By: Chuck Gillespie, CEO

We have seen the health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now more than ever, we need to be highly aware of the overall well-being of everyone – infected or not. National Wellness Institute recommends the following important wellness steps to help combat the effects of this worldwide health crisis:

  1. Stay connected to people as much as possible. Call your friends, family and co-workers when possible. While social distancing is a critical health success factor to stopping the transmittal of COVID-19, making certain those in your social circle also do not feel the isolation issues that can come with social distancing. Be very cognizant of your friends and family members who traditionally are anxious – they are likely feeling an even higher level of concern and may react in a less calm manner. Do not just text them – talk to them or video chat them.
  2. Stay informed, but with the right information. NWI has been following the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and the United States Health and Human Services for its information. Do your best to determine if the information provided to you is factual and evidence based. There are going to be people across the globe who will use this pandemic for personal gain – just do your best to be informed and with the right information.
  3. Consider how this will affect some financially and spiritually. This is not only a health crisis but an economic crisis, especially for hospitality workers. Further, our health care workers are working around the clock. I read a great line that said, “You want to know how it feels to be on the front line as a healthcare worker during COVID-19? It is about the same as being in the orchestra on the Titanic and still playing music.” Be patient with people and do your best to empathize.

We must be diligent in flatting the spread of this horrific virus, but we also must begin to prepare for coming out of the crisis. These are the times we will see relapses in unhealthy habits and we must help people identify ways to empower their health conscience again. We must help those who will suffer financially rebuild their relationship with money. We must remain resilient so we can return to thriving. We must reimagine our wellness and health strategies at work and in our communities going forward to ensure these issues can be managed.

Now more than ever, it is time for the wellness champions to be the voice of your community and lead the change.