Partner Spotlight – Introducing the Whitecalm Wellbeing App
In recent years we’ve seen a seismic shift in the importance of mental health and wellbeing. We’ve reached a place where we can speak openly and freely to loved ones and professionals about how we’re truly feeling and the increase in available resources has been gratefully embraced. One such resource that has recently been launched is the Whitecalm Wellbeing app – a scientifically backed, one-stop platform that combines mental health, diet and exercise to transform our lifestyle and help us to live a healthier, happier, more balanced life. Earlier this month BBB sat down with Whitecalm Wellbeing Founder & CEO, Rebecca Tucker, to find out more about the revolutionary new app.
Let’s start with a little bit of history. How did it all begin for Whitecalm Wellness?
Having qualified as a scientist I then went on to do an MA in Education and became a teacher of human biology. I then came out of education and went into a very entrepreneurial environment. I became Managing Director at British concierge company, Quintessentially, and then after nine years, I chose to leave and set up Whitecalm as I noticed the lack of support available for burnt out women trying to juggle work and family life.
The first incarnation of Whitecalm was retreats, but it soon became apparent that women didn’t have the time or resources for such getaways. I then decided to fill the gap in the market by offering shorter luxury breaks – days and weekends that would take place in 5-star spa hotels. The shorter breaks were a resounding success! We received numerous 5-star reviews from our clients and got rated number one in Timeout and Tatler.
Six months later I secured investment for our UK expansion plan but unfortunately around this same time I got diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. After a year of treatment and two major surgeries, I can now thankfully say that I am in remission. Whilst going through my cancer treatment I realised that there was no one place online that I could go to that would support me through my recovery. This realisation planted the first seeds of the Whitecalm app into my mind. Coincidentally this happened around March 2020, the exact same time that the whole world was forced to go digital.
Congratulations on the new app! Could you tell us a little bit more about how it works?
As I mentioned, my goal was to have everything in one place so that is exactly what the Whitecalm app offers. From exercise, sleep, mental health and lifestyle to menopause, financial wellbeing, meditation and diet, it’s all there in one place. I wanted to make the app as holistic as possible because in order to be balanced you have to consider every aspect of your lifestyle.
The app is all singing and all dancing – jam packed with interactivity and engagement for users to enjoy. Features of the app include a range of expert trainers, an organic and ethically sourced e-shop, gamification in terms of point and rewards and a virtual assistant named Luke! User can also track their water intake, steps, sleep and even their blood pressure. Not only that, but the app is also all scientifically backed, which was incredibly important to me. The Mayo Clinic has co-devised the wellbeing survey and therefore everything that we do now is scientifically validated.
A user’s journey begins by completing a comprehensive survey. Once completed the app’s algorithms will then provide them with content that is uniquely specific to them. For example, if a person is suffering badly with their mental health, the app will provide them with daily recommendations, live interactive streams, healthy tips, new classes and benefits that are tailored to their needs.
What’s also very close to my heart is that we have as much diversity on the platform as possible. We have instructors of every ethnicity, cookalongs that cover all cuisines and the aim is to make the app as rich as possible – whether that’s a disabled instructor or someone that’s partially sighted. We want to include everyone and ensure that there is as much representation as possible.
What sets the Whitecalm app apart from other apps on the market?
I think that it’s our scientifically backed programmes combined with our points and rewards systems that set us apart from other apps. We want to keep our members engaged and on track by providing them with the blueprint of a new, healthy, interactive lifestyle that works for them. It’s also very important to us that our members understand why they are doing things which is the reason for incorporating the science behind the exercises so that members can understand not just how things work but crucially why they will be beneficial to their wellbeing.
Who is the app for and what are some of the benefits of becoming part of the Whitecalm platform?
I would honestly say that our app is for everyone. Not only is it available in 108 different languages, but we have also made sure to cover and incorporate all age ranges, genders and ethnicities.
One of the main benefits of the Whitecalm platform is that everything is in one place, which eradicates the need for multiple apps and that constant search to find what you need. Also, as I mentioned previously, all of our data is scientifically backed and provided by experts. For example, The Mayo Clinic diet on the app is rated the top diet in the USA.
Whitecalm also offers workplace wellbeing programmes through the app. Could you tell us more about the initiative and why it’s so important for businesses to provide employee wellbeing solutions?
Ninety billion pounds is lost every year in absenteeism through ill health or mental illness, so for me providing workplace programmes to staff is an absolute no brainer. If companies look after their employees then their employees will look after them and their business.
We offer out our workplace wellbeing programme to businesses and also support them further with workshops, webinars and wellbeing days around specific issues. These workshops and dedicated wellbeing days are incredibly beneficial to companies and are a really nice treat for people that need time away from their routine to learn how to new habits and create a healthier lifestyle.
The last two years has seen work culture change drastically. What would be your top wellbeing tips for people working from home?
First and foremost is to take regular breaks. When you’re sitting at a computer it’s so easy to get absorbed into your daily routine and not stop. My advice is for people to take a 5-minute break every hour as this will drastically improve productivity.
Next up is to get out into the fresh air. Going for a daily walk allows you to soak up some vitamin D, boost your immunity and remain calm. Stress is one of the number one causes of most illnesses so the more that you can adopt healthy habits to combat stress, the better.
And finally, don’t snack while you’re at your desk. When you sit and snack in front of a screen your body is not engaging with what you’re eating so you will end up eating more because your brain isn’t fully registering what it’s consuming. Adopt mindful eating by moving away from your desk and taking the time to taste, smell and really enjoy what you’re putting into your body.
And finally, what’s your vision for the Whitecalm app in the future?
The vision is for the Whitecalm app to become the best global wellbeing platform in the world; emanating the fact that we are one world, functioning together through diversity and inclusion of all human beings to create a healthier, happier lifestyle for all.
Click here to become a member of the new Whitecalm app now at the discounted rate of just £9.99 per month or £110 annually.
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