Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
My name is Madison Sidote, I completed my undergrad here in 2023 with a bachelor’s in public health and a minor in Biology. I am finishing up my MPH as I work as a graduate assistant for the Department of Health Science. I teach undergrads and am on my way to going to PA school.
How has your wellness journey influenced your daily life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being?
My wellness journey started after I fostered and rescued my beloved dog, Biscuit, when I was 19. She has been a massive contributor to so many positive aspects of my daily life and my wellness journey in general. I have this little thing relying on me to go on walks, take her outside, and keep me from just lying in bed all day. Having my dog has brought a support network and numerous positive people into my life.
Have you noticed changes in energy levels, focus, or other aspects of your daily routine?
Oh, most definitely. With Biscuit we are up bright and early every day. Some days are a little more challenging with getting my routine going, but Biscuit is wide awake and ready for that morning walk every day. I teach Monday, Wednesday, and Friday so I try and get an early start on that. Her positive and energetic persona definitely helps boost how I am feeling each morning and I think that is super important because it allows me to come in and have a more positive impact on the students that I get to teach.
What were some challenges or obstacles you encountered during your wellness journey?
With how hectic the world is, I am always trying to find ways to remain composed and collected. Finding the time to prioritize myself has been invaluable in allowing me to remain on track with bettering myself physically and mentally. I still struggle with balancing my wellness with everything else that needs to get done every day. I have been applying to PA schools for the better part of a year now and this involves many travel days, meetings, writing papers and other things that seem to get in the way of working out and remaining healthy. Overall, there are still many things that I am trying to incorporate into my wellness journey. Being stricter to my workout routine and diet and trying to find a better balance with that is something I am always looking to improve.
How do you plan to sustain your well-being and continue growing in the future?
Recently, I have been putting greater emphasis on things that help me feel more relaxed. I love painting and doodling on my many paint by number books. Along with the physical being of wellness, I think the mental aspect is just as important. I have also recently started liking meal prepping and cooking healthier food options at home. Making nice, fun dinners has allowed me to have something to look forward to (other than my dog of course) when I return home from work. I also really want to find some more ways for my dog and I to continue being active. I have been looking at some agility training classes for her and I to take to try and mix up our fitness activities. Overall, she has been an immensely positive gift in my life, and I am so fortunate to have rescued her, because she has helped rescue me.
Read more inspiring wellness stories, tips for maintaining a healthy routine, and meet all the UA Spotlight on Wellness employees from this year.
