Mindful Minute: Anxious? This meditation may help
Many of us are feeling anxious right now because of COVID-19 — you’re not alone. We are all facing more stress and uncertainty than usual. The key question is: How do we stay calm through all of this?

When we start to feel fear, the first step is to calm our sympathetic nervous system. This means simply taking at least three full breaths, counting to five as you inhale and to five again as you exhale. As you exhale, imagine releasing the tension from your body. You will feel your nervous system settle down.

Psychologist, author, and meditation teacher Tara Brach suggests a meditation practice called “RAIN” when you’re feeling uneasy, upset, or afraid:

Recognize it: “OK, I’m feeling fear.” Just whisper that to yourself and feel it lessen right away. When you can name a fear, it loses some of its power over you.
Allow it: Just let it be there. Don’t judge it or hide it.
Investigate it: Simply feel where the feeling is in your body. Give it gentle attention.
Nurture yourself: Thank yourself for being aware and protecting yourself. Remind yourself you are handling this as best you can. Be proud of that.

It is good to take in the amount of news you need to feel informed. But remember to balance that with things that bring you calm and gratitude. Listen to music, go for a walk, take time to write down things you are truly grateful for. It will make such a difference.

And remember — just breathe! —Pat Ingelse, Assistant Vice President, PMP •••

Share your coronavirus tips and pics with us!
What are you learning about working from home or helping customers during a pandemic? And what kind of fun are you having during these difficult times? Shorelines wants to know!

The novel coronavirus has turned life upside down, but every challenge presents an opportunity, and even when things are tough, there are happy moments to celebrate. To that end, we’re asking North Shore Bank employees to share with us. Here’s what we’re looking for:

Share your best tips on working from home or parenting, a positive story, or photos from the last couple of weeks at shorelines@northshorebank.com. You can also text photos to 608-318-3348.

We’ll run everyone’s submissions in the newsletter and see if we can focus on the positive of this new, temporary normal. Keep washing your hands! •••

Help recruit new hires with social media and more
In Wisconsin, just as everywhere else throughout the country, we are seeing record unemployment claims, with so many people out of work due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, North Shore Bank has a number of openings.

Consequently, the bank is stepping up efforts on employee recruitment, and YOUR involvement can help maximize our results. Per VP and branch sales manager Craig Witz, here’s what you can do:

• Like and share recruiting messages posted on North Shore Bank’s social media accounts. Posts with more reactions and engagement get greater visibility.
• You can access LinkedIn at work, and you are encouraged to like and share North Shore Bank’s content.
• Your favorite social media platform may not be the same as mine. If you like and share on Instagram, and I do so on Twitter, we are covering more ground together.
• Adding a personal endorsement always helps, too.
• Electronic message boards: A number of preapproved messages are available for your signatures. Please see this post and scroll to the bottom. There are probably new ones since you last looked.
• Watch for good service wherever you go. Hand out our new recruiting cards to encourage the person to apply. See this post.

You’ll also notice a “now hiring” banner on our public website and “now hiring” messages on our inLighten feed.

They say, “Many hands make light work.” You can be part of the solution to filling our open positions! •••

Enjoy 23 months of 0% interest with Platinum card
Need to pay down debt or make a major purchase? From now through August 31, 2020, zero adds up big for North Shore Bank employees.

The North Shore Bank Platinum credit card has a 0.00% APR introductory rate for 23 months for employees! That’s an additional three months of interest-free bliss on balance transfers and purchases.

Ready to apply? See your local branch, or contact VP and branch sales manager Craig Witz at cwitz@northshorebank.com or at ext. 3361. •••

Choose the right foods to boost your immune system
If you’re thinking that your immune system could use a boost, you’re certainly not alone! Cleveland Clinic Wellness has some tips on what foods can help:

The goal is to eat a plant-based diet that contains a wide variety of colorful vegetables and fruit (fresh or frozen) — in particular, dark, leafy greens, cruciferous veggies (like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts), berries, citrus fruits, carrots, and winter squashes. Use onions, garlic, ginger, herbs, and spices liberally, too — they’re flavor-packed and full of anti-inflammatory, immune-supportive nutrients. Beans, lentils, and whole grains are high in fiber, which is important for a healthy gut, and they’re great (and shelf-stable!) sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Put salmon and sardines, nuts and seeds, and extra virgin olive oil on your menu, too. (Like most whole foods, they’re multitaskers; for instance, pumpkin seeds, besides being a good source of fat and protein, are high in the mineral zinc, which supports the immune system.)

The clinic also recommends limiting foods that “increase inflammation and antagonize the immune system,” such as anything with added sugar or syrups, simple carbohydrates like white bread or potato chips, red meat, cheese, and alcohol. Eat well! •••