Wellness Dynamics
Wellness is a dynamic state of health in which an individual progresses toward a higher level of functioning, achieving an optimum balance between internal and external environments.
Another definition could read: "the concept of using daily practices that keeps one well" and involves maintaining good nutrition, exercise, stress-control, and good personal and familial social relationships.
Wellness is an interactive process of becoming aware of and practicing healthy choices to create a more successful and balanced lifestyle.
Wellness strategies, also known as Preventive Care, are introduced to encourage fitness, preventive maintenance and early detection of illness to help reduce the costs of future health care.
Wellness is experienced as a result of daily choices an individual makes. Does that sound too easy? It is simple but not necessarily easy. As a society we have accepted a somewhat backward approach to wellness. There is a great tendency for people to take the state of wellness for granted if they are so fortunate to experience wellness. It is not until they lose that state of wellness and develop an illness that suddenly a willingness to do something surfaces. Unfortunately, that willingness usually involves a mad dash to a physician expecting an instant cure so they can be "WELL" again and return to the same life habits that contributed to the illness in the first place. Yes, this can become a vicious circle!!!
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Wellness encompasses six dimensions: social, occupational, spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional. Social wellness requires an ability to relate in a healthy, productive way to other people, including family, friends and work relationships. Such an ability generally needs to be developed over time and one needs to be willing to make changes as necessary. The concept of "FAILING FORWARD", of learning from our mistakes, is critical to developing social wellness. As you become socially well, your impact on society and nature becomes more apparent. Occupational wellness requires a similar ability as social wellness with the addition of developing a level of effectiveness and confidence in the particular skills related to your occupation. You are on the right path when your work and hobbies are exciting and rewarding. Spiritual wellness involves the exploration of the meaning of life. This journey is different for every individual and relates to particular life experiences and the wisdom gained from such. Physical wellness includes cardiovascular strength and endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Physical wellness depends on life habits of good nutrition, adequate exercise and appropriate rest, with the addition of genetic and environmental influences. A person who achieves intellectual wellness uses all available resources to expand their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society. Emotional wellness centers on the acceptance of your emotions and feelings. An emotionally well individual maintains healthy and satisfying relationships with others. Emotional wellness also depends on one's ability and strategies to deal with stress.
The wellness continuum invites people to discover what actions or changes they can accomplish on a daily basis to achieve maximum well-being. Once people experience increased energy and enthusiasm for life as a result of these actions/changes, they are generally motivated to continue the best health habits possible throughout their lives.
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