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Lisa Stovall

With over two decades of experience in employee wellness and internal communications, Lisa Stovall brings her passion and expertise to every project as a senior content writer, strategist, and editor at TotalWellness. Equipped with a Master’s in Health Promotion, she’s all about creating workplaces that are healthy, happy, and thriving. When she’s not at work, Lisa loves getting her 10,000 steps in — whether it’s a stroll through the park, exploring new trails, or enjoying a neighborhood walk with her two dogs. For Lisa, health and wellness are not just her career, but a personal passion she brings to life with vibrant energy and a fun approach that makes her a trusted voice in the wellness community.
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Recent Posts

From Burnout to Bliss: The Power of a Dopamine Menu at Work

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Oct, 21, 2024

Who can resist the latest TikTok trend?

One week, it’s all about mindfulness and calm, and the next, we’re going crazy for cucumbers. But the latest trend to take over our feeds is surprisingly wholesome — the dopamine menu.

It’s all about creating a carefully curated list of activities that bring you joy throughout the day. From baking and exercising to something as simple as making your bed, the dopamine menu is a positive, feel-good trend that’s being shared by everyone — whether it’s A-list stars or TikTok favorites.

Now, let’s take this viral idea and bring it to the workplace!

A dopamine menu at work can help boost happiness, focus, and motivation for everyone on your team. Ready to learn how? Keep reading for some easy tips to create your dopamine menu and make workdays a little brighter!

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How To Show Your Employees You Truly Care About Their Well-Being

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Oct, 14, 2024

Imagine starting your day feeling excited to go to work because your company truly cares about you. Sounds pretty amazing, right?

But here’s the hard truth: these days, fewer employees actually feel that way. In fact, the number of people who feel valued at work has dropped significantly since the early days of the pandemic. That’s a pretty big drop.

Why does this matter?

Because when people feel supported and appreciated, it’s not just about boosting their mood — they’re more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stick around long-term. A positive, caring workplace isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s the secret ingredient for a team that thrives and pushes your business forward.

So, what’s going wrong? Why are so many employees feeling disconnected? In this article, we’ll break down what’s behind this shift, how it’s impacting the workplace, and, most importantly, what we can do to turn things around.

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Topics: Healthy Workplaces

What is a Biometric Screening & What Does it Measure?

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Oct, 07, 2024

Ever wonder how healthy you really are?

That’s where biometric screenings come in! 

These quick health check-ups measure things like blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels to give you a snapshot of your overall health. They can even catch early warning signs of potential health issues.

Biometric screenings are a popular benefit in workplace wellness programs — and for good reason! They’re a fantastic way to help employees keep tabs on their health. In fact, 42% of large firms offered employees the opportunity to complete a biometric health screening in 2023.

While this is pretty consistent with recent trends, it's still below the 52% of large companies offering screenings before the pandemic. We want to see even more businesses—both large and small — offering these screenings. Why? Because they’re so valuable for employee health and well-being.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about biometric screenings—what they are, why they’re important, and how they work. Let’s dive in!

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Topics: Biometric Health Screenings

Wellness Wednesday: 52 Ideas for Wellness in Your Workplace

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Sep, 30, 2024

Have you heard of Wellness Wednesday?

It’s a day dedicated to boosting our health and happiness at work. Think of it as a midweek refresh to keep us energized and focused. Wellness Wednesday has become super popular on social media, and for a good reason — people love finding simple ways to feel better during the workweek!

Why does it matter? Regular wellness activities, like those on Wellness Wednesday, are vital because they help us stay healthy and productive. When we take care of ourselves, we can work better, feel happier, and even spread positivity to our coworkers.

Employee well-being's impact goes far beyond how we feel — it can affect everything from the number of sick days we take to how well we perform our jobs. According to Gallup, poor wellbeing can have some pretty hefty costs:

    • 75% of medical expenses come from mostly preventable conditions.
    • Globally, $322 billion is lost due to employee burnout, leading to turnover and lost productivity.
    • Burnout can also account for 15% to 20% of total payroll in voluntary turnover costs.

But here’s the good news: your organization can make a difference! By focusing on wellness, like through workplace wellness activities, you can help improve your employees' well-being and reduce these costs.

Below, we’ll share easy and fun Wellness Wednesday ideas you can bring to your workplace. These tips are perfect for helping everyone feel their best, no matter how busy the week gets. So, get ready to make Wednesdays the highlight of your workweek with activities that everyone will love!

