Reich Finds Health and Wellness

“After 37 years working long hours in a high demand job, I found myself severely unhealthy,” Brian Reich said. “I wasn’t eating well, I wasn’t sleeping, and was working too many hours.”

In 2019 Reich went to the doctor for a wellness check and found himself with high blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar and 70lbs overweight. Reich simply lacked awareness of how far he had fallen.

Reich hit a tipping point after waiting for a medical test. He laid on the examining table and felt like he had hit rock bottom and decided that he needed to make a change that day.  

“I started eating healthy, cutting out junk food, and incorporating exercise into my daily routine,” explained Reich. He started losing weight and his wife joined along with the new healthy lifestyle. Brian felt as though things still weren’t right and his wife suggested meditation. He started meditating for 10 minutes, and gradually increased his time. Before long he began studying mindfulness and meditation, earning certificates. He quit his corporate career and decided to pursue a career that supported his new lifestyle.

“The mind, body, and soul are all connected,” said Reich. “Once I figured that out, everything started falling into place and my overall wellness improved.”

Reich, in his first year of consulting, works with businesses to improve the health of their employees, which increases productivity and creates a more positive culture in the workplace. “People are the most valuable asset in the company,” Reich stressed “it’s important that companies invest in their future.”

“There are low-cost ways to promote health and wellness within a company,” Reich stated. “Dedicating space for a meditation room, teaching mindfulness, stop requiring 10–12-hour workdays, provide healthy treats rather than donuts and pizza are simple ways companies can help to promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Reich says that “corporate wellness requires commitment by the company, as well as the employees.”

“Make realistic, affordable changes and have a good diet, value sleep, incorporate light exercise, and have a mental plan such as yoga or meditation to improve one’s overall health,” Reich said. "If I have learned anything in the last 37 years it is that you need to keep life and business simple."

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce has identified wellness as one of the organization’s top priorities for 2022. This Wellness Spotlight is part of the Chamber’s Wellness Initiatives. One business leader will be spotlighted each month to raise awareness about the impact stress in the workplace can have on an individual’s overall health and the steps taken towards a healthier work life balance. Would you like to share your wellness journey? Please contact chamberoffice@orrvillechamber.com to express interest in the Wellness Spotlight.