Have you ever called someone in a time of need, asking for help, and left the conversation feeling worse? Thinking that they really weren't listening, and sensing that they just didn't see you? When we reach out in moments of shame, grief, or hurt, we need empathy to help us return to wholeness. But what exactly is empathy?

My morning routine of meditation, journaling and self-care.

It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of my business. Taking time to do the things I enjoy has been so important in maintaining my physical and mental health. In the warmer months you'll find me in the garden. Other days you might find me baking or working on a home improvement project. I love to be outside, so most days I take walks to clear my head and get some fresh air. And of course, spending time with my girls—mommy-daughter dates are the best!

When you think of your closest friends, most intimate relationships, or most supportive colleague, what do they have in common? At the top of your list is likely their ability to support you. One of the most important interpersonal skills we can develop in all relationships, including the one we have with ourselves, is empathy.

The most important thing I do for my personal wellness is to be outside with friends – preferably moving. Walking, hiking, skiing, whatever – I’m all in. For me, it blends community and connection to my support systems with the objectivity and calm I feel being out in nature.

This week's Well Within 10 Podcast (available anywhere you get your podcasts), features Courtney Carroll, a licensed professional counselor at Poppy's Therapeutic Corner. Courtney shares her take on Strength in the Surrender: Asking for Help.

I prioritize joy. Doing something every day that makes me feel good and helps relieve stress. For me, its spending quality time with my kids and husband as they frequently make me laugh and allow me to be silly.

It’s not a coincidence our WISe theme this month is Improving Our Empathy for Others. June is also national pride month, a time where millions of people come together in support of the LGBTQAI+ community. The celebrations come easy if you're practicing empathy. 

“It’s not timing the market, but TIME IN the market,” says Bre Bovara, Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Fifth Third Private Bank.

In a recent Well Within 10 podcast, we learned why recent economic uncertainty is happening and how we can best be prepared. This coupled with new information regarding women’s investing habits, leaves us with a few guideposts – all advised by Fifth Third Bank.

Laugh! There are certainly places and times to be serious, but being able to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously is so important. It releases happy hormones! I would know, I'm a doctor!

One of the most important things I do for my wellness is sleep when I'm tired. In my teens I started pushing through tiredness to "get one more things done." Such a constant unhealthy habit completely threw off my natural sleep rhythm for the next 15+ years. I didn't know how to sleep well and battled insomnia.

The most important thing I do for my wellness is a gratitude practice. I hold space every day to find the good and always allow that to come forth. From there I feel like I can do anything. Also I water – I shoot to drink a gallon a day. We are under hydrated humans and it affects our skin, digestion and so much more!

Sleep is my healthiest habit – I usually get 8 hours a night (even with a toddler down the hallway!) 

Do your best to stick to a consistent evening routine - I'm no sleep researcher, but I believe this helps your internal clock. I am in bed with a book between 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. (Sometimes I scroll social media first; but no TV on for bedtime!) Reading really helps me unwind, so after 30 minutes or so, I'm good & tired; I turn off the lamp and go to sleep. 

There are so many reasons to ask for help, along with many benefits. But for some reason, our culture and our minds often get in our way and dictate the story that we must do it alone, or figure it out ourselves. Whether it’s at work, at home, in motherhood, or in a new season of personal, mental health, asking for help should always be the way, should always be the standard.

Pray. In quiet time alone with God, I am refreshed and reminded that He's taking care of me in everything. It doesn't look the same every day, but I try to make the time because I know it is what is best for me. When I get off track, there is a noticeable difference. I have found that the best time is early in the morning before the house wakes up, in a room that is only slightly cluttered (real life) and with a comfortable place to sit. In that time and space, I can take a deep breath, and I don't have to worry about being interrupted or about all that's coming that day; I know I'm starting my day in the best way possible.

This week's Well Within 10 Podcast (available anywhere you get your podcasts), features Kelly Soller, Managing Director, and Andrea Ernst, Senior Portfolio Manager, at Fifth Third Private Bank.

WISe Wellness Guild is fortunate to collaborate with Alliance Integrative Medicine (AIM), a functional medicine clinic located in Cincinnati, OH, that helps patients improve their overall wellness and health. And even more fortunate for us, they have three guide posts for us to follow as we connect ourselves to nature this spring and summer.

Oh wow, this is hard because I think wellness is all-encompassing. Alignment of the body and mind, meaning making sure your mental and physical health is taken care of through meditation, journaling, breathwork, exercise, getting outside in nature, etc., is what creates whole-self wellness. BUT, that being said, I recently had foot surgery which prevented me from being able to do anything physical for several weeks. During this time, I relied solely on meditation and journaling because the physical part of my being wasn't able to get in the exercise aspect. And you know what? I didn't find myself "craving" movement. Meditation and journaling helped me get through that period of stillness (and even helped ease pain!). So when it comes down to it, for me, meditation and journaling is the most important thing for my wellness. It is quite interesting that it took not being able to exercise to figure it out though! haha

The Christ Hospital Health Network has always been an award-winning institution, with its more than exceptional care to patients and the surrounding community of Cincinnati. But beyond clinical care and focus on outcomes, The Christ Hospital has also been award-winning in its service to women, both patients and employees. Naming Deborah Hayes as President and CEO of The Christ Hospital in May of 2021 demonstrated immense progress for healthcare leadership in our region. 

During the pandemic when schools, stores and offices were closed down, the outdoors became my refuge. The park across the street from where I live became my second home where I walked the dog, ate lunch, worked on my laptop and called friends and family.