It is not a mystery that taking care of your physical wellness is very important to your health and happiness. However, the average South African leads a busy stressed-out life which puts health and wellness as a non-priority.
Health and wellness is often identified as the absence of disease or sickness. While this definition is indeed valid, it lacks the completeness of a broader approach. So start evaluating your holistic health and wellness on a wider spectrum. What this means is that wellness depends on more factors than simply avoiding getting the flu each year.
What Is Wellness?
The term ‘wellness’ refers to the act of practising healthy habits on a daily basis in order to attain better physical as well as mental health outcomes. The goal is that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving.
There are two very important facets to this definition:
- Wellness is not a passive or stagnant state but instead an “active pursuit” which is associated with intentions, choices as well as actions as we work toward an optimal state of health and well-being.
- Second, wellness is linked to holistic health. In other words, it extends beyond physical health and incorporates many different dimensions which should work in harmony.
Wellness is an individual goal. We have self-responsibility for our own choices, behaviours and lifestyle. However, wellness is also significantly influenced by the physical, social and cultural environments in which we live.
What Are Pillars Of Wellness?
Physical
Most individuals immediately think of exercise when they hear the term “physical wellness”. Regular physical activity is an incredibly important part of the equation which can’t be ignored. However, it’s not the only aspect which is deserving of attention.
Your body needs more than just movement. Physical wellness also includes appropriate amounts of sleep, hygiene, and a healthy diet. If you’re evaluating your physical health, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I getting enough quality sleep?
- If I’m not, what barriers keep me from achieving regular and restful sleep?
Nutrition
Although nutrition is closely tied to physical health, it’s extremely important and must be given its own pillar. This is particularly true as nutrition must be personalised based on age, sex, activity level, as well as body chemistry.
A balanced diet requires that you eat nutritional foods which feed your body and mind. It is recommended that, during meals, adults fill half of their plates with vegetables and fruits. The other half should be devoted to mostly grains, along with a modest portion of protein and a side of dairy.
Emotional
Emotional wellness takes into account the ability to navigate your feelings. This translates into identifying, assessing, and effectively sharing those feelings with others.
This is important as the ups and downs of life can take you on an emotional rollercoaster. However, the better that you understand, process, and manage those feelings, the smoother the ride will be.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
If you are keen to learn more about wellness then you should really consider doing our Health and Wellness Coach Course. For more information, please follow this link.
