Anne Mitchell

Ever since she was a young child, Anne has enjoyed being active. Any chance she had, she was moving — walking, running, hiking, cycling, ice and roller skating, volleyball, basketball, flag football, swimming, scuba diving, and the list goes on. Physical activity was and still is her feel-good outlet. “If I don’t get exercise, I am miserable,” says Anne. She continues to move as much as possible today. “The important thing is to keep moving, because once you stop it’s harder to get going again,” she says.

Anne has also always been determined. “My dad was a fisherman, and when I went out with him on the boat, I wanted to be able to be there without a life jacket.” But Anne’s father told her that wasn’t an option — unless she could pass the most advanced stage of swim instruction at the YMCA. “Within two years, I had achieved it,” says Anne.

Another part of Anne’s lifestyle is healthy eating. While she had an affinity for cakes, cookies, and pies, she eats those things in addition to a balanced diet since her youth. After reading one of the early editions of Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Dr. James Balch (an IU School of Medicine graduate) and his wife, Phyllis Balch, CNC, Anne became inspired to seek out foods and that would mitigate common ailments due to an aversion to medication (unless absolutely necessary). She enjoys eating a balanced diet of mostly fruits, veggies, and lean meats. While she eats fewer sweets these days than she used to, she still indulges once in a while. “Everything in moderation” is Anne’s motto.

Anne credits her time spent outside as another way she stays well. She enjoys being in the water, in the woods, and gardening — it’s good for her mind, body, and soul. “Thank God I live close to Lake Michigan,” she says. Getting fresh air also helps Anne keep at bay what others call allergies. “I admit to some sensitivities, but I refuse to claim allergies.”

Anne has a passion for helping others on their wellness journeys. She believes it’s important for people to seek out activities, ideas, and mindsets that will be helpful for them. “Start where you are, take small steps, and go at your own pace” says Anne.

While Anne strives to lead by example, she is also quick to point out that “there’s no such thing as being perfect.” At the end of the day, “Everyone has their own way of doing things — it’s all about being yourself and feeling your best.”

Additional resources: Check out Healthy IU’s physical activity page, including a video library of movements you can do right at your workstation; schedule a free session with the Healthy IU Registered Dietitian; or check out the wellness programs available on your campus.