I. Introduction:
Before I began this class I had an idea of just what health an wellness were, but I had no idea the depth of the definition of what Health and Wellness actually means. I have learned so much from this class. If I were a health and wellness professional, I believe that it would not only benefit me first, it would also make me better fit for my patients who are seeking ways to approach a lifestyle that is physically, spiritually and psychologically sound.
Spiritual Wellness is the process of discovering meaning and purpose in life, and demonstrating values through behaviors.
Physical Wellness is the process of making choices to create flexible, cardiovascular fit, energetic, strong bodies.
It’s important for health and wellness practitioners to develop these practices because they view medical care as physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and balanced. While therapists and psychologists do help heal issues, Health and Wellness practitioners not only heal issues, but works with all aspects of the client as a whole the mind, the body, the spirit, connected as one.
In order for me to achieve my goals I would need to develop more spiritually and psychologically. All though I think with our exercises that we have done in class I am on my way. I have started on my plan to become physically healthy, I would like to begin a plan that will help me be more in tune with myself spiritually and psychologically so that I can feel as one.
II. Assessment:
If I had to look back and assess myself before taking this class, I would have to say that physically I would have given myself a 6 only because I know that my motivation to do better could improve. Spiritually I would have to say that I would have given myself maybe a three because I knew what Spiritually healthy was but never knew that it played a part in reaching integral health, and psychologically would have been a three as well. I say a three only because I am still learning, When I am psychologically healthy I know that, I am committed. I characteristically stand up for what I value and desire, rather than being either passive or aggressive. And I make choices while clearly knowing that nothing is guaranteed—that there is risk in every decision I make, no matter what I decide.
Now if I were to assess myself now, nine weeks later. I would say that physically I am an 8, because I make an attempt to attend the gym. I have a personal trainer who will also help me achieve my physical goals and to also feel better about myself physically. Spiritually a 5, I have learned from the exercises that we experienced in this class that a possible yoga class or maybe even a form of meditation will help me reach an environment that is spiritually positive. I realize that being thankful for what I have is helping me, and also just being in a positive environment has made me feel so much more happier. Doing good things for others as well as myself also make me feel better. Psychologically would have to be a 6, I have realized that I am now much more happier. Having positive thoughts and attitude makes for a great day for me. If I surround my self with those who are positive all the time then I am even better. If I happen to be around negative people then I try to pull myself away because I don’t want them to bring me down in any way.
III. Goal development:
Being in the Military for 13 years has helped me become physically healthy. However, I want more, so in order to reach my goals I set tiny goals that will hopefully lead up to my one big goal. Right before our physical readiness test I tell myself that I want to cut a minute or two off of my run time. To do this I incorporate more cardio, if I was running three times a week I bump it up to four, then I also try to do sprints to build endurance. I also try to increase the number of push-ups and sit-ups. As I mentioned before, I have a personal trainer now and she is helping me with a lot of core workouts and upper body strength techniques.
Spiritually this one will take more time, but my goal is to reach the level of spirituality by practicing my visualization techniques and my calming exercises. With practice comes patience and boy do I need a lot of patience at times. Sometimes I just cant seem to focus and shut out the outside noises. So my goal is to practice so that I can become in touch with myself.
Psychologically my goal would be to not worry about things I can not control. Sometimes I feel as if I can fix everything and everyone and when it doesn’t happen I blame myself, which is overwhelming for me. I have also noticed over the past year or so that I have panic attacks or anxiety, not sure what its from but I do believe that all three will help me figure out why or where it comes from.
IV. Practices for personal health:
Well as I mentioned before my physical goal is to cut time off of my run and increase my push ups and sit ups. Certain things that I would like to implement would be to add a healthier diet. Even though I meet with my trainer twice a week I have to do my part in order to achieve my goal. I need to go to the gym even when I am not meeting with her. On the days that I do not meet with her isnt time for me to eat all the junk food in the world, it defeats the purpose of the goal I am trying to achieve. I guess that why she wants me to keep a food journal, yet another goal.
Spiritually I would like to become in tune with myself. The different breathing techniques are very helpful for me, I try to dedicate at least 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening to clear my mind. The tranquil/peace atmosphere allows me to feel the breaths going in and going out. After about 5 minutes I am in some what of a trance which is allowing me to become very relaxed, and after I am done I feel a weight lifted. It is a great feeling, but this isn’t considered meditation this is just a start. My goal is to attend a class or research more because I may need help. This might not be something I can obtain on my own.
Psychologically I believe in righting my wrongs, my goal is to not do any more wrong, and to fix whatever hurt and pain I may have caused. So my goal is to be a better person, and to do things for other people to let them know that I am a good person. We all have our faults but I believe fixing them is a start.
V. Commitment:
In a way I feel as though I have already implemented my goals. Keeping up with them will be the hard part. Making excuses every day as to why I can’t do this or do that when it comes to my goals will also be hard. In order to assess my goals I will right them down, and post them on my fridge, so that I see them every morning when I wake up. I will also let my friends and family know in hopes that they may ask from time to time, which will either make me feel bad because I havent exercised them as much as I need to or it will make me feel good because I will be able to share with them just where I am at and how close I may be to actually achieving overall greatness. I will also continue to write in my journal which will allow me to express my progress or my difficulties.
In six months I will reassess myself and I know that I will be at a full 10 across the board.
