A few days ago, I found myself in the downward spiral of global pandemic ‘what ifs’.
As I refreshed the news app on my phone, I became in tune with the anxious energy coursing through my body. My throat got tight and my stomach started to turn as I frantically began researching future predictions of Covid-19.
I put my phone down and took a deep breath. Through the awareness of my destructive thought pattern, I was able to consciously re-frame my mindset.
In this unprecedented time, so much feels out of our control. Talk about triggering your flight-fight-freeze response.
Despite the uncertainty, there are MANY things we have control of. One of them is our ability to combat the anxiety of the unknown by focusing on our Holistic Wellness.
What is Holistic Wellness?
At this point you may be wondering, what is holistic wellness?
Holistic means the whole picture. It is the comprehensive evaluation of every part of our lives. If its helpful, think of holistic as the w-HOL-e picture. Kind of like a bird eye view, it’s the ability to see your life as a functioning system, with many moving pieces and elements.
Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is the ongoing process we can cultivate each day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Wellness is the realization of the fullest potential of an individuals physically, psychologically, socially, spiritually, and economically.”
The Eight Holistic Wellness Domains
Holistic wellness is the ongoing process of improving our lives in eight integral domains.
- Physical – Taking care of your body in the present moment, for current and future health.
- Emotional – The ability to cope effectively with life and build satisfying relationships.
- Social – Creating and maintaining a healthy support network and community connection.
- Environmental – Understanding how your environments affect your health and well-being.
- Financial – A feeling of satisfaction about your financial situation.
- Intellectual – Expanding knowledge and skills while discovering the potential.
- Occupational – Contributing your unique gifts, to work that is meaningful and rewarding
- Spiritual – Understanding your vales and beliefs that help you find purpose in your life.
Why Holistic Wellness Matters
Right now we need to focus our energy on protecting our holistic wellness.
We do so for ourselves, our families, and our communities. When we neglect of any one of the wellness domains, there is a domino-like affect. One or two neglected domains will negatively impact the others. I’ll share a personal story to highlight this affect.
A few years ago I was struggling HARD in the emotional domain. I was dealing with heavy emotions including grief and hopelessness internally, but felt like I had to put on a brave face.
I couldn’t sleep.
I couldn’t focus on my work or hobbies.
I spent money carelessly.
I became a flaky and distant friend.
I stopped praying/going to church.
My apartment became chaotic and messy.
Reaching a tipping point, I finally decided to go the therapy. Slowly but surly I worked through my depression and anxiety and began to feel well again. Once this happened, all of the other domains began to improve, and I finally felt like myself again.
The Holistic Wellness Series
Over the next two weeks, I am going to share a Holistic Wellness Series covering all eight domains.
The posts, PDF’s, and videos will be an in-depth approach to holistic wellness. Expect to learn more about each of the domains using evidence-based information, as well as some fun and creativity.
*Important note* – This series is intended for you!
It is at the utmost importance that we continue to take care of ourselves in this chaotic time. Once we reach burnout, our ability to serve others greatly diminishes.
Folks, we cannot pour from an empty glass.
Of course, all of the materials are applicable to your work as a recreational therapist/helping professional and can totally be transferred to serving others. But let’s focus on you first 🙂
Holistic Wellness Activity #1
Resources
I have linked the articles I read to support of this Holistic Wellness Series:
- Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life
- The 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Where Do You Fit In?
- The Assessment and Measurement of Wellness in the Clinical Medical Setting: A Systematic Review
- Structural Validation of the Holistic Wellness Assessment
