For Julie Edwards, health and wellness takes many different forms. Whether it’s working in the garden, going for walks, or simply having conversations with loved ones, Edwards is focused on forming connections in order to enrich her life. As a recent empty nester, Edwards has been relying on her faith, friends, and family – and a little quality time with mother nature – in order to maintain balance and find happiness in her everyday life.
What is your approach to wellness? How has that changed over time?
I try to walk four miles a day and eat healthy. My dad died of a heart attack when I was 10, so I try to be very mindful of living a healthy lifestyle. Keeping boundaries and finding a work-life balance has always been important to me. I totally believe in the power of laughter and being happy!
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
During Covid when life kind of sent us all home, I took a part-time job at Ooltewah Nursery & Landscape Co. because I love to work in the yard. Even though things have picked back up at work, I still go there a few days a week, and I love it. Listening to the birds and being outside and around happy people definitely helps boost my spirits.
What are the traits you most value in yourself?
I think I’m an encouraging person, and I’m not one to back away from a challenge or take no for an answer.
What are some of your current goals and what are you doing to work toward them?
Right now, I’m learning how to be an empty nester. I will admit that it’s kind of nice to not do so much laundry.
When it comes to health and wellness, is there anyone you admire or look up to? Why?
My mom, without question. She turns 93 in November and still walks close to two miles a day and doesn’t take any medicines. She’s always seen staying healthy as the best gift she can give my brothers and me. My husband, Mark, is also a big encourager. He’s completely dedicated to exercise and healthy eating and does more of the cooking than me.
How do you approach emotional well-being?
I have a very deep faith that keeps me from worrying too much and a great circle of friends and family that are my world.
What does your daily routine look like?
I thrive on a routine, and I’m a huge list maker. I have a morning cup of coffee, then take the dog for a morning walk in the neighborhood. I’m usually at work by 8 a.m. I’m in interviews until 10:30, and then I focus on emails and in-house work. Two days a week, we go on location for interviews. I’m home by the early afternoon and try to get a workout in before having dinner, which is usually cooked by my husband.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Listen to your gut. Learning to trust my inner self has carried me through some very difficult times.
What do you find the most rewarding?
I was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, and my daughters have always been at the top of my list, but my job at Channel 3 fills my cup in more ways than I can count. I love the people I work with, and we are truly a family. And the guests I get to interview become friends too. I feel like it’s a gift given to me every day to get to go to work.
How do you encourage health and wellness within your family?
We are a family of talkers. I think that helps. We are always there to be each other’s sounding board.
