According to the World Health Organization, health is a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (1). The terms health and wellness are often used interchangeably. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuits of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health” (2). Wellness can be considered the precursor of health. Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits daily to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving. The pursuit of wellness is very individualized, we have self-responsibility for our choices, actions, behaviors, and lifestyles, however this can be impacted by our environment in which we live.
Here is a great depiction of a wellness continuum.
When looking at this continuum you can see, just because you are not sick, does not mean you are well. Things could be happening under the hood and the consequences have not yet surfaced. Or worse, many of us are guilty of ignoring signs our bodies are giving us. All of us should strive to reach high-level wellness. To do this, we must move beyond “prevention” with small steps to balance all dimensions of life. Our current healthcare system separates our body into systems. Each of our body systems relies on the others to work well. Even seemingly unrelated body systems are connected. Our health is related to the environments we live and are exposed to. Our social relationships are related to our health. Everything is connected!!
Taking care of your health will change throughout the different stages of your life but there are some factors related to health and wellness that are relatively universal:
· Eat a diet that is low in sugar, bad fats, and processed foods and high in vegetables, good fats and lean proteins.
· Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
· Avoid unhealthy behaviors including excessive alcohol intake, smoking, being sedentary.
· Exercise regularly.
· Get adequate sleep and maintain a balanced schedule.
· Manage stress.
· Engage your brain.
· Stay connected with others and your community in meaningful ways.
Of course, much of the above is easier said than done!! Set yourself up for success, focus on one small achievable task at a time and when you master it then move on to the next. Schedule time for yourself. My future blogs will dive into each of these topics, and much more, giving you the knowledge to become the CEO of your health!! Stay tuned.
Reference:
3. Travis, J.W., & Ryan, R. (2004). Wellness workbook: how to achieve enduring health and vitality. 3rded., rev. & updated / Berkeley, CA: Enfield: Celestial Arts.
Comments