Move It Monday!

Mmmm…. The smell of all thing’s autumn is in the air! Though many are holding tight to any bit of lingering summer, the brightly colored falling leaves, the briskness of the air, and the changing merchandise on store shelves–cozy jackets and cute boots–all indicate that fall has taken a solid stand. It seems that it really is time to say “Goodbye, summer!”

Join your Employee Wellness Office in celebrating the decrease in outside temperatures and fewer pesky mosquitoes! Yay! October is a great time to increase your outdoor movement experiences. Let’s join the national October celebration of Walktober!

Who is doing it? Communities, organizations, families and individuals across the country. Think of it as a national, month-long walking community!

Top 12 Ideas for Walking More:

1. Moving Outdoors! Registration is now Open. Join your colleagues, family and friends in a series of almost free adventures. (You will need to provide your own transportation.) On Saturday mornings, let’s explore a selection of the beautiful walking trails throughout Northern Virginia. More information will be coming soon. 
2. Participate in the Pink Ribbon Mile Walk (Run/Walk for Breast Cancer at the Loudoun Campus) Wednesday, October 19, at 11 a.m. Registration is now Open. 
3. There is still time to participate in the 30 Miles in 30 Days challenge offered through NOVA’s Recreation and Wellness department. Send an email to cmcalonan@nvcc.edu to register and receive support and encouragement to increase your weekly step count.
4. Registration is now open for the 2022 Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K, which will take place on Saturday, October 29. Consider joining our GMU colleagues for the in-person or virtual race/walk to support Mason students, many of whom are former NOVA Nighthawks! Though there is a nominal registration fee, all proceeds benefit students. In-person participants who register by Oct. 3 will get a T-shirt! 
5.  Move more during the workday. Ideas? Park farther from the entrance, take the stairs and/or take a walk during a lunch break.  H​ere are maps to a selection of trails on our beautiful campuses.
6. Take your four-legged friend out for an extra walk.
7. Plan a family scavenger hunt in the backyard or park.
8. Take a post-dinner walk-and-talk with a colleague, friend, spouse or child and/or download an audiobook and listen to a chapter on a walk in the neighborhood.
9. Taking a trip to the grocery store? Park far from the store entrance.
10. Walk around the house, apartment or even in place while brushing your teeth or waiting for your coffee to brew! Click here to learn more about “habit stacking.”
11. Watching a TV show with commercials? Walk in place during these broadcast breaks.
12. Take time to move and prepare your front door, walkway and yard for the new season. There are so many wonderful ideas on the web. Every step counts.

Click here for more information about Walking or Rolling Your Way to Wellness this Walktober.

Move It Monday! Campaign: Weekly Check-Ins
Mindful awareness, accountability, goal setting, and tracking progress are evidence-based techniques that enhance the success of a wellness plan. Each week, the Move It Monday! Campaign participants are invited to use the weekly check- Ins (Weekly Check In, Oct. 3) to help you:

• Remain motivated;
• Reflect on your progress;  
• Consider how you will work with your Push Pal to get the most effective results from your wellness experiences; and
• Recommit to your weekly goals.

Together we can turn intentions into actions.

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