By Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher
Editor at Large
Happy New Year! May 2020 bring you health, wealth, and stronger relationships.
Finally, 2020 is behind us. What a year! We lived through an ongoing global health pandemic, the exposure of America’s racial inequities in every facet of our lives, stay-at-home orders, and working from home. Oh, the stories we will be able to tell about how we survived the madness of 2020.
What did you learn from 2020? How will those lessons impact your business in 2021? Have you made resolutions for your business for 2021? While we are all adapting and growing more proficient in our new norms of working from home and staying socially distant from colleagues and friends, please consider adding to your resolutions a routine of personal care and wellness. As business owners, we must be present. Our health is a vital asset to our businesses. Make 2021, your year of wellness.
According to Health.mil, the official website of the Military Health System, eating right, physical activity, adequate rest, and taking care of our mental health not only improves overall health and wellness but also makes us more resilient during COVID-19. Consider these tips:
- Stay Active. Take a work break and take a daily brisk walk.
- Get good rest. “Immune system activation alters sleep, and sleep in turn affects the innate and adaptive arm of our body’s defense system.” While the amount of sleep needed for good health and optimum performance mostly depends on the individual, the CDC recommends adults age 18-60 years get seven or more hours of sleep per night.
- Eat Well. Practicing self-discipline and avoiding “emotional eating” due to stress that may be related to the drastic changes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects our lives is imperative. According to the CDC, whole foods like dark, leafy greens, oranges, and tomatoes—even fresh herbs—are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Make it a habit to try to eat more whole nutritious foods instead of processed snacks or fast food.
- Drink Water. You can never get enough water.
Health is wealth. Take care of yourself first so that you are able to take care of your family and business.
Just my thoughts…rwb