BlogH-01

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.
Find me on:

Recent Posts

How to Build a Wellness-Centric Company Culture from the Ground Up

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Apr, 21, 2025

A great company culture doesn’t just happen. It’s built — like your favorite playlist — with the right mix of creativity, intention, and genuine care.

And when companies get it right?

Work feels better, people stick around longer, and the whole team thrives.

So, what does a healthy workplace actually look like?

It’s different for every company, but the best ones have one thing in common: employees feel genuinely supported, not just at work but in life. They’re happier, more engaged, and way more likely to bring their best selves to the job.

Leadership matters, of course. But the real difference shows up when a company invests in its people — not just with perks, but with purpose.

The best part? Building that kind of culture isn’t as complicated as it sounds. We’re breaking it down into simple, practical steps that make work feel more human and a whole lot more fulfilling.

Read More

Topics: Healthy Workplaces

Why Life Feels Better with a Little Whimsy

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Apr, 14, 2025

When was the last time you did something just because it made you smile? No goals. No checklists. No productivity apps involved. Just pure, joyful, in-the-moment fun.

If you're struggling to remember. You're not alone. And if the world feels a little chaotic lately (because, let’s be real — it kind of is), that’s all the more reason to invite a little whimsy into your life.

Whimsy is that spark of playfulness, curiosity, and delight that makes everyday moments feel a little more magical. Think spontaneous kitchen dance-offs, wearing socks that don’t match on purpose, or adding whipped cream and cinnamon to your coffee just because it feels fancy.

In a time where everything can feel overwhelming, whimsy is your secret superpower. It helps you breathe easier, laugh more, and find lightness even when things are heavy. 

And the best part? It’s easy to do. Here are a few ways to sprinkle a little magic into your everyday routine — at home, at work, and everywhere in between.

Read More

Topics: Healthy Workplaces

How 15 Minutes of Recess Can Transform Your Workday

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Apr, 07, 2025

Spring is here.

And it’s time to breathe fresh energy into your workplace!

Time to shake off those winter blahs and breathe some fresh energy into your workday. No more office hibernation vibes — we’re talkin’ sunshine, laughter, and maybe even a hula hoop or two.

Yep. We’re bringing recess back.

Who says recess is just for kids? It’s time to bring back the joy of mid-day breaks with a grown-up twist. Think of it as your official permission slip to hit pause, stretch your legs, and sneak in some fun. A chance for your team to step away from their screens, move their bodies, laugh a little, and reconnect with their inner kid.

Let’s explore how to make recess at work happen.

Read More

Topics: Healthy Workplaces

No Budget? No Problem! 12 Months of Zero-Cost Wellness Ideas

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Mar, 31, 2025

Employee wellness doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Some of the best ways to feel better, stress less, and build stronger workplace connections are completely free. You don’t need a luxury wellness retreat to reset your mind or a high-end gym membership to get moving. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity and a willingness to make well-being part of your day.

In fact, with just a little creativity, you can bring wellness into your workplace all year long — no budget required. These small acts of care can build stronger teams, reduce burnout, and make work feel just a little brighter.

To help you get started, we’ve created a month-by-month wellness calendar packed with easy, no-cost ideas you can try all year long. Whether you’re an HR pro, team lead, or wellness champion, this is your go-to guide for making well-being a priority in every season.

Read More

Topics: Wellness at Work

Supporting Employee Mental Health: Essential Training for Managers

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Mar, 24, 2025

Let’s talk about something that happens way too often at work.

An employee is overwhelmed. Burnout is creeping in, and stress is piling up. But instead of speaking up, they just push through. Maybe they’re worried about how it’ll look. Maybe they don’t think their manager will get it. So they stay quiet, and the cycle continues.

Now imagine a different scenario. Same stress, same challenges, but their manager notices something’s off. They check in — not in a forced, awkward way, but with real concern. They listen. They connect the employee to resources that could actually help. The employee feels supported, not judged. And instead of running on empty, they have a shot at feeling better and staying engaged at work.

Here’s the thing: Managers set the tone for workplace culture, whether they realize it or not. But most aren’t trained to handle conversations about mental well-being. It’s not that they don’t care. They do. They just don’t always know what to say or how to help.

That’s why mental well-being training for managers is so important. When they know how to check in, how to listen, and how to offer support without overstepping, it makes a real difference. Employees feel safer speaking up. Burnout doesn’t spiral. And overall? Work becomes a healthier place to be.

In this article, we’ll break down why this kind of training matters, what key skills managers need, and how organizations can roll out a program that actually works. Let’s get into it.

