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Writer's pictureKellie Blake RDN,LD,IFNCP

National Wellness Month

Updated: Aug 17, 2020



August is National Wellness Month! Your brain may conjure images of food and exercise when you hear the word wellness and those are definitely important components, but wellness is much more multifaceted. The World Health Organization defines wellness as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. So wellness isn't just about our physical health, it also involves working toward the goal of living a fulfilling, healthy life of purpose and meaning. Wellness is not a static concept, but rather a dynamic one that is ever-changing. It takes consistency, dedication, and goal-setting to truly be well.

While we are aging every day, we have numerous opportunities to create a lifestyle that allows us to increase not only our lifespan and healthspan, but also our contentment and quality of life. There are eight areas of wellness on which to focus:

  1. Physical

  2. Financial

  3. Emotional

  4. Environmental

  5. Intellectual

  6. Spiritual

  7. Occupational

  8. Social


Physical wellness:

Involves making healthy choices for your body every day. Small changes add up to big results and how you treat your body every single day matters.


Tips for targeting your physical health:


· Eat five to nine servings of vegetables with half being leafy green every day

· Avoid concentrated sweets and refined carbohydrates and instead choose high-quality complex carbohydrates

· Drink an adequate amount of water for your body weight (divide your weight in half and aim to drink that amount in ounces daily)

· Eat healthy fats like olives, avocados, coconuts, nuts and seeds

· Practice intermittent fasting (a 12-hour overnight fast is generally beneficial for most people)

· Eat 2 servings of fruit per day

· Choose high-quality animal products and avoid processed meats like bacon, hotdogs and lunch meat

· Add fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and apple cider vinegar daily

· Use high-quality dietary supplements to fill the gaps from your diet (omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins, vitamin D3, and probiotics are generally safe for most)

· Obtain 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep per night

· Move your body in mindful ways – walking, strength training and yoga are perfect



Emotional wellness:


Involves managing stress in a healthy way and creating healthy relationships with yourself and those you love. Have a positive attitude, share your feelings with others, and avoid negative self-talk. Targeting your emotional health can be as simple as practicing meditation, journaling, or using aromatherapy.


Financial wellness:


Involves learning how to effectively manage your finances to reduce stress and anxiety. Money issues can be so stressful, especially during this uncertain time we're in. Creating a monthly budget can be one way to achieve financial wellness. But, it's also important to be on the same page with your partner when it comes to finances.

Environmental wellness:


Involves being connected to the earth. Being in nature is so therapeutic, but if our natural surroundings are destroyed by pollution and littering, it makes it difficult to enjoy. Get involved in projects like recycling, composting, and buying products with little impact on the earth to target your environmental wellness.

Intellectual wellness:


Involves learning new things and challenging your mind. Never be satisfied with your current intellectual state. Try reading and watching documentaries on interesting or unknown topics to expand your horizon.

Spiritual wellness:


This is different for everyone, but involves having a set of morals and standards to live by that include compassion and empathy for others. Joining a faith-based organization or volunteering can be great ways to enhance spiritual wellness.



Occupational wellness:


Being proud of the work you perform is invaluable and meaningful work provides purpose. Contribute in a positive way in whatever role you may have. Everyone is a valuable team member and when you feel pride in the job you do each day, you create an atmosphere of wellness for yourself and those around you. If you feel stuck or stagnant in your current position, seek to learn strategies that will help you approach your work in a more healthy way. You can also consider a change in career. And if you're retired or choose not to work, you can always volunteer in an area you're passionate about.


Social wellness:


Involves creating healthy relationships with peers, family members, and romantic partners. Social isolation is a contributor to poor health outcomes. If you struggle with building relationships, seek counseling or join a local support group to improve your social connections.


While it may seem overwhelming to address all areas of wellness, they are really all connected. Working on just a few, small goals each week will improve your total wellness and increase your quality of life more than you ever imagined! If you need help creating a wellness plan, contact us for a free 15-minute discovery call.



Fig City Smoothie

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

20 ounces coconut milk

3 fresh figs

2 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder

1/2 scoop vanilla collagen powder

2 handful greens (I used kohlrabi greens)

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons honey

1 small frozen banana

3/4 cup frozen blueberries

Directions:

Blend all but frozen ingredients on high until smooth. Add the frozen fruit and blend again until smooth.

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