I have learned there is a strong connection between managing stress and making it though college. Stress takes its toll on anyone, and being a college student is all the more stressful. Learning to manage stress coupled with being physically active and fit makes a big difference in being successful. I had previously walked a lot before this class but since have developed deeper relationships with a few of my coworkers and we go on weekly hikes. I acquired a dog and enjoy walking him every day and taking him hiking with me.

          I have learned this semester that part of doing well in class and in life in general is taking care of myself. This includes eating healthy and getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and ensuring I am taking care of myself to the best of my ability so that I can take care of those around me.

At a certain point, all the General Education classes diverge into life skills. Lifelong Wellness is no different and I feel is probably the most important life skill to take with me after college or anyone of any age for that matter.

Before I began my Fitness and Lifelong Wellness journey I was discouraged and disappointed that I couldn’t fit an actual like Yoga class into my already busy schedule. My oldest child (he’s 15) even asked how I could ever get anything out of an “online PE” class. I can tell you now that I am at the end of it. I got a lot out of it. I got exactly what I put into it which for me is a lot. The more active I became the more energy I had, the more I learned new stretching techniques, and stress management techniques the easier my life became. I didn’t need to carve out a ton of extra time either, I just fit it into my day. Extra steps here, park further away at work, take an extra flight of stairs just because. It all added up.

The most influential assignments and the ones I got the most out of were my BMI assessment, and the 1 mile walk assessments. The BMI gave me hope, it was a bit daunting at first but I was lucky enough to see the progress I was making and the weight I was losing.

The 1-mile walk test gave me even more hope. I had a car accident January 30, 2017 that left me unable to walk, out of work for 8 weeks and sometimes in unbearable pain. I had a Rhizotomy last July and it has given me tremendous relief. To be able to see the progress with my time getting faster each time I did the 1-mile test was such a huge bonus and motivator for me. I look at this class as a second chance at life. After my car accident, I thought I would wait to waste away in a bed unable to move.  I still have pain and the nerves in my back will grow back eventually but my goal is to be in much better shape the next time around; to lose the few extra pounds weighing me down and be all around healthier.

I am happy to say that I have lost 10 pounds since the beginning of the semester and it is the class and the accountability I had to have that has helped me.  My goals moving forward are to continue paying attention to what I am fueling my body with, continue to cut down on sugar in my diet, and continue walking. My dog will help me with the walking part and I’ve got a few coworkers for hiking buddies. I get to move forward and show my 5 children that its never too late to try something new, change your diet, or just to turn over a new leaf. With motivation, support, and willingness to try anything is possible.

If I changed and/or added anything about this class it would be to maybe add before and after photos. I know not every one has major changes but I think that if someone is putting in the work whether it shows in how much they have or haven't lost it shows in their attitude and their smile. You can tell a lot about a persons smile. I haven't lost a ton and I don't feel like physically I've changed much but I dropped a pant size and I know I have more confidence.