LaFemmeFit Wellness
What is the definition of wellness?
More than ever before, we hear this word in the news, on billboards, in conversation and even at work.
Wellness is a “state of well-being,” Also a “state of acceptance or satisfaction with our present condition.”
The Truth is, "Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.”
Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.
- Process means that improvement is always possible
- Aware means that we are continuously seeking more information about how we can improve.
- Choices means that we consider a variety of options and select those in our best interest.
- Success is determined by each individual to be their collection of life accomplishments.
Social Wellness
The social dimension of wellness involves developing, nourishing and encouraging satisfying relationships.
1. I contribute time and/or money to social and community projects.
2. I am committed to a lifetime of volunteerism.
3. I exhibit fairness and justice in dealing with people.
4. I have a network of close friends and/or family.
5. I am interested in others, including those from different backgrounds than my own.
6. I am able to balance my own needs with the needs of others.
7. I am able to communicate with and get along with a wide variety of people.
8. I obey the laws and rules of our society.
9. I am a compassionate person and try to help others when I can.
10. I support and help with family, neighborhood, and work social gatherings.
Occupational Wellness
The occupational dimension of wellness involves choosing a career/job that is rewarding and enjoyable.
1. I am happy with my career choice.
2. I look forward to work.
3. My job responsibilities/duties are consistent with my values.
4. The payoffs/advantages in my career field choice are consistent with my values.
5. I am happy with the balance between my work time and leisure time.
6. I am happy with the amount of control I have in my work.
7. My work gives me personal satisfaction and stimulation.
8. I am happy with the professional/personal growth provided by my job.
9. I feel my job allows me to make a difference in the world.
10. My job contributes positively to my overall well-being.
Spiritual Wellness
The spiritual dimension of wellness involves seeking meaning and purpose in one's life.
1. I feel comfortable and at ease with my spiritual life.
2. There is a direct relationship between my personal values and daily actions.
3. When I get depressed or frustrated, my spiritual beliefs and values give me direction.
4. Prayer, meditation, and/or quiet personal reflection is/are important in my life.
5. Life is meaningful for me, and I feel a purpose in life.
6. I am able to speak comfortably about my personal values and beliefs.
7. I am consistently striving to grow spiritually and I see it as a lifelong process.
8. I am tolerant of and try to learn about others' beliefs and values.
9. I have a strong sense of life optimism and use my thoughts and attitudes in life-affirming ways.
10. I appreciate the natural forces that exist in the universe.
Physical Wellness
The physical dimension of wellness involves encouraging regular activities that produce endurance, flexibility and strength.
1. I exercise aerobically (vigorous, continuous) for 20 to 30 minutes at least three times per week.
2. I eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.
3. I avoid tobacco products.
4. I wear a seat belt while riding in and driving a car.
5. I deliberately minimize my intake of cholesterol, dietary fats, and oils.
6. I avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or I consume no more than one drink per day.
7. I get an adequate amount of sleep.
8. I have adequate coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.
9. I maintain a regular schedule of immunizations, physicals, dental checkups and self-exams.
10. I maintain a reasonable weight, avoiding extremes of overweight and underweight.
Intellectual Wellness
The intellectual dimension of wellness involves embracing creativity and mental stimulation.
1. I am interested in learning new things.
2. I try to keep abreast of current affairs - locally, nationally, and internationally.
3. I enjoy attending lectures, plays, musical performances, museums, galleries, and/or libraries.
4. I carefully select movies and television programs.
5. I enjoy creative and stimulating mental activities/games.
6. I am happy with the amount and variety that I read.
7. I make an effort to improve my verbal and written skills.
8. A continuing education program is/will be important to me in my career.
9. I am able to analyze, synthesize, and see more than one side of an issue.
10. I enjoy engaging in intellectual discussions.
Emotional Wellness
The emotional dimension of wellness involves recognizing, accepting and taking responsibility for your feelings.
1. I am able to develop and maintain close relationships.
2. I accept the responsibility for my actions.
3. I see challenges and change as opportunities for growth.
4. I feel I have considerable control over my life.
5. I am able to laugh at life and myself.
6. I feel good about myself.
7. I am able to appropriately cope with stress and tension and make time for leisure pursuits.
8. I am able to recognize my personal shortcomings and learn from my mistakes.
9. I am able to recognize and express my feelings.
10. I enjoy life.
Environmental Wellness
The environmental dimension of wellness involves accepting the impact we have on our world and doing something about it.
