How do you practice wellness? Maybe you have core strategies that you implement at work and at home, or you are looking for new ways to bring wellness into your daily life. We asked our Almanac Editorial Board members to share their favorite wellness practices that energize them in their personal and professional lives.

Get inspired by their stories and, if you’re an Alliance member, share your favorite wellness tips in the Almanac Community.

I read a study that discussed the impact of exposure to nature and “greenness,” and this has reinforced my personal dedication to getting outside every day for at least one hour cumulatively, no matter the5 weather.  My dog helps me with this habit, as she reminds me when I have been sitting at my desk too long. Although I do sometimes listen to podcasts while walking (including the Alliance Podcast), I also try to spend time looking around and listening to sounds that remind me that I am outside.

—Erin Schwarz, Almanac Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief and Chair 

At the office, my team has an optional “water cooler” chat on Monday mornings where we connect and talk about work, life or anything on our minds. It’s a fun way to connect, and it actually energizes us for the week. On a personal level, walking my dog restores my sense of well-being. Whether I do it with my husband, a friend or alone, fresh air and a four-legged friend is a restorative force for me. Fun tip — you don’t even need a pet to feel the benefits of a daily walk!

—Katie Robinson, Ph.D., CHCP, Almanac Editorial Board Vice Chair

My method of wellness is to either meditate for 15–20 minutes or take a walk outside. The main thing for me is to unplug from calls, emails and texting for a while and try to clear the thoughts of what needs to be done today, tonight, tomorrow, etc. This is easier said than done; however, making time for an occasional quiet zone definitely helps.

—Karen Chiarini, M.Ed.

At this year’s annual conference, I listened to the last keynote speaker discuss the importance of taking time to be reflective and center oneself. After sharing this information with my team members, we have started to implement at the beginning of each department meeting a two-minute recentering mindfulness meditation for de-stressing. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jholcb8Gz0M

—Lisa Cohen, CHCP, FACEHP

Our team takes a very “tech”-oriented approach to getting the team to unwind and just relax, setting aside the pressures of the daily grind. Games are our big release. We had the typical board games and ping pong in our old office, but since we are virtual now (since COVID), we hold frequent game breaks playing everything from Mario Cart to team-based, Family Feud-style games. Great way to unwind and get to know each other better. On a personal note, it’s yoga for me. Terrific way to center and settle the mind.  

—Kenny Cox, CHCP, FACEHP

As an organization, we have been working on “positive energy”. This has resulted in “sharing wins” during team meetings rather than resulting in a report out of our to-do list. Additionally, we introduced a program to recognize each other for going above and beyond. We each get one nomination each quarter to recognize someone who has done something extra to help us with a project or program. The person receives the recognition, in addition to a coupon for a sandwich at the local deli. On a personal note, it is about keeping good vibes in my work station. I work from home, which allows me to surround myself with happy thoughts. This might be a picture from an amazing vacation, my ticket to Mars or my latest LEGO^(R) build.

—Heather Ranels, CHCP, MS, MA

One of my coworkers started “Fun Fact Friday'' this year, where one of us shares a random fun fact with the team on a group message board every Friday. It’s been a surprisingly nice way to shake up the norm and inject some “outside work” camaraderie. On a personal note, my children started riding the bus this school year, which has given me about 40 minutes in the morning that I previously didn’t have. Most days I walk since I am otherwise pretty desk-bound, but in the case of inclement weather, I do yoga. Not only does it feel great, but I find I’m more focused throughout the day. My goal for this year is to incorporate some “walking meetings” for occasions when meetings are more discussion based. 

—Beth Ryan Townsend, CHCP

Our team implemented a great initiative called “GratiTuesday”. Every Tuesday, everyone in my team shares one (or more) thing they are grateful about on our team Slack channel. This is a great way to learn more about each other. Starting from getting their garage door fixed to spending memorable vacations in Australia, we enjoy reading a wide range of things that make people happy and grateful. Seeing how others appreciate small things in life spreads positivity all around. This has helped improve not only my personal wellness but also boosted team morale and productivity. Although this initiative does not directly reduce work stress, it has helped build positivity making the overall task more enjoyable and less burdensome.

—Raja Venkata

What works for me is as old as the hills: running. I’ve been a runner since I was 18, but never did any marathons or half marathons. Just 5Ks along the way and a couple of 10Ks — I wanted to save my wheels for the long haul and so only did daily runs of 3 or 4 miles. Decades later, my routine hasn’t really changed much, but I do run on alternate days to save wear and tear. Pick your exercise, or various exercises, anything you can and are willing to do daily. The routine does as much for my overall sense of well-being as any other activity (and more than most).

—Charles Willis, MBA, FACEHP

What’s your best wellness tip? Let us know when you join our new Almanac Community!