1 March 2021 | Tags: Lifestyle, Mindset
Wellness is a term that is used by many to describe all kinds of things. We see it popping up in all kinds of places – and in all kinds of combinations. Wellness living, wellness at work, wellness lounge, wellness retreats, wellness check-ups, wellness shots, wellness beauty, wellness vitamins … the list goes on and on.
But what exactly does “wellness” mean? And is it something that you can strive for, and, indeed, ever achieve?
What exactly is Wellness?
Let us first look at what wellness is.
According to the National Wellness Institute (US), “wellness is something you consciously choose and actively do.”
Wellness is therefore not something that happens to you, nor is it subject to the vagaries and whims of life. Rather, wellness is reflected in the decisions you make – every day, large and small – about all aspects of your life and your lifestyle.
Equally important, wellness involves all of you – the various dimensions that constitute your entire being and your sense of self (physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational/occupational, financial, environmental).
To enjoy wellness, you must attend to all these dimensions over time, for neglecting one will adversely affect the others and ultimately impact negatively on your health and quality of life. This is not to say that you must always strive to have all dimensions balanced perfectly! Rather, we encourage you to reach for a lifestyle that feels authentic to you … and which has harmony between all these dimensions.
Wellness is a personalized approach to life that affirms and engages your unique qualities and strengths so that you can achieve your full potential. There is no standardized “one size fits all” approach to wellness; and nor can you ever say, “Been there, done that, and got the (wellness) T-shirt!”.
“…in truth, wellness is a journey. It’s an ever-evolving practice that requires conscious engagement.
Placing meaningful attention on our own wellness sometimes requires that we take a step back. In doing so, we’re able to gain the perspective to better survey our current place on the journey and can determine how to get where we’d like to be.”
The Chopra Center (US)
OUR TIPS to Improve Your Heart Health Today
What wellness means to you today may be different to what it means to you in five or ten years from now. As you grow (as a person) and as other elements in your life change (your commitments, relationships, state of health, environs, priorities, aspirations etc.), wellness will look quite different!
What you can however do now, at this point in your life, is:
- Become aware of how your lifestyle and current behavior choices impact your health. The more you get to know yourself, the better you will able to guide yourself towards a lifestyle that is heart-healthy.
- Expand your knowledge around how to improve your health. There is a multitude of sources – article and blog posts (like this one), videos, podcasts, books, audio books etc. Choose the medium that suits you best, making sure that your source is a reputable one!
- Make new choices which direct you to better health, and to living your life to the fullest. And don’t worry about falling short every now and then – as long as you are moving in the right direction, that is what matters most!
Of course, it helps greatly to surround yourself with people who are committed to their health too. Make sure therefore that you spend time in the company of those who have goals like you.