Around the world, we’re seeing images of war-torn countries, civil unrest and families struggling to survive economic and health crises. Here at home, we’re faced with rising inflation and product shortages due to ongoing supply chain issues.

On top of this, we’re witness to heartbreaking news about shootings in places we once thought of as safe – schools, houses of worship, grocery stores, shopping malls, music festivals and other locations. And all of this is happening at a time when we’re feeling worn out by more than two years of a global pandemic.

For many of us, the weight of this negativity feels nothing short of overwhelming.

Earlier this year, I talked about our resilience as a company in facing the challenges of the last few years, and I stand by that statement today. But I do know that resilience can fade under the pressures of everyday life, particularly when we are bombarded with so much stress from the outside world.

As Mental Health Awareness month wraps up, I wanted to remind all of us how important it is to nurture our own resilience. Since there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to wellness, find what works for you. Just a few suggestions:

• Take time to unplug and recharge. To me, that means breaking away from the news and overall “noise” of the outside world.
• Boost your mental health through physical activity. I head to the gym to clear my head – but any physical activity can elevate your mood.
• Reconnect with loved ones. Plan informal get-togethers with friends and family. And if you can’t do it in-person, stay in touch virtually.
• Seek joy. Sometimes, it helps to have something to look forward to – no matter how small – so your mind isn’t consumed by all the negativity. Plan a meal out at a favorite restaurant, rent a movie, or grab a good book.

Together, we’re doing great things for our customers and their patients – let’s not forget to take care of ourselves so we can continue to embody #TheAvanosDifference in everything we do!