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WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT


North Texas Healthy Communities' WorkZones Wellness Spotlight highlights people in our community who promote the value of wellness in the workplace or extoll the benefits they’ve gained from their own company’s wellness programs. Meet Dana Baker, a senior consultant with Southwest Airlines. Here, Dana explains how Southwest prioritizes wellness, why self-care is a necessity rather than an indulgence, and how programs like Mental Health First Aid training can benefit anyone – or any company – that interacts with the public.

For many years of my life, my own wellness took a backseat to the demands of my life circumstances. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, returning to college at a later age, and trying to begin a professional career in my 30s took up all my time and energy. Exercise, healthy eating, and meditative practices got squeezed in wherever they would fit. As my stress and fatigue levels mounted and my health declined, I soon realized without prioritizing self-care I would have nothing left to offer those who were depending on me. As tragic as the events of the 2020 pandemic were for so many, it was the wakeup call I needed to turn some of these habits and focus areas around completely.  When I was forced to stop and assess what was important to me, my core values became the barometer by which I measured what stayed and what had to go – authenticity, peace, trust, growth, and justice became the deciding factors in my choices.

Wellness can be such a broad term, and each of our unique needs and situations means the way we practice good health can look dramatically different. I am learning to not let “perfect” get in the way of “good.” Every incremental move I make toward thriving; whatever it is that helps me find the peace and growth that I value so dearly; the practices that help me better show up for my family, friends, and coworkers: there is value in each step, no matter how small. For me, that means scheduling my exercise classes before I set my meeting schedule, blocking my calendar to read a health-related article, listening to an inspirational podcast on my commute to work, or setting aside time for a coffee chat with a mentor I admire – all require attention and a little effort, but the gains are invaluable and help me refocus my intentions towards improved health outcomes.

For about six years now, I have had the privilege of working for a company that builds wellness into our daily routines. In addition to our generous health benefits, we have access to professional counseling, wellness seminars, internal customer care services, catastrophic assistance, fitness discounts, and so much more. In my department, we have a specialized team that partners with our friends at Texas Health to become certified in Mental Health First Aid, learn about available community health resources, and ensure our employees know where they can receive help. Our leaders are trained to recognize the signs if someone is struggling in the workplace or in their home and are encouraged to meet the need where we can, or direct that employee to a licensed professional when necessary. Working for a people-first organization creates the sense of psychological safety and belonging that empowers us to be the best version of ourselves through our interpersonal relationships and workplace interactions.

My wellness journey is an ongoing one. Now that I’m an empty-nester, I find myself with more time to truly enjoy things like the gym and cooking meals besides the burgers and pizza. In 2021, I even returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology. But the challenges also look a little different. Sometimes I’m tempted to not want to leave the house. Or skip a meal because the couch is just that comfortable. Bury myself in work and schoolwork to escape reality.

While self-indulgence can also be a form of self-care, I am learning that sometimes social time is the healthier choice for me. Or taking a break from the computer now will allow me to be more pleasant at work tomorrow. Eating a balanced diet means I can better self-regulate. Because this looks different for everyone, taking the time to observe when you feel alive and at peace will give you all the cues you need to course-correct along the way. Lastly, surrounding myself with others who share similar goals has been the biggest factor in keeping me on track. When I don’t feel like I have what it takes, having someone in my corner to support me makes all the difference.  And for those times when I look around and don’t see anybody, it might just be my turn to share a positive word to encourage someone else. If you’re looking for a well-being shortcut, connection may just help you find it!