DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH

For the last couple of years, I’ve been taking classes, reading, researching and watching documentaries pretty much in a crazy-compulsive kind of way.  I’m addicted to health and wellness information.  I cannot get enough of it.  I thrive off of learning how foods can fuel our body, exercise can empower us, and what are all the pieces to the puzzle that makes us HEALTHY!  I want to share with you what I’ve learned so far.  And yes, I say “so far” because I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning…  (psst!  That’s one of the secrets!)

I’ve listed the 4 dimensions of health that I truly believe captures what is needed be HEALTHY, HAPPY, and HARMONIZE in this world…  Healthy doesn’t just mean eating the right foods, running a marathon or just drinking lots of water.  Being healthy means that you are in control of these 4 dimensions!

In summary, here are the dimensions that I’ve created for being a HEALTH ROCK STAR!

PHYSICAL HEALTH

In this dimension, you need to become more aware of your physical needs.  This would include physical fitness/activity, nutritional needs, water, toxicity, sleep, and positive lifestyle choices (excluding tobacco and substance).

Physical Activity – Cardio, strength training, stretching, power yoga, and  everyday movement like simply walking! 

Nutritional Needs – Vitamins/minerals, water, label reading, understanding nutrition requirements, and incorporating natural foods (whole foods vs. packaged/processed foods, organics vs. conventional).

Toxicity – It’s there and there and everywhere!  Chemicals are in the air, our food, personal-care products, cleaning supplies, water, and so much more.  The more you know, the healthier you can be!

Sleep – Adults!  You need sleep too!  Shoot for 8/night and make it a nightly habit. 

Positive Lifestyle Choices – Make good choices.  We have heard it from our parents, but as we get older, we forget that we still need to make good choices.  Choose not to harm your body with substance abuse (alcohol, drugs), tobacco use, sugar overload, etc.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

In the Emotional Health dimension it’s important to incorporate stress management, physiological balance, and meditation/yoga.  Taking the time for personal reflection, relaxation and rewards are vital for human health.

INTELLECTUAL HEALTH

Keeping the mind sharp and always engaging it in new experiences is ideal for promoting brain health.  Increasing your overall knowledge and creativity will encourage a health mind.

SPIRITUAL / SOCIAL HEALTH

Being connected to other people and yourself is crucial for overall happiness and general health.   Personal values, nurturing family/friend relationships, the importance of your work and volunteering are all encompassing.

Now that you know all the dimensions to being healthy, what’s stopping you?  It’s impossible to make many changes at once – you won’t stick to it…  Create goals!  Short term goals and long term goals can help you stay on track.  For example, here is what short term and a long term goal might look like:

Long Term Goal:  Lose 10 lbs in 3 months
Short Term Goal:  Drink 60 oz of water every day.
Short Term Goal:  Get 8 hours of sleep every night.
Short Term Goal:  Cut out candy!

Add your goals to a calendar and stick to it!  Make your goals achievable.  Small steps can get you to the top of the mountain too.  You can do it! 

Till next time, stay health.
Joy Boerboom