When most of us think of wellness, we automatically think of physical health. We try to maintain a healthy body and hope that this will ward off serious illnesses in the future. However, while physical health is critical to good health, wellness has many dimensions that go beyond the physical. In fact, many experts believe that there are 6 dimensions of wellbeing.
1. emotional health
Understanding our emotions and finding healthy ways to express them is important for emotional health. Learn to accept your limitations and find ways to build healthy relationships with others. Stay on top of things and learn to control emotions like sadness, anger or frustration.
2. spiritual health
Having purpose in life and feeling that life has meaning leads to spiritual health. Take some time to discover the morals, ethics, and values that guide your decision-making, and try to hold on to them during difficult times.
3. social health
Maintaining healthy relationships with others leads to a healthier self. Try to learn how to be good with others, whether they’re family members, co-workers, or friends. Practice communication skills and try to be the kind of friend or spouse you would like to have.
4. environmental health
A healthier planet breeds healthier residents, so not only should you protect yourself from environmental hazards like wearing sunscreen or staying indoors on smoggy days, but you should also look for ways to support the health of the earth. Recycle or reuse items when you can, and donate used clothing, cell phones, or old computers to charitable organizations who can refurbish them so they don’t end up in landfills.
5. Mental health
You’ve probably heard the phrase “use it or lose it”. This is especially true for the brain. Brain functions naturally slow down as we age, but you can counteract this by exercising your brain every day. Keep your mind active with learning, creativity and problem solving. Find out about current events every day. Paint, draw or build something with your hands. Take a continuing education course at a local college or join a book club. Even solving a crossword puzzle every day can help keep the mind active.
6. physical health
Maintain a healthy body through proper diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking or alcohol abuse. Make sure you exercise at least 30 minutes every day. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil. Visit your dentist regularly as dental health can affect the rest of your body. Consult a doctor if necessary.
Because our bodies and minds are interconnected, true wellbeing depends on integrating all of the above factors to achieve a more holistic approach to good health. Monitoring and trying to improve in these 6 areas can result in a happier, healthier individual who is able to ward off illness or disease.
Physical health is probably the easiest to monitor. For a baseline of your body’s physical health, consider a mobile screening that is convenient, painless and non-invasive. You can quickly find information about your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Thanks to Aimee Whitfill