1. I consciously conserve energy (electricity, heat, light, water, etc.) in my place of residence.
2. I practice recycling (glass, paper, plastic, etc.)
3. I am committed to cleaning up the environment (air, soil, water, etc.)
4. I consciously try to conserve fuel energy and to lessen the pollution in the atmosphere.
5. I limit the use of fertilizers and chemicals when managing my yard/lawn/outdoor living space.
6. I do not use aerosol sprays.
7. I do not litter.
8. I volunteer my time for environmental conservation projects.
9. I purchase recycled items when possible, even if they cost more.
10. I feel very strongly about doing my part to preserve the environment.
Financial Wellness
Financial wellness is having an understanding of your financial situation and taking care of it in such a way that you are prepared for financial changes. Maintaining that balance consists of being comfortable with where your money comes from and where it is going
1. I have cash in your pocket.
2. I balance my checkbook regularly.
3. I know the total amount of debt I have.
4. I feel there is plenty of time in the day.
5.I have a retirement account.
6. I know how much is in my retirement acct.
7. I know where my retirement is invested.
8. I am happy with my job.
9. I know what my net worth is.
10. I know what net worth means.
Mental Wellness
Mental wellness can be influenced by:
- Biological factors - changes in the central nervous system, medications, illnesses and family history
- Social environment - losses, traumatic events, stress and low economic status
Mental wellness is promoted through:
- Physical activity
- Good nutrition
- Adequate rest and sleep
- Stress reduction
- An optimistic attitude that can include humor, creativity and faith
- Optimal medication management
- Emotionally enriched environments
For people to savor their later years, maintaining mental wellness is an essential charge, both for themselves and for those who work with them.
Mental Wellness Barriers
Many barriers may hamper detecting any type of depression or anxiety in adults and may result in underreporting the seriousness of symptoms. These include:
Age-related Changes
Signs of depression look like changes that are often misconstrued as a normal part of aging such as reduced activity level, reduced appetite, changes in sleep patterns, or stooped posture.
Signs of depression look like changes that are often misconstrued as a normal part of aging such as reduced activity level, reduced appetite, changes in sleep patterns, or stooped posture.
Illness
Physical illness can mask depression and depression can mimic physical ailments, often leading to misdiagnosis. If depression and/or anxiety coexists with a physical illness, it often worsens or complicates the physical problem.
Physical illness can mask depression and depression can mimic physical ailments, often leading to misdiagnosis. If depression and/or anxiety coexists with a physical illness, it often worsens or complicates the physical problem.
Attitudes of Others
Signs of depression and/or anxiety may be dismissed because of stereotypical beliefs about people - for example, defining them as "difficult" or irritable, forgetful, complaining about their health, or appearing sad.
Signs of depression and/or anxiety may be dismissed because of stereotypical beliefs about people - for example, defining them as "difficult" or irritable, forgetful, complaining about their health, or appearing sad.
Denial
Having grown up in a time when "toughing things out" was the approved remedy, older adults may deny their depressed feelings as signs of seeming weak or crazy.
Having grown up in a time when "toughing things out" was the approved remedy, older adults may deny their depressed feelings as signs of seeming weak or crazy.
Alcohol or Drugs
Some people in late life turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with losses. Because these substances can slow the central nervous system, their consumption can intensify depression - and can be lethal in some treatments of depression and anxiety.
Some people in late life turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with losses. Because these substances can slow the central nervous system, their consumption can intensify depression - and can be lethal in some treatments of depression and anxiety.
Health Complaints
Some adults tend to somaticize - complain about physical problems, rather than talk about emotional pain. Complaints may center on problems with weakness, constipation, abdominal pains, chest pains or other vague symptoms disguising the underlying depression.
Some adults tend to somaticize - complain about physical problems, rather than talk about emotional pain. Complaints may center on problems with weakness, constipation, abdominal pains, chest pains or other vague symptoms disguising the underlying depression.
Stigma
As long the stigma of mental illness remains, the difficulty of identifying the disorders in adults and providing them with proper care will remain a significant barrier to their ability to reach mental wellness.
As long the stigma of mental illness remains, the difficulty of identifying the disorders in adults and providing them with proper care will remain a significant barrier to their ability to reach mental wellness.
Medical Wellness
Medical wellness is an approach for delivering health care that considers the multiple influences on a person's health. Accordingly, there are multiple options for treating and preventing disease.
Further, medical wellness:
- Provides a balanced, appropriate application of wellness practices within the clinical setting that are based on evidence-based practices.
- Promotes a cross-disciplinary approach to patient care, based on informed consent and decision support between the practitioner and patient.
- Establishes a foundation for dialogue and collaboration between conventional and complementary practices with the primary goal of promoting optimal health and well-being.
- Promotes the development and application of professional standards for wellness practices across clinical practices
