WE Inspire. Promote. Network (WIPN), the advocacy and support organization for female leaders in the retirement planning industry, launched the WIPN Wellness initiative on Wednesday in conjunction with National Women’s Health Week.
“We know the lingering effects of the pandemic have had a considerable impact on women’s physical and mental health.”
WIPN Wellness focuses on providing members “with information, support, and ways to engage, inspire, and encourage each other,” according to organizers. Members can access new programs (delivered online and in-person) focused on improving their mental and physical health.
Led by WIPN Board Secretary Lisa Allen, it consists of events, fun challenges in which to participate, informational deliverables, and new ways to connect with other members while improving the member’s mental and physical health.
“We know the lingering effects of the pandemic have had a considerable impact on women’s physical and mental health,” Allen stated.
The unequal toll on women is proven in data and research, she added. Women have disproportionately felt the impact at work and home, and there is a risk of losing women in the workforce due to burnout.
“Our members are working women filling many other roles in their daily lives,” Allen continued. “They may be taking care of children, helping aging parents, or have other responsibilities such as volunteer work. Some are juggling many of those roles at once. Self-care and prioritizing yourself may not always come first when pulled in so many directions daily. If something good comes of the pandemic, could it be that women come out of this time even stronger by learning how to prioritize self-care? I think we have learned the importance of it. Now WIPN is doubling down to helping our members do it.”
While heavily crediting Allen for the idea, WIPN Board of Directors President Lisa Smith said some element of wellness always existed in the organization’s networking events and programming at the suggestion of its members, but the “time is now” to formalize it. WIPN members love sharing stories and best practices with one another and find their greatest inspiration in each other, she added. The WIPN Wellness initiative creates a supportive community and forum for engagement.
“Working women increasingly shoulder more responsibility both in and out of work, especially with the additional caregiving,” Smith explained, noting COVID’s role in accelerating anxiety and other mental health issues. “The struggle for balance and risk of burnout is very real. Formalizing a focus on wellness allows us to bring more thoughtful content and engagement as a complement to the pure networking and professional development focus that we have had. It acknowledges the necessity of overall wellbeing to career success.”
Mental Health
- Caregiving
- Burnout vs. stress
- Socialization/having a “community
- Empty nests
- Anxiety/depression
- Managing moments
Physical Health
- How to start lifting weights
- Beginning Yoga
- Heart health/high blood pressure
- Plant-based eating
- Pre-Menopause, Perimenopause, Post Menopause
- Gut health
WIPN is actively soliciting members who want to share their stories, provide topic ideas, or contribute their knowledge to the initiative. Interested members may email Secretary@WIPN.org.
LOOK FOR THE HASHTAG #WIPNWELLNESS. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE.
With more than 20 years serving financial markets, John Sullivan is the former editor-in-chief of Investment Advisor magazine and retirement editor of ThinkAdvisor.com. Sullivan is also the former editor of Boomer Market Advisor and Bank Advisor magazines, and has a background in the insurance and investment industries in addition to his journalism roots.
