. If you can’t find 30 minutes to be active, do five.
Calling all USG employees who are working toward their health and well-being goals! Send us your story about the healthy changes you're making in your life — big, small, for you, for others. Whatever you do, and however you do it, we'd love to know!
Maybe you dropped a few pounds or lowered your blood pressure? Influenced coworkers to create healthy habits? Improved your financial well-being or mental health? Have extra energy at the end of the day? Tell us!
Submit your story now. Your story may be featured in an upcoming communication and could help inspire other USG employees.
Please note that due to the number of submissions, your story may or may not be selected for publishing.