Today’s column focuses on getting an early head-start to the upcoming month of August which is annually designated as National Wellness Month.
National Wellness Month celebrates all the different types of health and healthcare: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Wellness Month focuses on practices like stress management, self-care, implementing healthy routines, and improving your overall health and wellness.
It goes beyond the mere absence of illness and encompasses active efforts to enhance one’s quality of life.
In order to prioritize wellness, consider spending 15-30 minutes per day doing something that you love such as working out, or spending time with friends and family. Consider taking up a hobby that helps you to decompress and take time away from work and/or school. Consider talking to a counselor or therapist to help you discover what to prioritize for your wellbeing.
There are countless ways to prioritize your personal health and wellness. Consider the following five ideas for focusing on living a healthy life.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best things to include in your life when it comes to prioritizing wellness; it can make a huge positive impact to your overall health. Physical benefits of exercise are wide-ranging, including weight control, strength building, and disease/disorder prevention and management. Mental health benefits are significant as well, from boosting overall energy to improving mood and mindset.
Balanced Nutrition
Good nutrition is a key element for good health and wellness. Making sure you have balanced nutrition is essential because it can help you maintain a healthy weight when combined with consistent physical activity and exercise. Further, it has been found to help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Eating well is an important goal for putting your health and wellness at the top of your personal priority list.
Hydration
Hydration is another fundamental aspect of maintaining your health. Drinking water is a great way to stay on top of your hydration. It helps to keep you energized while you are engaged in physical activity, and refreshes you afterwards. It also helps fend off headaches and maintain positive gut health. Moreover, hydration is vital for efficient brain function, contributing to a healthy memory, better focus and concentration, and positive mood.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep also plays a crucial role in personal health and wellness maintenance. Not getting enough sleep can negatively impact your physical health (e.g., brain function, immune system and metabolism) as well as your mental health (e.g., mood, stress management). Sleep is essential for restoring your body and mind, to help you lead a balanced life.
Relaxation
The pace of your life is another thing to focus on as you analyze and assess your overall wellness. Relaxing is a conscious change of pace, such that you can better manage your time and refocus on self-care. Intentional relaxation is critical because it allows you to decrease your stress level and improve your overall quality of life.
Wellness is a multi-dimensional concept that encompasses the overall state of a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
National Wellness Month serves as a reminder to prioritize our well-being in today’s fast-paced world. Taking proactive steps to care for our physical, mental, and emotional health not only enhances our quality of life but also empowers us to live life to the fullest.
Thanks to a number of resources I consulted for this initial overview of National Wellness Month.
Additional Resource
Check out the online resource on 8 dimensions of wellness which allows one to input information as a type of self-assessment at nj.gov/humanservices.
Mark A. Mahoney, Ph.D. has been a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for over 35 years and completed graduate studies in Nutrition & Public Health at Columbia University. He can be reached at marqos69@hotmail.com.
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