Walk Week Is Here, Just in Time for National Stress Awareness Month

April 1, 2024 / Get Well

Welcome to NOVA’s Spring 2024 Community Walking Season! Today is the first day of Walk Week (April 1st—5th). There is still time to register. Join the scheduled group walks; walk with colleagues, family, 2- or 4-legged friends, or on your own; and celebrate National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 3rd.  Embrace the benefits of walking, whether moving in your neighborhood, in a favored park, or at a NOVA location.

Walking Benefits

  • Explore the Anthem Health Plan link for tips on the benefits of walking.
  • The American Heart Association offers many resources on the benefits of walking. In recognition of Stress Awareness Month (April), click on their one-minute video Move More To Reduce Stress.
  • Additionally, in observance of the month, our wellness partners at the Monday Campaigns remind you to let the sidewalk take you to a calmer place.

Walker Wisdom Messages
OEWW will share a bit of walker wisdom each day this week. So, check the Daily Flyer for these motivational walk week messages that help celebrate our collaborative physical and emotional wellness efforts.

Make this Monday your day to use walking to manage your stress.

Use the Monday Check–In to help support your wellness efforts. Each week, take what you need and leave what you don’t!

Side-by-side flyers: Circle with an illustration of someone in red sweatpants and bare feet walking in green grass with flowers. Blue sky and white puffy clouds in background. Stressed Out? Walk It Off. This Monday, try mindful walking to bring focus and calm. 1. Pick a time in your daily routine to practice walking for at least five minutes. 2. Concentrate on the physical sensations of walking--the sights, sounds and feelings of each step. 3. If your mind wanders, gently return your focus by repeating "left, right" as you walk. DeStress Monday. destressmonday dot org, hashtaq destress monday. Photo of a woman walking on a sunny day. Right panel: You earned it! Take a 15-minute walk break today. Icon of Two people walking . Walk with a buddy. Walk with a coworker, virtually or in person; Icon of desk with computer monitor: Walk in place. Walk, stand or stretch at your desk during a meeting. Icon of a dog on a leash. Walk with pets. Get those paws moving and tails wagging (but be aware. if you could walk on the pavement with bare feet, they should not be walking on the pavement either). Icon of lunch bag. Walk at lunch. Helps with digestion and energy. Icon of a crowd of people. Walk in a club. Form a group to walk, before or after work. Icon of a mom and child. Walk with kids. The perfect way to connect after school. American Heart Association logo. April 3 - Happy Walking Day.

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