Each of us are on a journey as we travel through life. And although our journey and destinations will be different, there are many commonalities which each of us must face. These commonalities can draw us closer together while bringing about a greater change when faced together verses alone or apart.
Life is filled with choices, and each choice will have a lasting impact on our life. For most, we may never fully realize the significance and implications of those choices. For others, we may be fully aware of the consequences of our behaviors yet struggle to make the healthiest choice consistently.
This blog is intended to help you as you travel here and there. It will focus on health and wellness related topics.
When we think of the term “health” and/or “wellness,” each of us will conjure up varying thoughts and ideas of our own personal feelings about what is meant by each word. However, for the sake of keeping everyone on the same playing field, I would like to share formal definitions of health and wellness.
Defining health
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” – World Health Organization, 1948
Defining wellness
“Wellness is the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health” - Global Wellness Institute
Notice the use of “active” within the definition of wellness. When one is active, they are engaged or ready to engage in a physical or energetic pursuit. Therefore, wellness is not simply a state of being; rather, it is a state of becoming.
While on your journey of wellness, it is important to look at your intentions, choices, and actions as you strive to reach your wellness goals. It is also important to acknowledge that wellness includes multiple aspects of life. These aspects are generally referred to as the dimensions of wellness.
Wellness is multidimensional. Most models of wellness include at least six dimensions; however, they may include up to twelve. As we journey together, we will look at and address many of these dimensions of wellness.
Over the course of reading this blog, it is my intension to raise awareness and knowledge about health and wellness. Also, inspire behavior change, share new skills, and validate that life is truly challenging. As we grow and learn together, it is my hope that each of us will look within ourselves and acknowledge our own personal choices and behaviors and how they contribute to our overall state of health and wellness.
Please join me in this amazing adventure as we journey together, walking-the-line towards health and wellness.
References
Stoewen, D. (2017, August). Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life. Retrieved July 27, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5508938/
World Health Organization. Frequently asked questions. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions.
WHO Department of Communications. (2016, August 20). What is health promotion? Q & A Detail. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/what-is-health-promotion.
Source: Diane Reinhold, MPH, MS, RDN is a University of Illinois Extension, Educator, Nutrition and Wellness, serving Jo Daviess, Stephenson & Winnebago Counties