What is Wellness?

According to Wikipedia Wellness is defined as such:-

'Wellness is generally used to mean a state beyond absence of illness but rather aims to optimize well-being'.

Short and not so sweet, this is not so much a definition as a loop. Wellness and wellbeing, they are pretty similar phrases in my book. Even Wikipedia groups them altogether when you look up Well-being.

Definition :- 'Well-being, Wellbeing or Wellness is a general term for the condition of an individual or group. A high level of well-being means that in some sense the individual's or group's condition is positive'

Ok so we haven't really answered the question so far. Which I actually think is a good thing, I'm not sure we will answer the question, or even need to. Wellness means something different to all of us. As individuals, everything about us is exactly that, individual. Down to our very DNA we are completely and utterly unique therefore how we optimise our lives will also be individual.

For me Wellness spans across my life, it isn't something I just do on a weekend, or only apply it to what I eat or even what activities I participate in. Wellness comes into every minute of every day.

Now this is where Wikipedia have proven useful with a natty little diagram (the geeky organised bit of me is thrilled by this)

Eight Dimensions of Wellness

Now I don't want to get too technical and bogged down with the detail of the application of this model, but it does help with getting your head around wellness being a part of your whole life.

So back in the real world how does this actually work?

1. Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships

2. Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being

3. Financial—Satisfaction with current and future financial situations

4. Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills

5. Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work

6. Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep

7. Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system

8. Spiritual—Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life

OK I'll give you an example of a typical day for me...

Wake up 6am (more accurately, get woken up by being jumped on by my 5 year old) after at least 8 hours sleep. This often means I have to force myself to go to bed early but I know how much better I feel when I do. Then 4/5 days a week I will pull on my gym gear and do at least 30 minutes physical exercise. Either a run (sometimes with my crazy spaniel) and other times a HIIT workout at home. I used to use the excuse that I didn't have time to exercise, but when I could find time to waste on Facebook then I knew I really did have the time, so no more excuses Im up & exercising between 6-7am. PHYSICAL

As a family we have breakfast all together as other weekday meal times this can be difficult, this is great bonding time (if at times a little hectic). EMOTIONAL

After dropping the kids off at school & nursery it is then time to start work. I made the decision to work from home and converted our garage into 'The Hideaway', my beautifully relaxing treatment room. Working from home means I can maximise my time and minimise my stress by not having to commute. At the Hideaway I will spend the day delivering relaxing and nourishing treatments to my clients all of which are tailored to the individual needs of my clients which allows me to really make a difference to their lives even if it is in a small way. OCCUPATIONAL & SPIRITUAL

On to a Dog walk in our local park. Getting amongst nature is a great mood enhancer and is said to improve creativity and concentration. Getting some more physical activity is also a winner, getting the heart pumping and releasing endorphins, making me feel good. In addition dog ownership is said to have multiple benefits from reducing stress, reduced risk of illness and improved mental health. ENVIRONMENTAL & PHYSICAL

I then just about have enough time to do something for either myself, the business or the home. That might entail writing a blog, doing the washing up or maybe on a rare occasion making a cuppa & reading a book. I like to read business books and 'text' books around how I can improve something about my business, or how I can grow personally to help me achieve the things I want to do. But sometimes it might just be a women health magazine! INTELLECTUAL & FINANCIAL

Schools out and the house is full of hustle and bustle again. My mum often pops over to see us (by that she means she wants a squeeze with the kids!) and we chat about everything and nothing, but mostly we talk about food! The usual evening time routine ensues with bath, stories & bed for the kids before my husband and I sit down to dinner together and a chat about our day, and probably concocting some plans for fun on the weekend! SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL

So there you have it, you are probably also achieving wellness every day without even knowing it. Its not all about eating kale & drinking a reservoir of water every day. Most of what Wellness is about is the small stuff, the chat you have with a loved one, the brisk walk to the bus stop, the thought provoking article you read in the paper or even that coffee you bought for a friend.

REFERENCE

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Well-being

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellness_(alternative_medicine)

https://www.samhsa.gov/wellness-initiative/eight-dimensions-wellness