Even before Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Malorie Maddox came to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) in 2018, she made wellness a priority in her life.
“I was born with rheumatoid arthritis, so at a very early age I had a doctor tell me I have to be active my whole life,” Maddox said.
Maddox stayed active while working at WOWT 6 News by hiring a trainer and continues her commitment to wellness at BCBSNE by working out with a trainer one morning and one evening a week.
“For me, it is the stress relief, but I also think I handle things at work better when I take that moment to get to the gym and exercise,” she said.
When Maddox moved from the fast-paced news industry to the insurance field, she adjusted her workout routine, supplementing cardio and weightlifting activities with slower-paced classes.
“I have really tried to somewhat slow down and take classes like yoga,” said Maddox. “For me, yoga is more about trying to shut work off, really soak in the moment and be more flexible.”
She brings her passion for wellness into the workplace and encourages her team to make exercise a part of their day.
“If you expect results and you expect high accountability from your team, I think it is also important to recognize that wellness can help get those results, and it can build your team,” said Maddox. “I am super passionate about making sure our team knows if they need a wellness break for their health, we support that.”
When Kathy Nellor, health transformation leader, joined the team, she started a walking club on Wednesdays during lunch.
“When it’s nice out, we will gather everyone and just get out of the building to get fresh air,” Maddox said. “It really gives you those moments of reprieve and laughter.”
Maddox enjoys the changes she’s seen in the team since the start of the weekly club.
“I think our entire team has grown closer,” Maddox said. “I love that moment when we shout out ‘who can go?’ and you see people’s heads pop up from the cubicles or step out from their office, throw their running shoes on and get out.”
Becoming Wise & Well* is not a linear or easy path, but Maddox has a way of tackling it that works for her.
“I am a big believer in not doing anything drastic and changing habits one at a time,” Maddox said. “I think we make hundreds of health choices every day, so if you can start with changing one or two habits, I think that is the best way to do it.”
Overall, Maddox does the best she can to work on her wellness, and she recommends others do the same.
“Don’t be hard on yourself,” said Maddox. “I never saw results by being harder on myself. It is recognizing that if you make it to the gym that day, do what you feel like. Don’t punish yourself or feel like you did not meet your goal.”
For more articles like this one, visit the health and wellness tab.
*Wise & Well is a monthly wellness series highlighting BCBSNE employees and their dedication to health and wellness.