Read More

Topics: Healthy Workplaces

Goodbye, Tech Neck! Simple Fixes for a Healthier, Happier Spine

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Mar, 17, 2025

If you've found yourself hunched over your phone, laptop, or tablet lately, you’re not alone. You've likely encountered a pesky problem known as tech neck — and it might be affecting more than just your posture.

It’s that uncomfortable pain and stiffness that sneaks up on your neck, shoulders, and even your upper back after hours of staring at a screen. 

And it's only getting worse.

In fact, with 91% of Americans owning smartphones and spending an average of 4½ hours a day just looking at the screen (not even talking on it!), it's no surprise that neck pain is now the fourth-leading cause of disability in America. This growing issue can affect productivity, well-being, and overall employee health.

But there’s no need to suffer! You can relieve that discomfort with just a few simple posture adjustments and stretching exercises throughout your day. Keep reading to discover how you can protect your well-being  — and your employees’ — with these easy tips.

Read More

Topics: Healthy Workplaces

Why Employee Engagement Is Declining (And How to Fix It)

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Mar, 10, 2025

If your employees seem less engaged than before, you’re not imagining it.

Gallup’s latest data confirms it — engagement is at its lowest in a decade. Only 31% of employees feel engaged, while 17% are actively disengaged (aka plotting their escape or just mentally napping at their desks).

People are disconnected, unmotivated, and questioning if their work even matters.

The result? Quiet quitting, loud quitting, or just mentally checking out while their bodies go through the motions.

And here’s the kicker — it’s not just about money.

Employees want more than a paycheck. They want purpose. They want to know their work matters.

So, how do you turn things around? Let’s dig into the data.

Read More

Topics: Healthy Workplaces

Nutrition for Every Mood: Eat Your Way to a Better Day

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Mar, 03, 2025

Let’s talk about food.

Not just any food — the kind that keeps your brain sharp, your mood steady, and your energy up all day. Because what you eat? It matters. A lot.

Ever notice how skipping meals, loading up on sugar, or surviving on caffeine leaves you feeling exhausted, cranky, or totally unfocused? That’s because your brain needs the right fuel to function at its best. When you eat well, you think clearer, feel better, and have more energy to get through the day without counting down to your next nap.

Research backs this up. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) says the food you eat directly affects your mood, brainpower, and energy levels. So if you’re constantly running on coffee and convenience snacks, it’s no surprise when brain fog and afternoon slumps hit hard.

But here’s the good news: making smarter food choices doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple swaps can keep you feeling more focused, productive, and just plain better.

So what should you eat when you need:

  • A little mood boost to shake off a stressful morning
  • Better focus so you can actually get things done
  • Energy that lasts longer than your coffee buzz
  • Calm when anxiety kicks in

The right foods can make a big difference in how you feel. Let’s dive into the best options for every mood.

Read More

Topics: Healthy Workplaces

How Small Nudges Can Drive Big Employee Wellness Wins

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Feb, 24, 2025

Employee wellness programs.

You know, those initiatives you pour your heart into — only to be met with silence when sign-ups roll around? It’s like planning the ultimate party, only to realize no one showed up. Awkward. Frustrating. And honestly, a little sad. 

But getting employees to engage in wellness programs doesn’t require endless reminders, desperate pleas, or fancy incentives. You don’t have to be the wellness police, chasing people down with sign-up sheets and guilt trips.

What if there was a way to naturally, almost effortlessly, guide employees toward healthier choices? A way to spark curiosity, boost participation, and make wellness feel like an easy “yes” instead of another thing on their to-do list?

That’s where nudges come in.

Nudges are subtle, science-backed strategies that make the healthier choice the easy choice — no pressure, no pushiness, just gentle guidance toward better well-being. Think of them as the secret sauce that turns wellness from “meh” to “must-try.”

Ready to learn how to nudge your team toward better health — without turning into the office wellness cop? Let’s dive in.

Read More

Topics: Healthy Workplaces

How HR Leaders Can Address America’s Biggest Public Health Concerns

Posted by Lisa Stovall on Mon, Feb, 17, 2025

It’s no secret that employee wellness is more important than ever.

Healthcare costs are out of control, chronic diseases are stacking up like a bad game of Jenga, and mental health? Yeah, let’s just say people are struggling.

A new survey from Emory University and Gallup basically confirmed what we already knew — people are worried about healthcare access, chronic disease, food and water safety, and the general state of the world. Fun times!

Now, you might be thinking, Okay, but isn’t this a government problem? Sure, but guess what? Employers (that’s you) have a huge opportunity to step up. And no, that doesn’t mean throwing a fruit basket in the breakroom and calling it a wellness initiative. It means stepping up in ways that actually make employees’ lives better.

Let’s break it down.

Read More

Topics: In the News, Healthy Workplaces

EWBHeader

Subscribe

This Year's Most Popular Articles