Embracing wellness and health: The holistic way to a healthy life
by Teara Leonard, Director of the Kidron Bethel Village Wellness Center
Wellness and health are not mere health trends but rather vital components that enrich our lives. Over time, health and wellness have evolved from being limited to the absence of disease to a holistic concept that encompasses physical, mental and emotional wellness. Taking care of each dimension of well-being improves our quality of life and enhances our resilience and happiness.
THE INTER-RELATED DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS
Physical wellness encompasses maintaining a healthy body by exercising, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and preventive healthcare. Physical wellness boosts energy, prevents chronic diseases and promotes longevity.
Mental wellness is about cognitive health, being in the right state of mind and having manageable emotions. It’s about stress management, building resilience, mindfulness and self-compassion. Mental wellness helps us give expression to our feelings in a healthy way, enabling better relationships with ourselves and others.
Social wellness means having positive relationships with family, friends and the wider community. It gives a sense of support, strengthens communication skills, and creates a sense of community and purpose.
Spiritual wellness involves having a sense of purpose and meaning in life, whether or not one has specific religious faith. Spiritual wellness promotes contemplation, meditation, and seeking inner peace and balance.
Occupational wellness is finding a level of satisfaction and enrichment from within one’s career and understanding the importance of financial wellness. Both of these are critical in order to minimize stress and improve quality of life.
WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Implement a balanced diet. Eating a diverse range of nutritious foods and essential nutrients, including fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and healthy proteins such as chicken, salmon and tofu, supports overall physical health and enhances energy levels.
Get moving. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Regular physical activities boost physical fitness and mental clarity.
Sleep well. Aim for seven to nine hours of deep sleep every day. A regular sleep schedule and soothing nighttime habits can improve sleep and health.
Engage in mindfulness and meditation. Taking time to engage in mindfulness practices or meditation can help alleviate stress, improve self-awareness and foster emotional balance.
Build connections. Form friendships, engage in your community, and turn to friends and family for support. This will create social bonds that ultimately make you happier.
Set realistic goals. Set achievable short-term and long-term goals to help keep you motivated and give you a sense of achievement, contributing to occupational and financial wellness as well.
The path to wellness is unique and never-ending, requiring awareness, dedication and being proactive to lead a healthier, more balanced life.