Editor’s Note: This is the second in the multi-part series from The Journal where we spoke to experts about some of the more popular New Year’s resolutions and tips on how to meet your 2022 goal.
MARTINSBURG – According to Angela Lawrence, Extension Instructor and Family and Community Development Agent for WVU Extension Service in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties – there are some key takeaways from what is needed for an overall healthy and fit lifestyle this year. Most importantly, Lawrence explains that mental health and physical fitness are closely related and related.
“It all comes down to our whole body health,” she said. “You have to be compassionate and have realistic expectations. It is imperative to focus on our full body fitness as we set our goals for 2022. “
Lawrence has compiled a list of three main things to focus on if you are looking to get fitter this year.
1. Set SMART Goals – Lawrence said this is the model for making behavior change. S-specific, M-measurable, A-achievable, R-relative and T-timely.
“For example, I might want to run a 5K by the end of this year, but that’s not a SMART goal. A SMART goal would say, “I want to run 3 miles by a certain time, so I’m going to run 30 minutes three times in the next week. At the end of the week you can measure that and it’s achievable, ”said Lawrence. “It is really important to have time for the goals. I encourage people to do this once a week, no matter what day you are least busy. “
Lawrence said her SMART goal is better meal planning. With a busy schedule, she said it was important for her to be better at meal planning so she could focus on her goals.
2. Develop healthy sleep hygiene habits – practices that will help you get good sleep on a regular basis.
“There is nothing we can do if our bodies are not rested,” said Lawrence. “Things like having a normal sleep schedule and avoiding screens in bed or right before bed, listening to something else like an audiobook 15 minutes before bed, listening to calming noises, or doing a guided relaxation exercise.”
3. Exercise – Whether walking, yoga, stretching, or dancing, Lawrence says exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle and part of getting fit.
“This can be overwhelming because sometimes we think we need to join a gym and commit to a certain number of hours per week. Really, moving around can be as easy as having sneakers in the car where, if you have the time, you can wait for an appointment or something and have 10-15 minutes, put them on and go for a walk, “explained Lawrence. “Meeting a friend can also help if you want to move.”
Lawrence added that self-compassion is essential to getting fit overall.
“When moving into 2022, people have to be careful. Every single person I speak to reports a feeling of stress. We’re tough on ourselves. We’re doing something right every moment, ”she said.
Lawrence said she loves her job and enjoys the reach she has since starting her position almost a year and a half ago.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University and her master’s degree in social work from West Virginia University. In addition to her training, she is a state-certified social worker. She was previously a therapist and has worked in the mental health field as well as in higher education.
“I love getting involved in the community and hearing what the community needs – it doesn’t have to be based on who can pay fees or tuition, it’s just a volunteer dream,” said Lawrence. “My job is to serve the church so that families and people in the church become healthier. I encourage people to call me – tell me what you think the needs of the community are. “
Lawrence recently served as a mindfulness and stress management activity for all social workers at Berkeley County School, in addition to working with health classes at Jefferson High School to discuss teen mental health.
To contact Lawrence about possible corporate, school, or personal program ideas, call (304) 264-1936 for the Berkeley County office or (304) 728-7413 for the Jefferson County office. She can also be reached by email at angela.lawrence@mail.wvu.edu.
Visit www.extension.wvu.edu or follow the WVU extension’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages for more information or to stay up to date on health and fitness events and programs.
