​By Christina Schlegel, Bluetail Travel 

We all need to take a break every once in a while. However, planning a vacation and taking off multiple, consecutive workdays can seem daunting. Research shows that American workers are among the worst when it comes to utilizing paid time off, but summer is a perfect time to use those stacked-up vacation days for an extended vacation or a short staycation. 

Living in or around the DMV provides so many options for staycations - no need to book a flight or drive more than four hours to reach an exciting destination. Here are four easy tips on booking a mini staycation in the DMV if you're looking to plan a low-stress getaway this summer. ​

By Dr. Ujjwal Shakya, MMA & Sports Rehab 

​Is your busy schedule getting in the way of taking care of your physical health? Are you too slammed at work and with outside activities to go to the gym?

​Incorporating exercises into your workday can help boost brain power, improve your memory, and ultimately result in being a more efficient worker. Here are six simple ways you can include exercise into your busy schedule, and even burn calories at work. 

By Andrew Nicholson, Bonds Escape Room 

​I’ve always found escape rooms to be a microcosm of the workplace in that you have a team working together to complete a common goal within a set amount of time. I’ve worked at Bond’s Escape Room for three years, and during my time I’ve written hundreds of puzzles and watched countless groups try to solve them. I’ve observed many players and corporate teams hash out various strategies for success; however, few have actually worked. In order to “escape,” groups must communicate effectively, think critically, and make-up for each other’s weaknesses. In many cases, a leader naturally emerges to delegate and take charge of the group. I believe these workplace like games can be invaluable for understanding the inner workings of a team. 

By Tony Hill, AlphaGraphics

By Marian Marquez, Arlington Economic Development 

During the month of May, Arlington Economic Development (AED) celebrated Business Appreciation Month in Arlington with a series of high-profile business events. However, this work is not confined to just one month per year; we do it year-round at AED! This activity, otherwise known as AED’s Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program, doesn’t usually make headlines but is an important pillar of our economic development strategy. ​