What is "Wellness?"

Sometimes I wish I would get asked this question more often, especially since at my office we offer a "Wellness Club." You would think more people would be asking, what is wellness? Instead, I think most people assume the term refers simply to not being "sick" or in pain. There are many definitions to the word wellness, but to me wellness is first and foremost a choice to assume responsibility for the quality of your life. It begins with a conscious decision to shape a healthy lifestyle. Wellness is a mindset, a predisposition to adopt a series of key principles in varied life areas that lead to high levels of well-being and life satisfaction.

Following this mindset, physical wellness is the state of good physical and emotional health, and is further enhanced by a balanced diet, exercise, and healthy living habits. Wellness of the body occurs when all the body functions, both physical and mental are performing at optimal levels. Achieving total body wellness is more than just going to the gym, many factors contribute to our body’s wellness. Physical exercise that addresses the body as a whole, integrating the physical workout with meditation and stress management, good nutrition including not only the right foods but also vitamins and water, and taking the time to rest and restore our bodies through sleep all work together and are key to the wellness of the body.

When life gets stressful and demanding, take some time for yourself to focus on your wellness goals. You may think, "well, everyone has stress, I can manage'" but what you may not realize, however, is how much that stress affects your physical body. So, what do I do when I lose my focus? I get a massage! Massage is an amazing way to de-stress and unwind after a busy week. When life is stressful our muscles quickly reflect our stress by becoming tense and knotted up. A massage can release the tension in your muscles in no time.

A massage will not only relax your body, but it will also relax your mind. There is no value that can be given to having a mind that is relaxed and at peace even in the midst of a chaos and disaster filled world. Massage can be therapeutic for your mind and allow you to focus again on what is truly important. Wouldn't you love to have an hour a week where your body and your mind were in a fully relaxed state? I promise you, a massage really is as good as it sounds.

This leads me to another aspect of wellness, mental wellness. As in the balance of mind, body, and soul. Part of uniting these three elements of your person is knowing what makes you passionate. Knowing what makes you passionate will help you get in touch with your soul, to feel creative energy, to feel truly alive. Spiritual or creative passion can help you to achieve those feelings. Whether it’s through faith, music, or some other type of expression, you must find what will awaken your soul in order to strike balance in your life. Here are some tips to guide you:

• What are your goals for the future? What would you like to ultimately achieve in your life? Is it spiritual enlightenment? Is it social status? Or is it to be the best person you can be, and make a contribution to society? What is important, though, is the process by which you attain your ultimate goal. That is what will generate your passion.
• What are your goals for the future? What would you like to ultimately achieve in your life? Is it spiritual enlightenment? Is it social status? Or is it to be the best person you can be, and make a contribution to society? What is important, though, is the process by which you attain your ultimate goal. That is what will generate your passion.
• Try to focus on the positive, and do not dwell on the negative. Recall you accomplishments and good deeds. Doing this will help keep you positive, and keep your spirit up. If you constantly remind yourself of your mistakes, you will find it harder to succeed down the road, and your mind, body, and soul will work against you.
• You’ve heard of finding your “happy place” right? This form of meditation helps you take your mind and spirit to a comfortable place that fills you with happiness. This is an ideal thing to do when you are in the middle of a stressful day at work or with the kids; it provides the perfect opportunity to regroup.
• Spark a change. Plan a vacation, even if it is just for a weekend. Nothing does the body, mind, and soul better than a little change of scenery. Go where you will be happy, and be able to let loose and have some fun. Try it on your own. It might sound scary, but you will be surprised at how relaxed and refreshed you will be after a weekend all to yourself!
• Try some daily affirmations. Pick three things that you can say out loud in the mirror that will help you stay centered, positive, and focused. Don't worry, no one has to see you doing this. Saying something often enough has the power to make it true for you. Remember not to dwell on the negative, focus on the positive.

So now that you have a more complete idea of what wellness is, what do you think? Are you ready to assume responsibility for the quality of your life? By staying positive, practicing patience, and being persistent wellness can be a reality in all of its elements. Achieving life's greatest satisfactions can be obtianed! Choose wellness, and be well!