Monday Campaigns: Staycation and Moving Outdoors
NOVA’s Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing’s (OEWW) customized Monday Campaigns will return in August. Share your OEWW feedback here. We hope we were able to help you use Mondays as a cue to refresh your health goals each week. Before we go, we want to encourage you to take a staycation and take yourself outside this Monday!
According to WebMD, “Even looking forward to and planning a vacation may help you manage stress. So if you can boost your mood, help your health, and save money, why not take a staycation?” A staycation is staying at or near home to vacation. NOVA, we reside, work, and play in a literal world-class vacation destination. Let’s spend some time this summer staycationing to make the most of what our area offers.
Let’s focus on the power of staycationing outside. There’s no substitute for being outdoors. The fresh air, the sunshine, the cool breeze—it’s all invigorating, especially if you’ve been cooped up inside. This Monday, let nature be your playground by adding some outdoor activities to your workout routine.
Exercising in a park or wooded area, especially during the summer months, is an excellent way to experience all the sights, sounds, and smells of nature while also getting in your daily physical activity.
But what can you do to stay fit outdoors? A whole lot. Sure, you can start with simple walking to warm up, but depending on the type of adventure you seek, there are many more activities you can do outside.
Choose the staycation options that fit your personal interests, abilities, and budget.
Biking
Even at a leisurely pace, biking offers several health benefits including increased cardiovascular ability and muscle strength, decreased stress levels, and improved posture and mobility. When riding in the park, try to wear bright or fluorescent colors so that pedestrians and vehicles can easily see you from a distance away.
Gardening
Weeding, planting, watering, and harvesting can do you a lot of good. Gardening has been shown to improve vitamin D exposure, boost mood, and reduce risk of dementia. Squatting, bending, and sweating is good for the soul as well as joint health and mobility.
Lawn Sports
Frisbee, croquet, and horseshoes don’t have to be relegated to backyard cookouts. These leisurely sports can be a great source of low-intensity physical activity. They’re mobile, simple to set up, and they can be quite entertaining if you’ve got a competitive side.
Nature Hikes
It can be through a park, a trail, or even your own backyard. Taking a nature hike (or walk) is one-part physical activity and one-part stress relief. Make sure you take advantage of one of my favorite staycation destinations, Great Falls Park- VA and MD. Click on the links to find a list of other national and state parks with approved trails and hiking paths.
Swimming
Swimming in a lake, pond, or pool is a great aerobic exercise that will keep you cool and refreshed (and maybe a little out of breath). Try doing laps or making a game out of it. Grab a family member or friend to elevate the fun factor.
Need more information?
Staycation Gems
- Two Days in Washington DC: A48 Hour Itinerary (tripsavvy.com)
- Northern Virginia Staycation– Solo, Couples, Family | FXVA
- Staying Put This Summer? Check Out These Staycation Options| Family Services (fairfaxcounty.gov)
- Getaway Spots in Northern Virginia– Family, Couples, & Girls Trips | FXVA
- Discover the Best Things to Do in Washington, DC| Washington DC
Outdoor Experiences
- Summer Hikes in Northern Virginia: 8 Great Shady Trails Close to DC(funinfairfaxva.com)
- 21 Best Hikes in Northern Virginia for All Skill Levels(funinfairfaxva.com)
- 30 Best Day Hikes in Northern Virginia| Go Hike Virginia
- Walk NOVA Campuses and Locations
- 5 Underrated Outdoor Excursions Around the DC Area(washingtonian.com)
- Great Walks in Alexandria| Visit Alexandria
Use the Monday Check–In to help support your wellness efforts.
Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu