Kerry Kremke, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s (BCBSNE) chief information security officer and director of information security and privacy, believes wellness is a journey influenced by his actions.
“What I eat, the activities I do, the way I work with people, the attitude I choose to take and my spiritual connection are a few of the items that are central to the journey,” he said.
As he began working from home in March due to the pandemic, Kremke also found new ways to stay well.
“I improvised a standing desk with a few cement blocks; this has really helped me keep moving throughout the day,” said Kremke “I have intentionally focused on finding a separation between work and non-work time, simple things like saying I’m going to work now, I’m going to lunch and I’m off work have helped me create boundaries.”
His well-being journey began back in 2012 when he started at BCBSNE and felt the importance of wellness in the company.
“This motivated me to make some changes in my life and get active,” he said. “I ultimately got into mountain biking in 2014 and have logged over 9,500 miles since then. Mountain biking is a great cardio and full body activity. There is also a great community of riders and volunteers that I’ve become a part of.”
Kremke noticed that mountain biking was more than a way to get his exercise in.
“While the low impact workout is what hooked me with cycling, I’ve found that the mental wellness benefits are what keep me riding,” said Kremke. “I have a very active mind and cycling is one of the few things I have found that quiets the noise of the world around me; it is my meditation time.”
However, his wellness goes beyond hopping on a bike and riding a trail.
“Finding ways to be of service to others is key to my overall wellness,” said Kremke. “Activities like volunteering to do bike trail maintenance and being active with my church community are very fulfilling.”
Kremke aims to support others in their wellness by sharing not only his successes, but his failures as well to motivate those around him.
For more articles like this, visit Health and Wellness.
*Wise & Well is a monthly wellness series highlighting BCBSNE employees and their dedication to health and wellness.
