Today’s Walker Wisdom: Walk to Lift Your Mood

Participation in physical activity comes with psychological and physiological benefits that can help improve mood and manage stress.

All forms of exercise — from walking and jogging to yoga and weight lifting — can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Plus, many forms of movement are free and accessible to all individuals.

Both high- and low-intensity workouts offer physiological benefits by triggering a series of chemical events that help improve brain function and regulate mood. That means, regardless of your current level of physical fitness, there are plenty of exercises and movements you can practice — anytime or anywhere — to help relieve stress.

But how much physical activity is necessary to start feeling the benefits? The Mayo Clinic suggests doing 30 minutes of exercise a day for three to five days a week, but don’t feel like you have to get it all done in one session. Try to record 150 minutes of physical activity per week by using our list of small steps to get you moving. 

Click here for more information about Moving  It For Your Mood.  

Keep Moving, NOVA!

Now that we are at the midpoint let’s check in… 

How are you doing? 

• Have you set your intention to take an active role in your health? You are welcome to join the almost 200 faculty, staff and student NOVA walk week registrants on your Campus Walk
• Are you meeting your goal(s) for the week?
• Do you need additional support to take that next step?
• each out to the Walk Week point of contact on your campus, campus Common Health Liaison and/ or for Annandale/ Alexandria your respective fitness facilities professionals. 
• Contact your Chief Wellness Officer or REC Well representative for strategies to get moving.

How’s on your mind?

Let’s take a moment to check in with participants who have contributed to the NOVA Walk Week Celebration Wall. Here are just a few of their words of encouragement and tips:

• ”Keep going! You’re already doing great.”
• ”We’ll all be winners.”
• “Let’s sashay around campus.”
• “I am walking with my child. Consider taking your children to walk this beautiful boardwalk in Prince William County.”
• “Take advantage of nature’s positive impact on our emotional well-being. Move it Outdoors!”
• “Getting up and out might not be easy, but it’s so worth it. Let’s get active, NOVA!”

Would love to hear from you.  There’s still time to register, participate, and add your message to the wall.

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, HR-Chief Wellness Officer, DHTett@nvcc.edu