The Total Picture of Health

The last time you went to your doctor, he or she probably failed to ask you, “Are you aware of the effect of healthy relationships on your mind and body?” or “When was the last time you felt a sense of awe and wonder about life?”

A growing body of scientific research in the field of health and medicine is suggesting that one’s health is influenced by more than just the foods we eat and the exercises we perform. An individual can appear to be “physically fit” on the outside, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he or she is “healthy.”

Wholistic health is the most encompassing explanation of health that extends the physical, mental and social aspects to include the intellectual and spiritual dimensions. It views health as the totality of a person’s existence. Such a view embraces the concept of positive wellness and recognizes that health is an on-going process - indeed, a way of life - through which you develop and encourage every aspect of your mind, body and spirit to interrelate harmoniously as much of the time as possible.

This week, select a dimension of your health (physical, emotional, intellectual, social, vocational or spiritual) and ask yourself, “What can I do different this week to improve my well-being?” It doesn’t have to be a big or dramatic behavior change. Becoming healthier starts with increased awareness and small steps.

Below are a few examples to help you get started:

• Eat an extra piece of fruit
• Go to bed an hour early
• Set aside 10-15 minutes to pray or meditate
• Hug a family member or friend every day
• Take a 15-minute walk during your lunch break
• Learn to take deep breaths whenever you become frustrated or feel overwhelmed
• Learn how to say, “no”
• Forgive yourself and others (remember, we are not perfect beings, we are human beings)
• Smoke one less cigarette
• Practice patience by repeating the Serenity Prayer
• Drink two extra glasses of water

Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. and author, once said, “Health enables us to serve a purpose in life, but it is not the purpose in life.” In other words, we were not put on this planet solely to remain healthy, but without the precious gift of good health, our lives would lack meaning and purpose. Get motivated today to live healthier so that you can continue to do all the things that bring you pleasure and enjoyment in life!

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