Fall 2023 NOVA Walk Week: That’s a Wrap (Or is it?)

Go NOVA! Go Nighthawks! We will walk when it’s sunny. Yep! We will walk when it’s rainy. Indeed! Wait…. What? We will walk when it’s rainy???  Sure did!

And we are not done! Congratulations, NOVA Walkers! You inspired this week with your dedication and commitment to heeding the call to community and wellness! Take a moment to peek at the NOVA Walk Week Celebration Wall for a few of the amazing images! If you captured some, please add those images also.

Please keep moving! Yay for those groups that have decided to continue group walks into October in honor of NOVA Walk Week and Walktober! And a couple of walks were rescheduled because of the weather. 

October is the perfect month to get outside, join up with co-workers, friends, and family, and go for a walk – and walking is the ideal way to be active. It’s available for all ages and abilities, whether you are young or seasoned:), fast or slow, and even if you roll! Walktober is about getting outside to move your body and breathe in the crisp fall air. It’s about moving more by incorporating walking into daily activities.

• Walk to do an errand instead of driving the car
• Join friends for a walk at the park or along the waterways
• Hold a walking meeting with work colleagues instead of on Zoom
• Take an after-dinner walk around your neighborhood to wind down from your day

Where to walk?

At NOVA: 

Look here for maps to a selection of trails on our beautiful campuses.

Additional Destinations:

• Northern Virginia Highlights: Best Hikes In Northern Virginia – Historic Virginia Travel
• District of Columbia Trail System: DC Trails
• State Park Trail System: Virginia Trails
• Maryland’s Trail System: Maryland’s Trail System Second-to-None | VisitMaryland.org

**Stay Safe—-Watch the weather.**

Dress appropriately when exercising outdoors (i.e., rain gear, sturdy footwear, appropriate layers). If necessary for your safety, consider moving your walk indoors. Indoor activity options include:

• Walking through the halls and up and down stairs at work.
• Visiting a mall for an energetic stroll while checking out the latest fall fashions.
• Using indoor exercise equipment (treadmill, bike or elliptical, etc.).
• Log on to the internet for a fun virtual class. AARP has many fun options.
• NOVA’s Recreation Department is pleased to bring back Zumba, Talk Tuesdays, Mediation, Yoga and Fitness Friday sessions!  There is something for every day of the work week for all members of the NOVA community (employees and students). Please register in advance and share the links. Looking forward to seeing you on Zoom!
  • Join the Zumba sessions at 6:00 pm on Mondays. 
  • Join the Sit and Fit sessions 1:00 pm on Mondays.
  • Join the Talk Tuesdays sessions at 4:30 pm on Tuesdays. 
  • Join the Mediation sessions at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays. 
  • Join the Yoga sessions at 5:30 pm on Thursdays. 
  • Join the Fitness Friday sessions at 12:00 pm on Fridays. 

Use the Monday Campaigns: Weekly Check-Ins

Action Items.

• Make plans now to prioritize your self-care.  
• Consider using  The 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, Monday Campaign participants are invited to use the weekly check- Ins.Use the Check In (Check In) to help you:
  • Develop and recommit to your wellness goals;
  • Reflect on your progress; and  
  • Consider how you will work with a Push Pal to remain motivated and to get the most effective results from your wellness experiences.

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