DeStress Monday: Take a Walk on the Calm Side

October 9, 2023 / Get Well

Fall Break is October 9th and 10th this academic year. For staff/ administrators, that possibly means fewer students and colleagues on campus and a chance to move some items off the to-do list. For faculty that may mean a decrease in student engagement but an uptick in grading and other administrative tasks. As we move deeper into Walktober, the Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) encourages you to increase those practices and experiences that help you to destress. Exercise has that impact. Keep moving NOVA Nighthawks!

If you need to destress from work, school, or just life in general, take a walk. Walking can reduce your chances of problems with blood pressure, obesity, depression and heart disease long term.

Continue the spirit of NOVA Walk Week. Walking can be a group activity, too. Grab some friends, family members, or co-workers and go out for a 20-minute walk together. 

  • Grab a partner: You have the flexibility to choose your walking buddy, so ask anyone, from your children to your grandparents. You and your Push Pal can set the pace and intensity to match your fitness levels and goals. 
  • Go. You can go wherever you want: Schedule your 20-minute walk wherever works best for you, whether at your workplace with colleagues or in your neighborhood with your family. Bonus points if you walk outside, which has been linked to reducing stress. Each location can offer a diverse experience so that your walks stay fun, and your group can enjoy a variety of sites along the way.
  • Encourage each other. Keep yourself motivated and social: Walking is more than just a chance to stay or get into shape. It’s a chance to catch up with people you care about and motivate each other to prioritize your physical and mental health. Staying social is a great way to relieve stress and mark some things off your to-do list by incorporating a walking meeting.
  • Keep Moving. Stay active: A 20-minute walk will keep your heart pumping and your brain focused. This is an opportunity for you and your group/team to stay active, and, if done consistently, walking is a great way to reduce stress and long-term, stress-related health issues.

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 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.

DeStress Monday Campaign image: Take a Walk on the Calm Side. Illustration of four people, two walking and one in a wheel chair. Hashtag destress monday, destressmonday dot org logo: destress monday.

 

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