Wellness is defined as “the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.” With fall just around the corner, the new season offers opportunities to redefine what wellness means to each of us and to set fresh goals.
Aging well and living a full life that allows for balance, good health and happiness requires that we incorporate seven dimensions of wellness:
Emotional: Being aware of and directing one’s feelings; coping with challenges and behaving in trustworthy and respectful ways.
Environmental: Surrounding yourself with natural environments and being a good steward; respecting resources; choosing “green” processes.
Intellectual/Brain Health: Engaging in creative pursuits and intellectually stimulating activities to keep your mind alert and interested.
Occupational: Doing work that uses your skills while providing personal satisfaction; volunteering; participating in the arts; having a hobby.
Physical: Participating in physical activity (at least 30 minutes a day); choosing healthy foods; getting adequate sleep; managing stress; limiting alcohol intake; not smoking; having checkups; following medical recommendations.
Social: Maintaining social interactions with family, friends, neighbors and chosen peer groups; joining a club; traveling.
Spiritual: Living with meaning and purpose in life guided by personal values; embracing feelings of well-being and a connection to the larger world.
New Season, New Goals
Goal setting can be the easy part. The hard part is identifying where to begin. Do a self-assessment and select two or three dimensions you would like to work on throughout the fall. Build small rewards for your successes into each goal.
Researchers recommend starting with a tiny habit. Here are some ideas for each of the seven dimensions:
Emotional—Start a gratitude journal, meditate or find an outlet for stress. Research shows when we approach each day with gratitude, we have better relationships, feel less stressed and sleep better.
Environmental—Build time into your schedule to be in nature. Consider walking meetings or walking to a local shop, etc.
Intellectual—Participate in one cognitively stimulating activity each day that you can do without thinking about something else.
Occupational—Volunteer with an organization one hour a month.
Physical—Begin taking a daily walk around the block and extend the distance every few days. Eat healthier by limiting your alcohol/caffeine intake; incorporating healthy snacks.
Social—Find a local group that interests you; create a standing coffee date with a friend.
Spiritual—Participate in programs that focus on intention, such as yoga and tai chi; meditate; maintain a prayer practice.
Developing habits within each of these dimensions over time will assist you in redefining your wellness and living a longer, satisfied life. QCBN
By Nicholas Brown
Nicholas Brown is a kinesiologist and certified fitness professional as well as manager of the Touchmark Health & Fitness Club. Membership is open to anyone 50-plus years, and guest consultations are available to meet with a professional to cater a program to an individual’s needs. To reach Brown or for more information, call 928-708-3133.
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