Wellness Wheel

It is commonly thought those who are well are those who are fit, or financially secure, have a significant other, have a clean house, have a plethora of knowledge, or are in tuned with another world. The truth be told, all of these things are important, but one without the other can create massive unbalance in ones life.

I would like to formally introduce you to the Wellness Wheel. It is something I personally use in my every day life so as to better my day, and to improve my life. The words themselves are not very descriptive and can be translated incorrectly. So here is my educated understanding of each subject.

Intellectual:  
This is commonly determined as "those without a college degree are more depressed." A legitimate conclusion considering a degree tangibly shows the education of some one. However, others may be very intelligent without the degree to show for it (ex. Bill Gates was a Harvard dropout...although he received an honorary degree in 2007). It is shown that people who engage in mind problems, such as word puzzles, Sudoku, reading and even dancing have fewer problems with dementia and Alzheimer's as they age(Joe Verghese, 2003). 

Stimulation of the brain can come from many different areas but the fact of the matter is there should always be a continued process of learning. It also stimulates a feeling of self worth. (Covington, 1984) 

Essentially, never stop learning.

Physical: 
 Physical can have so many different meaning. Just because you are width of a twig does not mean you are healthy. Physical is involved with eating nutritionally, being active on a regular basis and improving your body. 

Any questions? Maybe you should read more of my blog to understand it.

Emotional:
I am sure you see this one and think about those emotionally challenged teenagers who make you want to bang your head against a wall. Emotional and mental health issues can often be brought on by the strains of life situations, like caregiving for an older family member, dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, suffering the loss of a loved one, juggling the responsibilities of a busy lifestyle, or dealing with substance abuse and not just the chemical imbalances.  (Health, 2010)

A great way to overcome these moments is simply taking a moment. ONE moment can make the difference in your day. My husband challenges me to do this often. Most the time I end up freaking out at him for telling me to sit when I have a thousand other things to attend to. That moment of just sitting for a moment can take a lot of stress off my shoulders. It allows me to collect my thoughts. 

So take a moment to yourself. Nap when your baby is napping (I don't care how messy your house is, mine is probably worse), take a bath after work, talk to a friend about something you are struggling with, and enjoy a cup of hot Wassail. You will feel better.

Spiritual: 
 This is probably the most difficult to describe. Spiritual does not mean to have a God or a belief. It is a personal matter involving values and beliefs that provide a purpose in our lives. While different individuals may have different views of what spiritualism is, it is generally considered to be the search for meaning and purpose in human existence, leading one to strive for a state of harmony with oneself and others while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world. 

It is important for everyone to explore what they believe is their own sense of meaning and purpose.

The path to spiritual wellness may involve meditation, prayer, affirmations, or specific spiritual practices that support your connection to a higher power or belief system. Yoga and meditation can also help you develop spiritual wellness.

Having compassion, the capacity for love and forgiveness, altruism, joy, and fulfillment help you enjoy your spiritual health. Your religious faith, values, beliefs, principles, and morals define your spirituality.

If you are a person engaged in the process of spiritual wellness, you are willing and able to transcend yourself in order to question the meaning and purpose in your life and the lives of others. In addition, you seek to find harmony between that which lies within and the social and physical forces that come from outside.  (Califonia, 2011)

Social: 
Social wellness is probably the most accurate in its meaning. Socializing however is not the only thing necessary. Human contact is a very important. Ever had a massage by a person? Ever had a massage from a machine? I can tell you from personal experience it is not the same.  (Doctor, 2005) I theorize there is actually a physiological phenomenon with the touch of humans as compared to other objects. (I personally theorize it has something to do with the chemical and electrical impulses) 

Try dancing with someone. It is a very non-intimate way of contact but it will help with your general well being. Or you can be more intimate with someone (please make sure they are willing) by hugging, kissing, and especially sex. Don't let sex be a stress, it is worth it in the end.

Environmental: 
This is, in my opinion, something that most people struggle with, but luckily, everyone is different. Some people find comfort in the great city of New York, some find comfort in the wide open fields of a fresh harvest or by the sea. I find comfort by my mountains and wooded areas. 

Sadly we do not live outside now and days. I believe Sheldon from Big Bang covers this pretty well. "Why would I go outside when men have taken centuries to perfect inside?" So what about the inside? I find that having your favorite pictures on the wall, cozy furniture, and a comfortable 72*F makes me feel much cozier. 

Of course a clean environment has shown to also improve the environmental stimulus. So try something new with your living conditions, or just pitch a tent outside and enjoy the outdoors for the natural environmental well-being.

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/bits/2007/03/26/Bill_Gates_finally_gets_college_degree/1

Califonia, U. o. (2011). Spirtual Wellness. Retrieved 12 28, 2011, from University of California, Riverside: http://wellness.ucr.edu/spiritual_wellness.html

Covington, M. V. (1984). The Self-Worth Theoy of Achiement Motivation: Findings and Implications. THe Elementary School Journal.

Doctor, S. (2005). Is human touch the ultimate stress therapy? Retrieved 12 28, 2011, from how to beat stress: http://www.howtobeatstress.com/stress-massage.html

Health, H. (2010). Harvard Health Publications. Retrieved 12 28, 2011, from Harvard Medical School: http://www.health.harvard.edu/category/emotional-well-being-and-mental-health

Joe Verghese, R. B. (2003). Leirsure ACtivites and the Risk of Dementia in the Elderly. The New England Journal of Medicine, 2508-2516.