Wellness
Wellness - What does it ACTUALLY mean?
According to Merriam - Webster, Wellness is the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal.
Other definitions discuss even further into holistic health and wellbeing which continually include the importance of being active in pursuit of this goal.
The active pursuit is an important aspect of wellness as we have to be aware and make choices and lifestyles that lead toward an outcome of optimal holistic health and wellbeing.
As an active process, we continue to strive to be the best version of ourselves. Life is constantly changing, so we can not become stagnant - we have to evolve with the changes.
There are 8 dimensions of Wellness which include Emotional, Environmental, Physical, Occupational, Social, Financial, Intellectual, and Spiritual. Each one of these dimensions is important for all around wellness as they are all interconnected. If one of the dimensions is out of place, stress can occur throwing off the rest of the dimensions.
Wellness Approach
A Wellness Approach should take on a multidisciplinary approach. One individual may not be able to help with all the above dimensions; however, if the individual is aware of the concerns, the individual can refer and point the person into the right direction to get the assistance they need. Each discipline is an expert in their field and should be utilized to best help the person.
The ultimate goal of Wellness is to decrease stress and in return reduce illness and increase positivity in life. In this way, we can strive to reach our full potential.
With New Year's Resolutions and Fad Diets, I have seen many blogs and posts scolding “the wellness business”. Unfortunately, the definition of Wellness and what true Wellness Institutes try to promote is completely opposite of what mainstream diet culture and the billion dollar weight loss industry intends to do. The weight loss industry has now latched on to the term “wellness” to mask what they are truly trying to do - sell you their products.
A true Wellness based approach is still a valid approach which utilizes the 8 dimensions of wellness.
That is part of my reason for this blog - I want to share the true definition of wellness and how that relates to my practices to serve you in the best way possible.
For over a year now, on social media, I have provided Wellness Wednesdays to discuss different aspects of wellness. In 2020 I am also now providing the Wellness Wednesday’s on The Outdoors Dietitian website as well as to those subscribed to the email list.
As the definition of wellness states - wellness is an active pursuit. While I help to coach my clients, the client has to be actively pursuing their goals for success to reach their full potential.
I will utilize the eight dimensions of wellness and for the dimensions that are out of my scope of practice, I will refer out or point you in the right direction. I understand that it is hard to focus on nutrition and exercise if other parts of your life are “out of whack”. Sometimes I find clients over focusing on nutrition/exercise while other areas need to be worked on. Many times I refer out to counselors; let’s face it - life can be difficult and we all need some assistance at times. Counselors are a very needed and viable option.
These are just some examples of how I try to assist my clients. My goal, just like the ultimate goal of Wellness is to decrease stress and in return reduce illness and increase positivity in life. Moving forward I intend to strengthen my practice in regards to wellness as well as help you achieve your optimal wellness. Together, we can all achieve our full potential.
To check out Wellness Wednesday’s click here.