Serving Others, Nurturing Ourselves: From MLK Day to Healthy Weight Week
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20) invites us to honor Dr. King’s legacy of service, compassion and pursuit of justice. This holiday is designated as a call to action that invites Americans to make an impact in any way they choose and to contribute to making their communities a better place. This is a “day on, not a day off” and reminds us of the importance of serving others, a value deeply connected to our own wellbeing.
Acts of service—whether small or large—are consistent with who we are and help us strengthen communities, foster personal growth and contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Taking time to care for our physical, emotional and mental health and incorporating healthy eating habits allows us to better serve those around us.
Healthy Weight Week: January 19-25, 2025
Healthy Weight Week serves as a timely opportunity to renew our focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Observed since 1994, this week promotes awareness of the benefits of achieving and sustaining a healthy weight through balanced living rather than restrictive dieting. To kick off this week, the Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) encourages our NOVA community to practice mindful eating.
In today’s fast-paced professional world, many of us eat on autopilot—snacking at our desks, eating lunch during meetings or grabbing the quickest meal available. Mindful eating offers a way to counteract these habits by helping us become more in tune with our body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. This practice involves paying full attention to the experience of eating, from the texture and taste of food to recognizing when we are truly hungry or satisfied.
Mindful eating can improve focus and energy levels throughout the day. Start by dedicating time for meals without distractions like emails or calls. Chew slowly and savor each bite, noticing flavors and textures. Practicing this intentionality not only aids digestion but can also prevent overeating, helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Want to learn more?
Check out the following resources to support mindful eating
- Two short videos from Headspace
- Six Ways to Practice Mindful Eating | Mindful.org.
- Keeping a Healthy Body Weight | American Heart Association
As we reflect on Dr. King’s call to serve and uplift one another, let’s also commit to nurturing ourselves.
Submitted By:
Faith Redd-Walker, Office Of Employee Wellness And Wellbeing, employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu