Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
I am April, an assistant professor in the college of Human Environmental Sciences and serve as director of Child Development Resources, a non-profit agency focusing on programing serving young children, families and educators.
Tell is about a recent wellness success you had.
Most recently I utilized the MoveSpring app to create a habit goal as part of my mental health wellness. I felt that I was on a good path with my nutrition, sleep and water intake, but especially as we entered the holiday season with the stress that comes with it, I wanted to focus on a positive mental health habit. I chose a “pay it forward” task, where each day I would find some way of performing an act of kindness for someone else. It didn’t have to be a big thing, it could be letting someone in front of me in the grocery line; thanking someone in the service field for working extra hours during the holiday; randomly paying a toll or a meal for someone else; or even just being more patient and giving during driving by letting someone merge in front of me. I found that by having this as a daily goal and reminder, I was able to take more time to be present, not in a rush all the time. I had more patience with others during shopping and driving. I found myself less stressed, and really enjoyed giving small acts of service or words of affirmation to others. I had not previously considered tracking a habit goal until I saw someone else create on in the MoveSpring app. I’m glad I did it.
What are some tips you have for maintaining your work-life balance?
I try to take time every week to get outside and in nature. I have a horse that I ride, and he serves as a tool for not only my physical wellbeing as a sport, but also for my mental health. The barn is a place where I unplug from devices, and really enjoy being in nature and with friends. So, my tips would be to find time to unplug from devices, get out into nature when you can, and find ways to connect with others in something you enjoy. Be intentional about it. If you have to put it as a dedicated time on your outlook calendar as a reminder and placeholder.
Do you have a favorite wellness program that helped you meet a goal?
I have participated in several over the years. I enjoyed the challenge of the Crimson Couch to 5K and was so pleased that I have since completed a few 5Ks. I have enjoyed the journaling for your activity during a time when I was riding my horse and preparing for shows, but also working on strength training. The journaling allowed me to create my own wellness program that likely fell outside some of the more traditional ones. I have really enjoyed the classes too- most recently the class on nutrition during menopause was great and had some immediate tips for time saving nutritious meals!
What advice do you have for someone trying to improve their overall wellbeing?
- Slow and steady wins the race. Having a big goal is fine, but setting smaller goals that you are able to track seems to be really effective when evaluating and reflecting on progress. I would also say, overall wellbeing is more than just physical wellbeing, but also thinking about mental health.
- One of the very important mantras I have is “work hard, play hard.” It is so important that even as adults we take time to play (do something just for the joy of it).
Read more inspiring wellness stories, tips for maintaining a healthy routine, and meet all the UA Spotlight on Wellness employees from this year.
