WITH DEBRA LAFLER
One reason being in the wellness profession is challenging is the pressure to be — or at least appear — perfect. Not so much how we see ourselves, but how others tend to see us. Because we are the wellness teachers, people often assume that we do things perfectly.
Our society has not only separated our body from our mind when it comes to health, but it also has separated us from each other. We falsely assume that we are like computers or machines that operate independently, and this assumption has impacted our health dramatically. So, how do we heal and foster health?
Some of us have been working remotely prior to COVID-19, but for most of us this is a new experience. For many, we are trying to figure out how to do this well.
For fun this month, this post is interactive — meaning you have an active part to play in it. I’ve created six different messages and you are going to pick the one to read today based on the color you choose.
What does childhood trauma and worksite wellness have in common? And why should a worksite wellness professional get familiar with the concept of being “trauma-informed?” It all starts with a story.
The key to wellness is recognizing each of the dimensions rather than focusing solely on the physical.
I chose to write this blog post because September is Suicide Prevention Month and the topic is important to me because I am an attempt survivor myself.
A few months ago, I wrote a blog post called “The spiritual workplace: It’s about connection.” I’ve gotten some replies asking if I could expand on the topic, and so for this post, I will review and then provide a continuation of the concepts about fostering the human spirit and a spiritual workplace.
In 2010, the world was captured with intrigue by Brené Brown’s TED Talk, “The power of vulnerability,” where she shared her research on shame.
As part of your employee wellness initiatives, be sure to give attention to the topic of substance use, for both adults and teenagers. I know it’s not something we normally openly talk about at work, but we should.
Debra Lafler is a Madison-based wellness consultant, coach, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in the field. She currently works as the employee wellness and employee assistance program manager for the Wisconsin State Department of Health Services, and as an adjunct instructor for the University of Wisconsin’s Health and Wellness Management program. She also is available privately to hire as a business consultant, personal coach, or motivational speaker. Debra has a doctorate degree in Divinity & Spiritual Studies from Emerson Theological Institute; a master’s degree in Health & Behavior Studies specializing in Health Education from Columbia University; a bachelor’s degree in Communication, with certificates in Wellness and Coaching from The University of Wisconsin—Parkside; and certificates in Worksite Wellness, Holistic Stress Management, Grief Support, and Yoga. She can be reached at debra.lafler@wi.gov or deblafler@gmail.com.
