Bloomington, Ill.-Spring is the season for renewal— and University of Illinois Extension is helping greater Bloomington-Normal area residents reconnect, recharge, and grow with a new four‑week workshop series that offers simple, meaningful ways to strengthen personal and community well‑being. Educators will host Healthy Minds, Strong Communities at the McLean County Extension office, on consecutive Tuesday evenings, beginning April 14 through May 5. 

The series will bring together Extension educators across disciplines to deliver innovative, engaging programs that connect mindfulness, nutrition, sustainable gardening, and nature-based practices. Workshop sessions will include a hands-on activity and/or a takeaway kit for participants to put into practice at home.

Participants may register once for a single $5 fee and attend any or all sessions in the series.

Series Schedule

April 14 – Press Pause: Practical Mindfulness for Busy Lives 

This hands-on session introduces simple mindfulness techniques that fit easily into everyday life—no prior experience required. Participants will build a personalized mindfulness kit to support focus, grounding, and calm during stressful moments.

April 21 – Rooted Resilience: Cover Crops for Healthier Soils & Communities

Participants in this session will first examine the connection between agriculture, nutrition, and family well-being. What is food insecurity? Is it the same as nutrition insecurity? How can these two things affect a family’s overall health? These questions and more will be discussed.

Participants will then shift gears to discuss a real-world way to enhance soil health and family well-being in their own backyard. In this practical portion of the workshop, attendees will learn how to plant, grow, and terminate a three-way summer cover crop mix of sunflower, cowpea, and pearl millet as a low-stress, pollinator and bird-friendly alternative to an intense summer vegetable garden.

April 28 – Snack with Purpose 

Attendees will explore the “why” behind snacking—true hunger or habit—and learn how to choose foods that fuel energy, focus, and overall health. This session blends mindful eating with practical nutrition tips and includes a guided food demonstration. Participants leave with simple, nutrient-rich snack ideas for everyday use.

May 5 – Dig In! Growing Wellness Through Nature & Gardening 

This family-friendly, hands-on workshop highlights the benefits of time outdoors—from reducing stress and boosting mood to fostering creativity and connection. Participants will explore easy ways to bring nature into daily life, how gardening supports mental and physical wellbeing, and engage in activities such as planting, nature crafts, and mindfulness exercises in the garden.

Registration & Details

• Fee: A one‑time $5 registration covers the entire series (attend any or all sessions) – choose up to 4
• Dates: Weekly, Tuesday evenings from April 14 through May 5, 5:30 to 7:00 pm
• Location/Time: McLean County Extension Office – 1615 Commerce Pkwy, Ste. A, Bloomington, IL 61704
• How to register: Visit: https://go.illinois.edu/SpringWellnessSeries
• Accessibility: If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate, please contact uie-lmw@illinois.edu at least two weeks in advance.