The Small Things That Ease the Day: Kristy's Wellness Scholarship Reflection

I received my Purple Collar wellness scholarship just in time for the December shopping rush and was able to use seasonal sales to spread the funds even further than anticipated!

To support my daily back-care and hydration routines, I purchased an ergonomically designed backpack and two leak proof hydroflasks that I use whenever teaching since I move from my office to several classrooms across campus throughout the day. I was also able to get a new pair of walking shoes and a microwaveable heating pad for relaxing at the end of the day.

Beginning this September, I shifted my weekly exercising from 4 days indoors on an elliptical for roughly 2 miles, to 5 to 6 days walking outdoors for more than 3 plus miles per day. I'm in my fifties, and I'm not sure if it's the cardiac challenges of my hilly neighborhood and/or mood benefits of the fresh air and arborial beauty, but I'm finding that I have less daily aches and pains on the days that I exercise outdoors; plus, I've even managed to shed a few stubborn pounds despite the holidays.

I deeply appreciated receiving funds dedicated to my self-care!

A sturdy backpack rests on a rocky cliff, illuminated by the golden glow of a setting sun, overlooking a vast, lush landscape.