Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
Hi there! My name is Isabella McVeagh and I am an Instructor and Advisor in the Department of Health Science. I have lived in Tuscaloosa since 2013 and am so lucky to call it home. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy coaching soccer, cooking for others, being with my family, and cheering on the Tide!
How has your wellness journey influenced your daily life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being?
My wellness journey has a direct impact on my daily life, work, and relationships alike. I often notice that when I put my wellness on the back burner, the effects of that inevitably show up in my personal life as well. My mental and physical health both rely on the capacity for me to engage in wellness. Whether that is going for a walk, writing in a journal, meditating, or simply getting enough sleep – all of these activities allow me to be the best version of myself so I can then give my energy to others.
Coaching soccer has played a large role in my wellness journey, as well. Not only does it allow me to connect with a sport that I loved and played my whole life, but it also allows me to pour into these younger players as well. This sport allows for not only physical wellness but also serves as a form of stress relief and social connection to the community.
Have you noticed changes in energy levels, focus, or other aspects of your daily routine?
YES. There is a clear shift in my mood, energy and focus when I engage in some sort of wellness, which is why I try to incorporate it as much as possible. It allows me to almost disassociate for a little bit, which allows me to be more centered and grounded when it comes time to work again.
What were some challenges or obstacles you encountered during your wellness journey?
The main challenge that I encounter is finding time. With teaching, advising, and other service obligations that come with my position, it is hard to find the time in the day to focus just on myself. I need to get better about realizing that wellness doesn’t have to be a scheduled workout class or event, but rather just a small, but intentional, moment where I can engage in some sort of activity that will make me better in the end.
How do you plan to sustain your well-being and continue growing in the future?
I think continuing to set goals for myself will allow me to continue to grow. I am very goal-oriented and outcome-oriented (sometimes to a fault), but I think this will allow me to not remain complacent and allow me to sustain my well-being moving forward.
Read more inspiring wellness stories, tips for maintaining a healthy routine, and meet all the UA Spotlight on Wellness employees from this year.