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Topics: Healthy Workplaces

Keeping Your Employees Healthy: Cold & Flu Prevention Tips for the Workplace

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Sep, 23, 2024

As the temperature drops, the risk of catching those annoying bugs rises. Cold and flu season is just around the corner, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your workplace healthy and productive.

But here's a surprising fact: every year, around 200 million workdays are lost in the U.S. due to cold and flu. That's like hitting the pause button on productivity across the nation!

When one person catches a bug, it often spreads like wildfire through the office. Just picture it — a chorus of coughs and sneezes echoing through the halls. Not exactly the soundtrack you want for your workday, right?

With 1 billion colds happening in the U.S. each year, it's no wonder that adults can expect to catch two to four colds annually. Some might even face more than their fair share.

But don't worry! We're here to arm you with ten super simple yet powerful tips to help you prevent the spread of cold and flu in your workplace. These actions are easy to follow, and when everyone pitches in, you can create a healthier, happier environment where productivity thrives.

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Topics: Workplace Flu Shots

Finding Joy: Harnessing the Novelty Rule for a Fulfilling Life

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Sep, 16, 2024

Have you ever noticed that childhood summers felt like they lasted forever, but now summers zoom by in the blink of an eye?

There's a reason for that! As we get older, our brains stop making as many new pathways, and that makes our days feel like they blend together. The good news? You can change that with a simple idea called the Novelty Rule!

The Novelty Rule is based on neuroscience and is a great way to slow down time, making your life feel richer and more meaningful. In an episode of the Liz Moody Podcast, Liz explains how she created the novelty rule using research by Dr. David Eagleman from Stanford University. By adding new and novel experiences to your life, you can change your brain's perception of time, so it doesn’t feel like days and months are just flying by.

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Topics: Healthy Workplaces

Conquer the Monday Blues: Your Ultimate Guide to a Bright Start

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Sep, 09, 2024

Does Monday morning feel like a mountain to climb? You're not alone!

Many people struggle with the Monday blues. But guess what? You can start your week on a high note with just a few simple changes.

Mondays can be tough because they mark the end of a relaxing weekend and the start of a busy work week. It's normal to feel a little down or stressed about the week ahead.

But when we start the week feeling good, everything seems easier. So, how can we beat those Monday blues?

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Topics: Wellness at Work

The Science Behind Flu Vaccines: A Simple Guide

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Tue, Sep, 03, 2024

Every fall, as the leaves turn golden and the chill creeps into the air, a familiar foe emerges — the flu.

This unwelcome guest doesn’t just throw a wrench in our daily routines; it can seriously impact our health. But we’ve got a secret weapon in our arsenal: the flu shot. It’s time to dive into what makes this tiny jab such a mighty protector and why it’s your best bet against the flu’s yearly invasion.

Think getting a flu shot is just another item on your to-do list?

Think again.

That little shot is a superhero in disguise, working tirelessly to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. The flu virus is a master of disguise, changing its form every year, which is why a new vaccine is rolled out each season.

So, what’s the deal with flu shots? Let’s unravel the science behind them and discover why this annual ritual is more important than you might think.

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Topics: Workplace Flu Shots

From 20s to 60s: Wellness Strategies to Support Employees at Every Age

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Aug, 26, 2024

Imagine trying to fit everyone into the same pair of shoes. It wouldn’t work, right?

The same goes for employee wellness programs.

Your team is made up of people from different generations, each with their own needs and preferences. To really make a difference in their health and happiness, you need a wellness program that fits them perfectly.

As we journey through life, our health and wellness needs change. What matters in our 20s might not be the same in our 60s. These changes not only affect us personally but also shape the wellness programs that companies offer. 

This post explores why tailoring your wellness program to your employees’ demographics and understanding these differences can help create a better wellness program.

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How to Treat Exercise Like Self-Care, and Why It Helps

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Aug, 19, 2024

Ever think of exercise as a way to treat yourself?

Just like a warm bubble bath or a cozy night in, exercise can be a super way to show yourself some love. After all, exercise isn't just about staying fit; it's about feeling good inside and out.

When we think of exercise as a chore, it can be hard to stick with it. But when we see it as self-care, it becomes something we look forward to. Self-care is all about taking time to do things that help us live well and improve our mental and physical health. Exercise fits right into this!

Below, we cover the perks of shifting your perspective on exercise. Keep reading to discover how treating exercise as self-care can enhance your overall well-being.

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Topics: Healthy Workplaces

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