Introduction
While wellness is a matter of personal choice to live a balanced life free from physical problems that can be controlled by lifestyle choices, medical professionals have had a hand in defining the essential elements. One of the greatest areas of focus of wellness essentials is on diet and nutrition. However, if you are seeking a lifestyle change that emphasizes overall health, the priorities for your personal wellness essentials may vary. Perhaps you need to make arrangements to get more rest. Improved sleeping habits are just one example of how wellness essentials can impact the other aspects of your general health. Since there is no single diagnosis and definition that applies to all people, you may wish to work with a team that includes your doctor, a dietitian, and a mental health counselor to define what wellness essentials to incorporate into your daily living practices.
As medical knowledge and science developed over the centuries, many people began to think of wellness essentials as the drugs and treatments for disease. This disease-based theory of wellness had a narrow focus and often resulted in reliance on doctors to keep ones family and self healthy. In the 20th century, several movements broadened the idea of wellness essentials to include the actions and practices that prevent poor health. As recognition of mental health and the neurobiological system of humans expanded, those who have interest in public health and personal well-being began including elements of counseling and therapy in their list of wellness essentials. Currently, a new profession called wellness coaching seeks to integrate all aspects of ones lifestyle to establish what person clients determine are their own, private wellness essentials for living a long and happy life.
Features
People involved in the emerging field of wellness coaching point out that one of the top wellness essentials is motivation, according to a recent WebMD article titled "Wellness Coaching: The Latest Trend in Fitness." When an person is motivated to achieve optimal health, regardless of his or her current physical and mental health status, the chances of success are vastly increased. Without motivation, the process can become a spiral of disappointment with much less favorable results.
A healthy eating plan is one of the wellness essentials that has inspired reams of paperwork, books and published studies. To avoid the latest fad diet, which can be harmful to wellness in the long run, each person takes on the responsibility of developing a food plan that works with their own body type and schedule. Weight loss becomes less of a focus. Instead the goal is to maintain a healthy balance of protein, fruit and vegetables, fats and carbohydrates sufficient to fuel the days activities.
Exercise is one of the wellness essentials that is often least favored because it seems like hard work before any results can be observed. A wellness coach may direct you toward a more balanced approach which includes incorporating physical activity into your overall schedule and lifestyle. Walking with a partner, building and caring for a garden, or maybe joining a dance class are possible ways to get more exercise and have fun at the same time.
Tips and comments
As you begin to identify the wellness essentials for your own life, schedule an appointment with your doctor to have a complete physical evaluation.
