Wrenshall News: Keep it moving

I remember when I first learned that my smartphone kept track of the number of steps I took every day. I was sort of creeped out that this piece of technology I carry everywhere was keeping such close tabs on me but I was equally horrified that I lived such a sedentary lifestyle. I thought for sure that living on a farm would mean an abundance of ambulation but the reality of my driving and desk time for my day job came crashing into view.

I made some short-lived resolutions about moving more but there always seemed to be something more pressing — a paper to grade or a lunch to pack or a meeting to attend.

When the full picture of the coronavirus pandemic started coming to view in March I finally took a hard look at my current health and realized that I needed to prioritize moving my body — both to improve my physical health but also maintain my mental health. I started walking. I started checking my pedometer and set goals for myself.

The loss of a commute to work certainly helped carve out time for activity but I also tried to sneak in steps wherever I could — a walk down the driveway to get mail instead of stopping in the car on the way home or a walk to the back field to check on garlic.

It didn’t hurt that I had help from my community to keep my goals. Starting in April the city of Wrenshall has been promoting health and wellness through the Wrenshall Wellness Challenge. Twenty minutes of active movement for three days a week gets your name in a drawing each month. You can download a PDF of the entry form at cityofwrenshall.com or you can pick up a form at the Wrenshall General Store or post office. There are maps on the back that list routes through the city of 1 to 5 miles.

There is still a disc golf course up in Wrenshall as well as tennis courts. Given the nice weather we’ve had so far this summer, you could also add water sports to your activity schedule. We certainly haven’t had much rain to spoil the fun.

If you have Wrenshall news to share, email or call Annie Dugan at [email protected] or 218-310-4703.