This is the first edition of Be Well’s Wellness Wednesday Newsletter. In this bi-weekly release we will share events, information, and resource to support healthy lifestyles. It will serve as our communication with our campus community as we try to make the healthy choice the easy choice.
We know it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and other commitments, and oftentimes good health takes a backseat in our day-to-day lives. In light of that, the University of Tennessee has implemented Be Well, a new initiative to help employees improve their health.
Move More
There are several opportunities on campus to get moving and get a little exercise in your day. The hills on campus provide an excellent natural workout for your walks. But as summer approaches and the weather gets hotter there are some indoor alternatives.
Come join the Be Well walking group at Thompson Boiling Arena. The group meets at gate D every Monday at noon to enjoy a nice mile walk inside the arena’s concourse. Simply take the stairs or elevator near the arena cafe / McAlister’s Deli to the third floor and you’ll be right next to gate D. Join the Be Well Fitbit group for and be part of our active community.
Only have a quick 10 minute break? Use your building’s stair well for a quick exercise. There are also great power walking videos on YouTube that you can enjoy for a quick energy boost.
Eat Better
Many people do not recognize MyPlate, the new dietary guidelines replacing the food pyramid. “MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future.”-USDA. For more information and resources visit choosemyplate.gov
On campus, we also have resources to allow us to identify available healthy options. You can find and view all nutritional information for the campus dining menus on the Volunteer Dining website.
Be Mindful
As we try to find the perfect work-life balance, trying to fit in exercise into our schedules and planning to eat better can sometimes be very stressful. There are many stress management techniques that cater to many different people. One common theme throughout many strategies is being aware of oneself. Self-awareness or mindfulness provides important cues to our well-being. These cues help let us know when we need to slow down and take a break. Take sometime to relax, re-energize, or go for a quick walk down the hall to recharge. Taking a break has been linked with increasing job satisfaction, cognitive thinking, and productivity.