In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics, substances known for their mind-altering properties and profound effects on consciousness. While the topic of psychedelics is often surrounded by controversy and misconceptions, there is a growing body of research suggesting their therapeutic potential and ability to catalyze transformative experiences.

As humans, we often find solace and security within the confines of our comfort zones. These cozy spaces shield us from uncertainty, fear, and the unknown. However, there is a world of growth, learning, and exhilaration that awaits us beyond those familiar boundaries. This world is known as "edgework" – the practice of intentionally pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones to explore new frontiers and reach our full potential. Let's delve into the significance of edgework, the benefits it offers, and how to embrace this transformative journey.

We've all experienced those moments when we let out a deep sigh, a momentary relief from the stress and anxiety that's built up within us. But what if there was a way to harness that relief and experience it throughout the day? That's where breathwork comes in. In a recent clinical trial conducted by the Dr. Huberman's Stanford Medical Center, different brief protocols involving deliberate breathwork or mindfulness meditation were compared. The results were fascinating and showed that a simple five-minute breathwork technique could significantly reduce stress and enhance mood throughout the day.

In our quest for personal growth and self-improvement, we often overlook the significance of small, consistent actions. Weekly micro habits, which are simple habits performed regularly, have the power to create lasting change in our lives. By incorporating a new micro habit into our weekly routine, we can build positive momentum, develop new skills, and achieve long-term goals. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of weekly micro habits and provide tips for incorporating them into your life. 

Each week we'll be introducing a new micro habit for consideration.

Life can be challenging, and at times, we may find ourselves feeling disconnected to who we truly are.  We may put on masks or layer on emotional armor to navigate difficult people and situations.  We may feel the weight of emotional baggage, experience burnout, or feel lost in our journey. However, there is hope. By following a three-step process of RESTORE, RENEW, and RECALIBRATE, we can embark on a journey of healing, personal growth, and self-improvement. Today, we will explore each step in detail, uncovering how it can empower us to overcome trauma, renew our perspectives, and realign our lives with our values, strengths, and vision to become anchored in who we are meant to be.

When you think of your closest friends, most intimate relationships, or most supportive colleague, what do they have in common? At the top of your list is likely their ability to support you. One of the most important interpersonal skills we can develop in all relationships, including the one we have with ourselves, is empathy.

This week's Well Within 10 Podcast (available anywhere you get your podcasts), features Courtney Carroll, a licensed professional counselor at Poppy's Therapeutic Corner. Courtney shares her take on Strength in the Surrender: Asking for Help.

This week's Well Within 10 Podcast (available anywhere you get your podcasts), features Kelly Soller, Managing Director, and Andrea Ernst, Senior Portfolio Manager, at Fifth Third Private Bank.

Research has shown that practicing mindfulness in nature can help to boost our mood and increase our feelings of connectedness. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally living with awareness in the present moment without judgement, rejection, or attachment.

Employee wellness has rapidly changed. 25-year industry veteran Kim Baker shares her top 3 insights to engaging organizations and individuals on this week's Well Within 10 Podcast (available anywhere you get your podcasts).

What can’t you renew these days? With just the click of a couple buttons via your phone, you can renew your apartment lease, subscription to Netflix, your favorite online newspaper. You can even renew your subscription to weekly meals, delivered right to your doorstep with step-by-step instructions on how to make dinner. 

Time management, unforeseen weather, a positive COVID-19 test, low bank account, canceled flights - these are things that WE KNOW are stressful. They smack us in the face when we are - it seems - least prepared, and cause our cortisol levels to rise. 

But there might be other stressors in your life that are also causing your cortisol levels to increase, without you even knowing. Like a third party stress vendor, if you will. Let’s identify them below to see if they might be affecting your own mental wellness. 

Meet Vernon Jackson, a successful barber shop and salon owner, celebrity barber and now author of “Looking Glass: A Man’s Reflections Within The Scope of Dating and Relationships.”

We’re officially in Black History Month, a month to celebrate and pay tribute to the accomplishments of many generations of African Americans who have faced and continue to face adversity. An easy - almost effortless - way to support the Black community is to support black-owned businesses. And we’ve made it even easier for you by compiling 10 Black-owned businesses that are defining the future in Cincinnati and beyond. 

Your support, whether that be a follow on their IG business account, or a transaction on their online store, is a tiny step in the right direction. When you choose to support a Black-owned business, you’re helping build both a better represented and stronger community. Check out these history-making Black businesses below. 

Especially in the month of January, we are told to make & do. Make the lists, and then do what’s on them. And if we keep completing our to-do lists, can we add on a few more tasks to be even more productive? 

Can we go to work and be on carpool duty? Can we scale a business and put away the laundry, and pick up groceries? Can we remember the birthday, purchase the birthday gift and remember to mail it? In time? 

Lauris Woolford is an executive coach and leadership consultant with over 35 years of hands-on experience in coaching leaders and teams in Fortune 500 companies and in supporting positive cultural transformations. Lauris is a founding member of WISe and an actual “angel coach” here on earth, says founder Stevi Carr.

Everyone has boundaries and standards – these help provide order, set expectations, and give us security. If we didn't have these things to look forward to or up to, our life would be quite chaotic and random.

“A Leadership Style” is a column in The Chic Guide, authored by WISe Wellness Guild founder Stevi Gable Carr and powered by Crunchmaster Crackers aimed at celebrating female leaders who have advanced in their careers because they have integrated work and life through whole-self wellness. 

This month's feature is Kait Lott, the creative power behind Kait's Kravings, a colorful, lively and inspiring food blog based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Kait attended college in Florida, beat cancer at 20 and is now working her way through Cincinnati’s food scene and re-exploring the great Midwest.

We asked WISe Wellness Guild community members their budding career advice and the answers were nothing short of extraordinary. As per usual.

In adolescence, we are developmentally wired to care what others think of us –our world revolves around social acceptance. While we all need support & acceptance throughout our lives, this can become unhealthy if our focus becomes pleasing others or obsessing over social acceptance. Cue judgments, gossip, insecurities, & efforts to “Keep up with the Jonses,” (these days, “Keeping up with the Kardashians” is much more accurate). The beauty of aging comes with the wisdom that I am the only person I have to live with 24-7-365. Therefore, my opinion about me is the only one that matters. I am literally the only person in the world in my brain 24-7, so as long as I am living by my values, pursuing my goals, and living my authentic life, everyone else’s opinion is just that, their opinion. As Glennon Doyle says, “Disappoint everyone else so that you aren’t disappointing yourself.”