PRIORITY: NON-URGENT
PURPOSE: REMINDER
SUBJECT: ENCOURAGING EXERCISE
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

Attention all scientists!

This is a friendly reminder that we should all be making time to exercise daily. Sitting at a workbench or in front of a computer all day isn’t healthy. Strengthening our bodies helps strengthen our minds, so grab a water bottle and head to the nearest fully equipped gym—or even venture outside! Summer is approaching, and it’s bringing lots of warm, sunny days with it. Perfect for a stroll around the outpost or even down to the nearby lake (see attached trail map for directions).

I know some of you may be rolling your eyes right now, but perhaps this incentive will encourage your participation in our wellness initiative: for every hour of exercise logged on your smartwatch, you will earn one point. Fifty points can be turned in for an extra serving of dessert! Or, if you have an aversion to sweet things, you can turn it in for an extra serving of salad. Or boiled peas. Whatever strikes your fancy.

As we strive toward scientific breakthroughs, let’s also strive to break a sweat now and then. Together, we can build a brighter and more healthy future.

ADDENDUM:

Thank you all for your enthusiastic response to our wellness initiative bulletin! Some of you submitted field notes gathered near the lake, and a few excerpts are shared below. Perhaps they will encourage others to take a stroll down that way.

Local Geology:

There are some lovely specimens of sedimentary rock near the lake—great slabs that must have been unearthed by time and weather after their formation millions of years ago. I took a few samples to analyze back at the lab, and I plan to submit a proposal for some light core-sample drilling to get a better idea of how the lake and its surrounding area developed. It’s a rather fascinating region, not to mention a beautiful place to take a walk and clear one’s mind. -Joyce Toller

Local Flora:

The lake’s mild, gently humid microclimate promotes plant growth in its immediate area. I enjoyed walking barefoot through the grass as I sketched wildflower specimens and gathered genetic samples. At one point, a Fluganta Rato startled me by bursting out of the trees. It seemed to be struggling with something in its claws, but the sun’s angle made it too bright to make out exactly what it carried. As my interest lies more in flora than fauna, I did not pursue it and returned to my sketches. - Rosa Dhey

Local Fauna:

I was wandering around down near the lake, not really paying attention to my surroundings as I was nibbling a snack bar, and then the strangest thing happened. A creature dropped onto my head out of nowhere. It was surprisingly light, and though it startled me, I managed to remove it without too much trouble. However, while handling its soft body, my hands started to itch and swell. I had to hurry back to the outpost for medical treatment. I’m writing these notes using voice-to-text while I wait for the swelling to come down. Pay attention if you walk down by the lake; there are some dangerous creatures about. I wish I’d gotten a genetic sample! -Marsh Nook