You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup: Why Wellness Matters!

This week I had the honor and privilege of co-leading a workshop on wellness for our 2021 North Carolina Cooperative Extension State Conference, which was virtual this year. As a new NC State University Wellness Champion, my goal was to share my approach to wellness and some helpful resources, in order to help others on their wellness journeys.

I am fortunate and grateful to work for an employer who not only has an established wellness program, but also empowers and encourages us to create a culture of wellness within our teams, units, and organizations. That was a primary reason for offering a wellness workshop as part of our State Extension Conference this week.

NC State University defines wellness as: "the connected and interactive combination of six elements that foster a balanced, holistic life."

Wellness: The connected and interactive combination of six elements that foster a balanced, holistic life.

"This is achieved by having: love for what is done each day, security of finances, vibrancy of physical health, self-awareness and emotional resilience, quality relationships, and pride in what is contributed to our communities."

NC State University includes the following six elements to wellness:

1. Purpose: Regularly engaging in meaningful and satisfying work that aligns with personal values and goals.
2. Physical: Managing health through regular exercise, eating a balanced, nutritious diet and maintaining adequate sleep.
3. Financial: The awareness of current financial position and budgets and having resources to meet basic needs by saving and spending wisely.
4. Emotional: The ability to be self-aware and cope with challenges and needs while developing overall resilience
5. Social: Developing supportive networks by cultivating new or existing relationships.
6. Community: The opportunity to contribute and connect individual passions and strengths that foster a safe and supportive environment.

In addition to sharing information and resources about NC State's Wolfpack Wellness program, we also shared the following ideas and suggestions for practicing daily wellness:

• Exercise daily
• Meditate/pray daily
• Practice mindfulness
• Focus on the positives
• Keep a gratitude journal
• Start a new hobby (arts, crafts, music, sports, outdoors)
• Take advantage of lunch breaks (eat outside, go for a walk)
• Take regular vacation time (and disconnect from email and work!)
• Volunteer in your local community

There have been lots of articles, blog posts, and discussions around the idea of "work/life balance" recently, especially as many have been working remotely from home throughout the pandemic, where the lines of work and life can be easily blurred. The best advice I've seen about this topic was a recent blog post from author, coach, and motivational speaker, Jones Loflin. He said there are three questions to ask instead of thinking about "balance":

1. Am I moving toward a better version of myself?
2. Am I making choices with my time that align with my highest priorities?
3. Am I using my time to improve the lives of others?

In conclusion, wellness is more important now than ever, especially over the past year and a half. By being aware of how we are feeling and being intentional about how we invest our time and the daily choices we make, as well as practicing daily self-care and wellness, we can become the best versions of ourselves and thrive in our work!

Dave Herpy?is an award-winning career public servant, speaker, and writer. His diverse career includes leadership in municipal, county, and university settings. He enjoys anything outdoors, volunteering in the community, and training for and competing in triathlons. He is a proud father of four and husband.