Time is the Best Healer; Laughter is the Best Medicine
As we continue to live our lives and deal with the coronavirus, we are each looking for ways to protect ourselves and those around us. We all want to avoid contracting and then spreading this infectious disease. To be sure, masks and social distancing are at the top of the list. However, there is one important antidote that needs to be part of the mix. Simply put, the science is clear. We need to start smiling, laughing – and release the stress. Stress, in fact, reduces our immune response – and makes us more vulnerable to illness.
When we laugh, we relax. We boost our immunity, increase infection fighting antibodies and lower our stress hormones. We release neuropeptides and endorphins - fighting stress and illness. So, we need to laugh more, a lot more – especially right now as we face the height of the crisis.
Meanwhile, an observation. Karen and I were in the grocery store the other day and we couldn’t help noticing – there was fear and anxiety on the faces of so many of the shoppers around us. There was an eerie silence. Almost creating a social taboo – to refrain from laughing, smiling or even offering a friendly greeting. So, we reach out with a positive word of encouragement – a way to move forward with joy in your heart as we approach the Easter holiday. We encourage you to laugh and express goodwill to others. It will not only make for a better social environment – it will also improve your health.
Small Town Businesses Come Together: Form Partnership to Fight Virus!
The Sunshine Town is living up to its name during this pandemic! Newport businesses and the local community have banded together to create sunshine and positivity, as they work to provide relief for the Granite State and beyond. Three terrific companies – in a small town of 6,000 people - are showing true American spirit – ‘pulling out all the stops’ to fight this deadly virus.
Widmer and Davis Artisan Distilleries, a distiller of high quality spirits right in the heart of Newport, has shifted their production from liquor to hand sanitizer. They have already produced more than 90 gallons of sanitizing solution! Meanwhile - All-Terrain, a skin protection products company, is working with Widmer and Davis – partnering to complete the finished product, helping with filling, packaging and labeling. Forming a ‘spur of the moment’ partnership to address the crisis. Gotta love the ingenuity and spirit. A community coming together.
And that’s not all. Newport is also terrifically proud of Cole-TAC, an industrial sewing company. Cole-TAC has pitched in and has reorganized their business to facilitate the production of more than 10,000 masks! To fully fund this great effort, they do need to raise additional money – approximately $50,000 in total. So, please consider donating to their GoFundMe effort by visiting here!
Finally, an important recognition. Extending heartfelt thanks and highlighting the incredible work of Cody Morrison, Newport's Economic Development Coordinator, in supporting these great efforts! Newport is on the move!
The ‘Hike From Home’ Challenge
Here’s a fun idea. With everyone stuck at home – practicing social distancing and trying to avoid crowds - New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu came up with a great idea. The ‘Hike From Home Challenge #HomeHikeChallenge. People are encouraged to explore the outdoors - but to do so right in their own ‘backyards.’ From exploring that brook behind the house to going through the woods across the street, it gets people outside while also protecting them from being in crowds.
Meanwhile – even if you can’t get outdoors, during this unusual period, it’s critical for people find ways to remain active. Virtual yoga classes and fitness center programs online are popping up all over the web. New Hampshire based tech company Minim, founded by entrepreneur Jeremy Hitchcock, has been hosting virtual recesses which allow kids to stay fit and burn off energy – and am sure that parents are highly appreciative!
So, this is great moment to be creative, take action and use this unique time in a way that expands your horizon – and creates positivity for yourself and those around you.
Positive Profile of the Week: Chris Wolfe
PPE’s are one of the most searched items on the web today. People are breaking out the needle and thread and making masks. Each of us doing our part to help our neighbor. When problems occur, we as Americans rally to help our fellow citizens. It is with this spirit in mind that I feel honored to share this week’s Profile. An individual who is stepping up for first responders through innovation, passion, and extraordinary commitment. Let me tell you about Chris Wolfe of Newmarket.
Chris is an international businessman with an engineering background. His career has centered on electronic manufacturing and development. People who know him as I do always say, ‘Chris Wolfe can solve the tough questions and find a solution. It’s how he ticks.’ From his work as leader in politics to helping charitable organizations hit their goals, Chris is always ready to roll up his sleeves and accomplish a goal.
As we all know, PPEs are in high demand. In fact, too often first responders have found themselves on the front lines lacking adequate protective gear. That’s something Chris wasn’t going to tolerate. Rather than sit back and complain, Chris took to developing a solution. He downloaded a face shield blueprint online, arranged for product supply chains to be put in place, and is making these masks and providing them for his local police station.
Is it the engineer in him that is driving this? Is it the commitment to helping the community? It’s all of this and more. A ‘Can-Do Spirit’ and willingness to generously give of himself. Thank you, Chris Wolfe!
Quotes of the Week: Laughter
“If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.”
“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”
“It is impossible for you to be angry and laugh at the same time. Anger and laughter are mutually exclusive and you have the power to choose either.”
“If you are not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don't want to go there.”
“One hearty laugh together will bring enemies into a closer communion of heart than hours spent on both sides in inward wrestling with the mental demon of uncharitable feeling.”