Whole person health involves looking at the whole person—not just separate organs or body systems—and considering multiple factors that promote either health or disease.

If there is any silver lining to the pandemic, it may be that it has highlighted the importance of connection to mental health and wellness. Being able to connect with someone you trust and knowing that they will listen and support you is crucial for our mental wellness.

Studies to date suggest that mindfulness affects many aspects of our psychological well-being—improving our mood, increasing positive emotions, and decreasing our anxiety, emotional reactivity, and job/school burnout.

Let’s help to fight stigma, provide support, learn to take time for ourselves, seek professional help when needed and check in on family, friends and neighbors.

Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient. Stress can cause physical, emotional and behavioral disorders which can affect your health, vitality, peace-of-mind, as well as personal and professional relationships.