Physical Wellbeing Module Response

1.) There are many great ways to stay and be active. There are two major types of physical activity-aerobic and muscle strengthening activity. Some types of aerobic activity include swimming, running, biking, and walking. Strengthening activities promote balance and muscle strengthening and include activities like dancing, stretching, yoga, and weight lifting. I think that the best ways to stay active involve finding something you are passionate about and also trying new things. For example, if you like being outside in nature you might go for a hike or walk or try running. You should alternate aerobic exercises like these with more strengthening exercises like yoga and weight lifting programs.

2.) I personally find it very difficult to maintain an active lifestyle while teaching and being in graduate school. As a teacher and graduate student I am constantly busy and fatigued. I was a collegiate swimmer and athlete and I used to train 4-6 hours a day in addition to taking classes in college. This type of training is no longer sustainable for me with teaching and this has been a challenge for me since my graduation. Hoewever, I try to find at least 30 min-1 hour every day to do something active. Every time I work out or do something active, I always find that I feel better and sleep better after. Whether that be finding an hour to swim or attend a spin class or just 30 minutes of walking or lifting weights/cardio. Some days finding even 30 minutes to do something is really hard. Fatigue and business really factor in to whether or not I am able to actually do something active. However, the knowledge that I will feel better after I complete any form of physical activity is usually enough motivation for me to try and squeeze in these kinds of activity wherever I can manage.

3.) I think finding a balance and time to do things to stay healthy is a real challenge as an educator and student. I think managing your activity and keeping a log can be one way to try and monitor your activity and make sure you are taking time to do something for yourself every day. I also think being accepting of days that you are not able to "work out" or do any form of hard physical activity has helped me to stay balanced. I try to accept and find creative ways to stay active on these days-walking home from work, biking to/from class, participating with the class during a gym activity, or even dancing while folding laundry can be ways to still stay active and find balance even when short on time and busy.