Well-Being

Commission on Aging & Disability

I was very unhappy, both physically and mentally, and I had difficulty walking for long periods of time. I decided I was too young to be experiencing these health conditions, so I decided to make myself a priority and change my mindset when it came to diet and exercise.

I consulted with my physician and reached out for counseling – both for nutrition and my mental health. I did have weight loss surgery, but there were many counseling sessions and meetings prior to having surgery.

I wanted to come off my blood pressure medications, get healthier and increase my exercise. I also wanted to feel better, and to like the person looking back at me in the mirror.

I’ve come a long way in a short amount of time, and I enjoy seeing the results and feeling better. To continue to see those positive changes, I have to stay motivated to eat better and exercise more.

At the beginning I did not have a lot of energy to exercise. A coworker and I started walking 10 minutes a day around our building on our break. It was small at first, but now I’m able to walk 30-45 minutes at a time with little discomfort. That has motivated me to continue on my journey.

I have learned that once I set my mind to something, I can accomplish it. I had goals to meet prior to my weight loss surgery. I began my journey in September 2022, and as of June 22, 2023, I have lost a total of 105 pounds. It has been difficult, and there have been many hard days, but I have been determined to keep on my track of living better and doing better for my mental and physical health. I have been taken off all my medication that I was taking prior to my weight loss, and I’m living a healthier and happier life. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring. There are great options out now to make healthy living easy.

My advice is:  starting small is all it takes. There doesn’t have to be a major change at the beginning. Just set small goals, and when you accomplish them, work toward the next one. It’s easier to tackle when you are not trying to climb to the top of the mountain right at the beginning.

Department of Human Services

The healthy change that I made was to begin an intentional practice of self-care with meditation and yoga. These complementary practices have provided stress relief and a feeling of inner well-being.

Working from home can cause one to feel “stuck” and disconnected from society. I began to think about improving my mindset about remote working by developing evidence-based solutions for better emotional and physical health.

With so many wonderful apps and YouTube videos, I began to research different subscription-based options to do yoga in the comfort on my own home. I found a wonderful company that offers various levels of yoga classes by leading teachers and meditation experts from around the world.

My initial goal was simply to try to reduce stress during the day. What I ended up developing is flexibility and an improved self-image through acceptance and mindfulness.

I was very intimidated by what I thought yoga was supposed to be, a series of impossible poses and stretches. After studying and actually taking a few beginners classes, I quickly learned that it is not about how well you do a pose. It’s more about how you feel about yourself in simply moving and accepting yourself in that moment. Very liberating.

Do not let fear stop you from trying something new. You may discover something wonderful on the other side by simply trusting yourself.

Department of Human Services

I started my weight loss journey in 2012, shortly after I had my first child and had gained 60 pounds. I started to notice I would become out of breath very quickly, and I would always feel uncomfortable in my clothes. I had my second child in 2015 and I still struggled with keeping my weight under control. Starting here really has helped me maintain my weight. Being a part of the Biggest Loser Challenges give me some accountability and help me stay focused on where I want to be with my health.

I drink five to seven bottles of water daily. I try my best to keep my eating habits on track. Taking advantage of the workouts offered here give me that extra movement I need instead of sitting all day. I also work out at home, taking my kids to the park and finding many ways to increase my heart rate.

Department of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

I decided I was tired of being overweight and unhealthy. I joined a weight loss plan and a gym. At the gym, I focused on cardio at first. Now, I incorporate weights and strength training into my routine as well. I try and get to the gym four to five days a week. I have lost more than 100 pounds and have kept it off!

I stay motivated by keeping my old driver's license in my wallet and an old picture in my bedroom. I have come so far and don't want to go back to the person that I was. That person was unhealthy and unhappy. 

I've learned that we are all going to slip up sometimes and it's okay. If I have a slip-up, I just get right back on track. I no longer use the excuse that since I didn't follow my plan for one meal, I should just throw in the towel. The next meal, I am right back to eating healthy.

I don't think I would have made it this far without my support system. I am worth the effort and I am stronger than I think.