Create a Wave-olution

Why one small action makes a big difference right now

By: Brigid Elsken Greenwood / 3 minute read

Between the war in Ukraine, increased fuel and commodity prices, Wall Street’s roller-coaster, supply chain issues, and the threat of COVID-19 mutations, anxiety is at an all-time high.

According to the recently released annual Stress in America™ survey by the American Psychological Association, 73-percent of Americas said they are overwhelmed by the number of crises facing the world right now.

Although there are many situations over which we have no control, there is one thing we can control: our response to stress.

Every action we take has the ability to change our mental well-being for the better — or for worse. There’s a very simple gesture of kindness that can make an immediate difference: Wave!

Waving hello to acknowledge a stranger (or a friend) creates connection and acknowledgment which can have a positive effect on you as well as on the other person. That friend or stranger, in turn, carries the feeling of wellbeing and connectedness forward to have a positive effect on others with whom they come in contact.

Making a connection is more meaningful now than ever because we never know when someone is struggling.

In the early months of the pandemic, depression tripled among adults. Recent global events have compounded those feelings of helplessness. According to research from Boston University School of Public Health, one in three American adults suffers from feelings of depression. Globally, seven in 10 people report that they are struggling or suffering.

So there’s a very good chance that the person you see driving to work, riding their bike on the trail, or walking their dog is struggling emotionally. Waving can’t end the war in Ukraine, instantly improve the economy, or even get that item you ordered delivered quicker, but it’s a start to making life a kinder more connected experience.