PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, stroke and more. An efficient way to attain a moderate level of physical activity is walking briskly for 30 to 45 minutes most days of the week. Although it seems tame in comparison to running on a treadmill, brisk walking has excellent health benefits. It strengthens the heart and skeletal muscles, increases breathing ability, clears and quiets the mind, reduces stress, burns calories and is easier on the joints. This might mean experimenting with several types of activities in order to find one that becomes a healthy habit. Physical activity can boost the immune system, manage weight and blood sugar levels, improve mood, quality of sleep, and help reduce inflammation. In conclusion, the more physical activity you participate in will greatly benefit your overall physical health and well being.
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS: Involves understanding your own emotions and coping with problems that arise in everyday life. A person with emotional wellbeing is able to maintain a sense of humor, articulate their feelings and appropriately express them, and takes responsibility for his or her behavior. It involves self care via relaxation techniques, stress reduction and developing inner strengths. Being attentive to one's emotional wellness brings peace of mind and benefits overall health.
INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS: Is the ability to keep an open mind to new ideas and experiences and challenges. A person with intellectual wellness is able to communicate effectively, is able to see more than one side of an issue wether they agree or not, includes good listening and questioning skills, and time management skills. A healthy intellect may include reading books, magazines, newspapers and staying involved in community activities. It can also include staying involved in current affairs in the world.
OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS: Is being able to enjoy what you are doing to earn a living and contributing to society-whether it be going to college or working as an office assistant, food server, doctor, construction manager. In a job it means having skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and communicating well. A person with occupational wellness is able to feel a sense of accomplishment in his or her work and balance work and other aspects of life.
PHYSICAL WELLNESS: Maintaining a healthy body and eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, avoiding harmful habits. It means making informed responsible decisions about your health, seeking medical care when needed and participating in activities that help prevent illness. A person with physical wellness is able to exercise regularly, choose a well balanced diet and maintain a positive, healthy-promoting lifestyle.
SOCIAL WELLNESS: Ability to perform social roles effectively, comfortably, and without harming others. A person with social wellness is able to develop positive relationships with loved ones, develop relationships with friends, enjoy being with other's and effectively communicating with people who may think differently and come from different cultures. It also involves interacting in situations that may be stressful with integrity and compassion.
SPIRITUAL WELLNESS: Is a state of balance and harmony with yourself and others. A person with spiritual wellness is able to examine personal values and beliefs, search for meanings that help explain the purpose of life, have a clear understanding of right and wrong, and appreciate natural forces in the universe. It can also include participating in various spiritual activities and caring about the welfare of others.
