Sustainable wellness

Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of and make choices toward a more healthful and fulfilling life. Everyone has their own personal definition of what wellness means and since we are all unique individuals this definition can be quite different.

Dr. Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute, ascertains that wellness is consists of six dimension: emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual and spiritual.

By applying the six dimensional model, a person becomes aware of the interconnectedness of each dimension and how they contribute to healthy living. We can view wellness as finding balance between these dimensions and working toward improving our situations.

When one area feels deficient the imbalance sets off an effect that throws off the entire equilibrium and poise to one’s life. It is from the place of awareness that we can begin to take control of our lives and well-being.We understand that we all have choices and we live from a place of action. We take charge of our life and make things happen rather than allow life to happen to us.

The New Year is the ideal time to reset, plan and incorporate healthier habits into one’s routine. It takes commitment and effort to achieve a healthy lifestyle and to feel good–body, mind and spirit.Here is a term that you need to embrace as your best friend this year. It is called “sustainability”.

What does sustainability mean when it comes to embracing a healthy lifestyle?It’s simple. Embrace any positive changes as a way of life. You will not just do something healthy for a few months and then go back to any self-defeating behaviors, instead you will make small steps toward incorporating these changes into your daily life.

Look at the 6 dimensions of wellness, and identify the areas where you feel lack or dissatisfaction and then work to make achievable, measurable goals that you can commit to. And remember it is more about progress than perfection.

We like to live by the 80/20 rule. We are human, we do our best to stay on track with healthy goals for at least 80 percent of the time. Then of course we can cut ourselves a little slack and indulge or take a break without the guilt.

Here are some tips to living a life of sustainable wellness:

●Just start, stop making excuses and commit to lifestyle changes that can last.

●If you need some motivation and accountability in the beginning or during times when you need the support, find someone who can help hold you accountable or embark on a wellness journey with you

●Do periodic check-ins. Making adjustments are totally acceptable.

●Stay educated and connected.

●Surround yourself with others who have similar goals and mindset.

●Remember that you are your number one priority and it is crucial to carve out time for self care.

●It is great to seek out advice from others but at the end of the day you know yourself best.

Always take time to check in a listen to whatever it is that you need.