Week 1: Getting Started
“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.”
Elbert Hubbard
Getting Started
The fact that you are reading this tells us that you have made the decision to make a productive and positive life change. The challenge officially begins today. During the challenge period we will send weekly e-mails with information, tips and links to online resources to help guide you on your journey to wellness. Each week we will focus on one of the seven dimensions of wellness (physical, social, emotional, intellectual, occupational, environmental and spiritual). This week our focus is on physical wellness.
As an added resource for Facebook users, we have set up a wellness challenge Facebook page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/209138705846280/. We hope that you will visit the page, join the event, and then visit often to post your tips, helpful resources, and words of inspiration for others who are participating in the challenge. Starting next week, we will post information on a regular basis.
Physical wellness is one of the more obvious and broad wellness components. We need to attend to our diet and nutritional habits, medical attention and testing, and take measures to prevent infectious diseases. Physical wellness also includes muscular strength, cardio-respiratory fitness, body composition, and flexibility considerations.
We all need to maintain our can-do attitude to fuel us on our journey and to identify and nurture our support people and systems. We need to remember to reward ourselves for our triumphs. We also need to seek out knowledge and tools to help us execute our plans. There are many places to go that provide information and skills to support us, help us learn, and get started on a physical wellness program.
Please take a few moments to view “23 ½ Hours,” a compelling video about the single most important thing you can do to improve your health:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo
And, here are a few very informative and comprehensive physical wellness sites:
The “Harvard Healthy Eating Pyramid is an excellent guide to a healthy diet. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid/
American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/GettingHealthy_UCM_001078_SubHomePage.jsp
Healthfinder.gov from US Dept of Health and Human Serviceshttp://www.healthfinder.gov/
Upcoming wellness programs at UC Davis and the UC Davis Health System:
- “Stimulating the Brain through Movement,” a brown bag lunch offered by WorkLife—Thursday, February 16, 12 – 1 p.m., King Lounge, UC Davis campus. http://www.hr.ucdavis.edu/sdps/catalog/worklife-and-wellness/stimulating-the-brain-through-dance
- “Ananda yoga,” Monday, January 30, Marriott – Ballroom, 11 am – 12 pm
Ananda yoga is a classical approach that includes asana (yoga postures) and pranayama (special breathing and energy-control techniques). This class will provide techniques which will concentrate on improved muscle tone and circulation, quieting and focusing of the mind as an aid to meditation, and stress reduction. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat/other cushion with you. (It is recommended for participants to avoid eating for an hour before class or to snack lightly.) Participation is free. - “Meditation,” Monday, January 30 –Marriott - Ballroom, 1 – 2 pm
This workshop series gives employees the opportunity to learn and practice a few basic tools of meditation to reduce stress and live a healthier life. Join the group for the whole series or plan to attend on a drop-in basis when your schedule allows. The closed-eye, guided meditation will be practiced in a chair. All levels welcome. Participation is free. - “ZUMBA,” Tuesday, January 31 –Marriott – Camellia Room, 12 – 1 pm
ZUMBA is an easy to follow Latin-based dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music. Slow and fast rhythms will be used to tone and sculpt the body in order to achieve a unique balance of cardio and muscle toning benefits, burn calories, and generate excitement! Participation is free.
If you are a UC Davis student, be sure to check the many opportunities offered by the Physical Education Department. There are activities classes focusing on aerobic conditioning, team sports, individual sports, self-defense, Tai Chi, combatives, aquatics, etc. These classes are available at no cost to the student. (Golf and bowling have a facility fee). There are also classes in Principles of Healthful Living (PE 44).
We are excited about your commitment to your wellness challenge. Keep charting your progress and remember if you “Change your thoughts you can change your world.” Norman Vincent Peale
To keep the body in good health is a duty – otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. Buddha