Sponsored by Healthy Harrison Health Games - the Encore, today's Healthy Faces blog features Autumn Fleming. 

 

Tell us a little about yourself. My name is Autumn Fleming, I am 23 years old and am originally from Winchester, VA, but my family moved to Bridgeport in 2014. I am currently in my 3^rd of 4 years in pharmacy school at West Virginia University and will graduate with my Pharm.D. in May of 2023. I currently work for an independent pharmacy in Morgantown as an intern part-time as well. My family has always played a huge role in my health habits and has placed a huge emphasis on the importance of physical and mental health.

 

What is your favorite self-help or motivational book? My favorite self-motivational book is this little pink book my mom gave me called “Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His Presence” which has scripture references for everyday of the year. This book is something that provides comfort and reminds me that Jesus is always with me.

 

What is your favorite healthy meal? My favorite healthy meal is homemade Asian chicken lettuce wraps which is something very simple and easy that I can make with limited ingredients to make healthier. I rarely have time to make myself healthy meals between school and work, so convenience is a huge factor for me.

 

What’s your favorite workout? My favorite workouts have changed slightly in the past 2 years or so. I used to do a lot of cardio and felt that this was the only way I could stay thin, however I have converted to liking strength training and high intensity interval training workouts a lot more than running. Although I have to say hiking outside has to be my favorite workout, it’s just not always ideal with West Virginia weather.

How do you fit health and wellness into your busy life? I don’t always have a lot of free time balancing between pharmacy school, work, a social life, and taking care of myself. However, I no matter what will find time to fit in a workout at least 4 to 5 days a week whether it’s walking to class instead of driving or doing a hard-core hour workout.

 

What is your favorite motivational quote? My favorite saying is “Life is all about balance”. As long as you are committed to living a healthy lifestyle, it is not worth sweating the small stuff like missing a couple workouts. So, eat that ice cream that you want, but remember that everything is okay in moderation and know your limits. I believe that a major element to living a healthy lifestyle is enjoying it as well and not making it a chore because that’s when it just becomes another thing you have to do, not something you’re doing for yourself.

 

When did your health journey begin? My passion for staying healthy and working out has sprouted from playing sports growing up and watching my parents stay active, but it didn’t fully develop until going to college. I used to despise the idea of running or going to the gym - ask any of my family members! I used to believe that I would never get to the point of actually enjoying the idea of going to the gym. I have experienced some wonderful turning points in my life and met some great influences that have led me to where I am today. I used to think I would never cut out drinking soda or sweet tea with meals, but drinking water is a cure as weird as that sounds.

 

What are some initial ways to start on a journey of health and fitness? Drinking water is so beneficial and can be a starting point, even for the people that don’t really like it, your body will start to crave it. Also, for people that are extremely busy, there is always, ALWAYS time in your day to squeeze in time for yourself, even if it’s just a 30-minute morning or afternoon walk. I know it’s hard to wake up early or be motivated after a long work day, but there is always time when you start to make it part of your routine. Not to mention, do it for your mental health! There’s not a bad mood that a good workout can’t fix. Lastly, you can do anything you set your mind to because I was once that person that thought it was impossible.