In our last two articles on Zen & the Art of Health we discussed the concept of health and its many components. We came to the conclusion that health is much more than a stunning physique and the mere absence of disease. Fundamentals of health also include the creation of a healthy mindset, and a meditative practice focusing on such things as equanimity, love, joy and acceptance. Finding balance among body, mind and spirit can help us quiet our mind and ease tension and stress. Many of our talking points have been somewhat abstract, so let’s bring those theories into the real world – your world. Here are a few tools to help you find a more healthful balance in your life.
When I was in my early twenties, the death of my mother added insomnia and depression to an already unhealthy lifestyle. One day, while sitting through a required health class at Ventura College, I had one of those life-altering epiphanies. True wellness, said the lecturer, consists of many different parts, and the sum of these parts creates the level of wellness we experience. Once I recognized that real wellness was more than just physical, and that all these components worked together, I was then able to recognize where the unhappiness in my life came from, and make the proper adjustments. This was one of the most significant moments in my life, and it prompted me to immediately change my educational major from business to the field of health and wellness. So how did I “make the proper adjustments,” you ask?
The elements that make up true health can be divided into the following ten categories, with each category representing a different area of wellness and happiness. They are: Career & School, Finance, Health & Self-Care, Diet & Nutrition, Physical Activity & Exercise, Friend & Family, Significant Other & Romance, Spiritual & Personal Growth, Play & Recreation and Physical Environment. To give you a clearer picture, I’ve included a “Wellness Wheel” from the pages of one of my dear friends book, Jean Steel. If you haven’t heard Jean present on this topic, you’re really missing out. And if she’s not “appearing soon at a venue near you,” you can pick up a copy of her book at www.jeansteel.com. Jean’s book delves more deeply into the well of wellness (pun intended) while making us laugh: one of the healthiest things we humans can do. Ok, now back to class. Let’s start by looking at each of these elements a little more closely.
Career & School – Is the mission of your work or studies in line with your personal values? Do you feel like you are making a difference? Do you look forward to your work or studies?
Finance – Do you live within your means? Do you have emergency savings? Do you have a financial plan?
Health & Self-Care – Do you get your annual medical check-ups? Do you even have a doctor? Do you smoke? Are you able to manage your stress?
Diet & Nutrition – Do you try to avoid processed foods? Do you drink enough water? Do you know how to eat a balanced diet?
Physical Activity & Exercise – Do you exercise vigorously at least three times per week? Are you active every day? Do you perform resistance training, aerobic and flexibility exercises regularly?
Friends & Family – Are you open and honest with your family and friends? Do you let go of relationships that drag you down? Do you play well with others?
Significant Other & Romance – Do you consider your significant other your best friend or soul-mate? Do you spend time together and apart? Are you in a jealous relationship? Do you communicate in a healthy manner?
Spiritual & Personal Growth – Do you participate in life-long learning? Do you live in the now rather than the past and/or future? Do you engage in self-reflection?
Play & Recreation – Do you have outlets for play? Are you able to enjoy relaxation? Do you watch too much TV? Do you do activities you love consistently?
Physical Environment – Do you consider your home your oasis? Is your home/work environment organized? Do you love your home, town and community?
Spend some quiet time reflecting on your wellness wheel. If each “slice” of your wheel is full, you’ll have a much better chance at a smooth and healthy ride through life. If however, some slices are a bit thin, that ride could be rough and rocky. Remember that recognition is the first step, and there’s no better time than right now to be proactive and take charge of your health.
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