Wellness

What is Wellness

"Wellness is about more than just physical health. Most models of wellness include at least six dimensions (and sometimes up to 9 or 12):

  • Physical: Nourishing a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, etc.

  • Mental: Engaging the world through learning, problem-solving, creativity, etc.

  • Emotional: Being aware of, accepting, and expressing our feelings, and understanding the feelings of others.

  • Spiritual: Searching for meaning and higher purpose in human existence.

  • Social: Connecting and engaging with others and our communities in meaningful ways.

  • Environmental: Fostering positive interrelationships between planetary health and human actions, choices, and wellbeing."

Definition pulled from the Global Wellness Institute

Physical Wellness

  • Be Active: It is important to move around. It is recommended to get at least 2 and a half hours of moderate exercise a week.

    • Things to do to improve movement:

      • Set goals

      • Walk places

      • Take the stairs instead of the elevator

      • Park your car further away so you have to walk more

      • Find what works best for your life

  • Maintain Your Muscle: Strength training helps keep your ability to do activities all throughout your life. It is recommended to do strength training actives for all major muscle groups 2 to 3 days a week.

  • Find Your Healthy Weight

  • Mind Your Metabolism

  • Eat a Healthy Diet: Eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, lean meat, seafood, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese. Cut down on sugar and high in salt foods. Get more fiber and choose more complex carbs.

  • Build Healthy Habits

Information gained from the National Institutes of Health

Mental Wellness

  • Look for the Positive: Have a list of affirmations, journal things you are grateful for, in every situation look for something positive.

  • Stay Physically Active: Physical activity has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

  • Eat Well: Eating a well-balanced diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to properly function.

  • Get Enough Sleep

  • Take Breaks: When your life is super busy, make sure to take time to relax.

  • Meditate

  • Spend Quality Time with Friends and Family

  • Smile and Laugh: Even when you don't feel like it, smile or laugh and you will find that your mood will slowly change.

  • Know your Limits: Learn the proper balance of work and life for you. Know the type of people and things that are healthy for you and stay away from the people and things that are unhealthy for you.

  • Get Help when Needed: Don't be ashamed if you need help!

Spiritual Wellness

  • Develop a Purpose in Life: Search for and find your meaning in this life.

  • Spend Reflective Time Alone: Take time to be by yourself and reflect on your life and purpose.

  • Reflect on the Meaning of Events in Life: Take time to reflect on the events that are occurring in your life and around your life.

  • Have a Clear Sense of Right and Wrong, and Acting Accordingly

  • Have the Ability to Explain Why You Believe What You Believe

  • Care and Act for the Welfare of Others and the Environment: Remember that there are many other people in this world and treat the planet we live in with kindness.

  • Practice Forgiveness and Compassion in Life: Practice forgiveness and compassion to others and yourself.

Emotional Wellness

  • Brighten Your Outlook: Avoid negative thoughts, and when they come replace them with positive thoughts.

  • Reduce Stress: Learn healthy ways to cope with stress - Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, have a social support network, set priorities, show compassion for yourself, schedule time to relax, and seek help.

  • Be Mindful: Be completely aware of what is happening in the present.

  • Cope with Loss: Make sure to take the time to mourn any loss you experience.

  • Strengthen Social Connections

Information gained from the National Institutes of Health

Social Wellness

  • Make Connections

  • Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Others

  • Get Active Together: Take part in healthy physical activity with your friends, family, and others.

  • Build Healthy Relationships: Be honest and share your feelings, ask for things that you need, listen without judgment or blame, be respectful when you disagree, avoid being overly critical, expect that others treat you with respect and honesty, compromise, and set boundaries.

Information gained from the National Institutes of Health

Environmental Wellness

  • Make Your Home Healthier: Know what is in your household goods and products. Become aware of any chemicals or harmful substances in your home.

  • Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens

  • Stay Safe During Hot Weather: Avoid being hot for too long and make sure to stay hydrated.

  • Guard Against Cold Weather: Make sure to dress according to the temperature and weather conditions.

  • Pay Attention to Air Quality and Test for Toxic Gases

  • Stay Safe in the Water: Swimming pools, lakes, and oceans can sometimes contain bacteria and viruses, so shower before and after going in a swimming pool, do not swallow the water, avoid swimming if there has recently been a storm, and wash your hands before eating and drinking.

Information gained from the National Institutes of Health