Hi friends...
Fall is finally here, and it is a great time to be out of doors enjoying the sunshine, crisp cooler air, and taking in the autumn colors. You have all been working so incredibly hard to meet the needs of our communities through these last intense months as we have navigated virtual environments and negotiated telework through ever-evolving demands. As I’ve mentioned before, finding time to refuel and refill is so incredibly important. I have recently recommitted to daily walks, time to reflect, and time to disconnect. I wanted to encourage all of you to do the same. One thing that has helped me remember to make the time for what matters is a refocus band that I came across during a recent day off. As a fun fall challenge, I have personally purchased some Refocus Bands (total of 12 bands/4 per category) that I’d like to distribute to those who win the following challenges:
- Make the Time: Intentional scheduling of things that matter most for physical health and well-being (e.g., walking (steps), hiking, biking, Zumba, etc.)
- Disconnect and Reconnect: Shutting off technology and social media and reconnecting with others old school (e.g., phone calls, writing letters and sending cards, reinstating family meals) or simply turning off the technology and putting phones away and enjoying ways to reconnect with friends, nature, or a lost hobby.
- Close your Eyes: Meditation and reflection (e.g., daily meditation, visualization, deep breathing).
How to qualify: Send an email to Laurie Ward (ward.676@osu.edu) between November 1 and November 6 with the type of challenge you chose and what your approach to the challenge was. We will choose four winners from each category with the most inspiring, fun, creative, or consistent refocus approach. We will share your strategies and successes with our Extension colleagues (unless you ask us not to) to inspire ongoing reset and refocus moments.