A Dynamic Process of Wellness

 Wellness is the act of becoming mentally and physically healthy, and active pursuit of a fulfilling and healthy life. It's more than just being free of disease, it's a complex process of transformation and change. A satisfactory or good state of health; a condition defined by health, contentment, happiness, and harmony. These things are the result of what we put into our bodies and minds. A state of wellness is very important to overall well being and quality of life.

So how do you develop a mental well-being and physical wellness? Wellness begins with a positive mental attitude. Taking care of yourself starts with taking care of your own body and mind. There are numerous ways to enhance wellness and physical strength: fitness exercise and nutrition, meditation, yoga, bodywork, gardening, walking, running, biking, swimming, gardening, reading, creative hobbies, and social networking and community participation.

The most important aspect of wellness is defining what we mean by wellness. Broadly, there are four dimensions of wellness: physical health, mental health, social interaction, and financial well-being. A person is said to be healthy if he meets the needs of his body and mind in every dimension. All dimensions contribute to a person's well-being, though some dimensions are more important to some people than others.

We all have some wellness habits that we are very familiar with. For example, I am very aware of my weight and shape. Consequently, I have planned and executed a consistent fitness and exercise plan to keep my weight in check and maintain my ideal weight. I eat a balanced diet and get some moderate amount of exercise. In this way, I am on track to becoming a health and physical par excellence. However, these wellness habits are not sufficient for a complete physical and mental health.

We must also incorporate the concept of self-regulation in our wellness plans. Self-regulated wellness involves taking responsibility for our own health and obtaining the necessary support to meet our needs. People who regulate their health through self-regulation tend to feel in charge and in control of their health and their lives. They are less susceptible to shame or embarrassment about health conditions and thus are better able to manage them. When we practice self-regulation, we are building boundaries and limitations within ourselves and our relationships so that we can effectively work towards wellness.

Both the physical and mental aspects of wellness are interdependent. One cannot be considered a complete solution to either dimension alone. A holistic approach to wellness requires us to look at both parts as a whole. Holistic health means having a balance of mind, body and spirit. Through this dynamic process we will be able to bring about wellness in our lives and become more productive and successful.