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Ask a SHE: Wellness takes center stage in quest for balance

By Elaine Simon

Oftentimes wellness is an abstract concept, at best. We know it’s important and it’s something that we need to spend more time focusing on at many levels—from mental and physical wellness to spiritual wellness, be that religion or an altruistic purpose—but it often gets bumped down the list by other more pressing issues.

 

In this second installment of Ask a SHE, five female leaders who’ve cracked the wellness code share what types of wellness activities they’ve found to be beneficial in their own lives and what their advice is for fitting wellness into their busy lives. Their answers are below.

 

 

Edelyn Parker-Frye

Director of Brand Events, Communications, and Partnerships

Red Roof

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Q. What types of wellness activities (physical, mental, spiritual, other) have you found to be most beneficial in your own life?

 

A. Yoga and meditation are my key wellness activities. My practice started in college—over half a lifetime ago—and has been a constant in my life ever since. Yoga picks me up when I need more energy and grounds me when I need more centering; meditation helps me focus on what is important in any given moment and prepares me for the mental shifts required throughout my day. I credit my yoga and meditation practice with making me a better person. Through this practice, I have learned to slow down, embrace and leverage every moment between stimulus and response to observe and process my emotions and ensure that my words and actions align with my values and intentions. I appreciate that yoga and meditation are each a practice (not “a perfect”), and I work to embrace that concept in my everyday life. In yoga, meditation and life, every day is different—but so long as I continue to practice, I am doing the right thing, and I am doing well by myself and my community.

 

Q. What is your best advice for fitting them into your busy life?

 

A. I once had a yoga teacher who referred to meditation as “a conversation with our highest self.” That stuck with me. So, I think of my practice as an important meeting—with myself! It’s a time to check in and assess what is going well and what needs attention. I schedule my practice in advance (literally—it’s on my calendar) and try not to miss it. Who would miss an important meeting? I also find that it is easier to make time for the right practice. For me, that’s yoga and meditation. If “zen” isn’t your thing, find something that is! If you love it, you’ll want to do it more often.

 

 

Hester Jackson

Founder, Building Generational Wealth, LLC

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Q. What types of wellness activities (physical, mental, spiritual, other) have you found to be most beneficial in your own life?

 

A. Some of the wellness activities that I enjoy and that have helped me to maintain balance are walks in the park or along the beachfront. I enjoy reading positive books and articles as well as praying, attending church and serving my community. With a financial background as an accountant, I also enjoy underwriting hotels, listening to podcasts, exploring financial markets and reading and staying abreast of economic news.

 

Q. What is your best advice for fitting them into your busy life?

 

A. The best advice that I can offer is to start your day early in the morning. Be consistent, disciplined and determined. Maintain a positive mindset. Set obtainable goals and when you reach those goals, set new ones. Finally, never give up.

 

Seema Jain

Founder and CEO

Seva Global

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Q. What types of wellness activities (physical, mental, spiritual, other) have you found to be most beneficial in your own life?

 

A. I love an early morning outdoor run before the workday starts; it helps me stay focused and fully appreciate nature through all my senses. Yoga, especially hot and Vinyasa, is a practice I cherish, and my studio is my sanctuary where I find introspection and peace. It is important to me that I balance the fluidity of yoga with the intensity of strength training—a combo that produces a well-rounded sense of power and tranquility within me, grounding me throughout the day. In both practices, I make a conscious effort to detox from technology and be present as much as possible. My studio and gym are #nophonezones!

 

Q. What is your best advice for fitting them into your busy life?

 

A. Life-work harmony is my top priority. I schedule my family and workout time first, then arrange my work around them. This balance is crucial for my mental, physical and emotional well-being. At Seva Global, while our work is significant in fostering cultural competence and understanding across the globe, I often remind my team that we aren't cardiologists saving lives. We have a responsibility to prioritize self-care because, without it, we can't effectively support those around us. Self-care isn't selfish; it's selfless.

 

 

Dometrice Dee Clemmons

Certified Business Coach, Consultant and Broker

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Q. What types of wellness activities (physical, mental, spiritual, other) have you found to be most beneficial in your own life?

 

A. As an experienced entrepreneur, I place a high value on self-care and wellness in my daily, weekly and monthly routines. Each day begins with a rejuvenating meditation session and a refreshing morning walk to clear my mind and set a positive tone. Weekly, I carve out time for a revitalizing yoga class and dedicate time to meal prep for nourishing, healthy eating. On a monthly basis, I indulge in a spa day or a weekend getaway to unwind and recharge my batteries. These intentional practices are instrumental in helping me maintain a sense of balance and clarity, enabling me to lead my companies with effectiveness and sustainability.

 

Q. What is your best advice for fitting them into your busy life?

 

A. Drawing from my experience as a seasoned entrepreneur, my top recommendation for fellow female business owners is to prioritize self-care and wellness. Kickstarting each day with a morning meditation and exercise routine can lay a solid foundation for a productive day ahead. Setting aside time each week for a beloved hobby and fostering connections with friends or mentors for support are crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, treating yourself to a spa day or a retreat on a monthly basis can provide the necessary rejuvenation needed to navigate the demands of entrepreneurship. Always remember, nurturing your well-being is not only vital for long-term success in business but also for your personal fulfillment and happiness.

 

 

Rachel Humphrey

Founder

Women in Hospitality Leadership Alliance

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Q. What types of wellness activities (physical, mental, spiritual, other) have you found to be most beneficial in your own life?

 

A. I have really only figured out the perfect combination for me over the last few years. I love the saying, “An empty lantern provides no light, and self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.” When I am committed to my 10,000 steps with a walking partner for both great conversation and fresh air, 30 minutes of exercise with variety, a 5-minute meditation, hydration, eating three meals a day, therapy, proactive medical appointments, intentional time with my husband and daughters, and vacationing (especially the beach), my light shines brightest!

 

Q. What is your best advice for fitting them into your busy life?

 

A. Each of us needs to have our list of non-negotiables; mine are above. We must each determine what are our must-dos for us to be our best selves and then commit to them no matter what. It is too easy to put ourselves last and never get to the things we need to fuel ourselves. This list helps hold me accountable. The better I am, the better I will be. Also, start early in your career. As I’ve told my 23-year-old daughter, it’s so hard to jump off the hamster wheel and reset once you’re on it, but if you start off your career with wellness in mind and your own list of non-negotiables, it’ll be easier to stay the course.

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Visit www.she-leads.com for more information about Red Roof’s SHE Leads Forum and for tools to help you manage your business, rise in the ranks and find the confidence to become a successful business leader.

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