Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for the past year has taken its toll on us both physically and mentally, and although we may be rounding the corner, recovering from the emotional fallout may take some time.

We’ve become secluded, increasingly isolated, and socially “malnourished.” As a consequence, re-entry may present some unique challenges and despite an eagerly anticipated “return to normal,” don’t be surprised if you have mixed feelings about it.

“Holiday blues” are real and stem from a combination of stress, exhaustion, unrealistic expectations, and forced celebration.

How we think has a powerful influence on our health and well-being. Recently, a large-scale study suggested how we think can potentially even add years to our lives.

Don’t worry, glass half-emptiers – although optimism is partly inherited, thinking like an optimist is a skill you can learn.

In my experience implementing workplace wellness initiatives, I have found that the most successful programs are the ones in which wellness is “baked into the culture” of the place.