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Wellness is Balance

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Why is Wellness An Elusive Concept?

Wellness is a concept that seems to be widely misunderstood, especially in North American culture. In certain other parts of the world, wellness is much more a common goal and even a standard pursuit of life. Why does it so often elude us here?

If you look at online and other references you’ll see that wellness in English is used to mean such disparate things as alternative medicine, freedom from debt, spirituality, well-being, fitness, absence of disease, mental health, nutrition, happiness and any number of other concepts. While these certainly all play a role in a more universal conception of wellness, the preferred meaning of wellness in my mind can be summed up in the word “balance.”

Here’s a short summary of several of the areas that balance each other within the wellness concept and how one may wish to begin their pursuit of balance and happiness.

Smile with Happiness and Wellness

Fitness

Look at any fitness site on the internet these days and you’ll see images of barely, yet brightly, clad hard bodies dripping with sweat. While these people exist, and I know a few of them, the message they send that “this is fitness” is greatly misleading. Fitness is not bulk, definition, sweat and dangerously low percentages of body fat, all dramatically lit for effect.

A more reasonable fitness goal for each real person should revolve around simply improving your physical self and feeling better through regular exercise and achievement. Set goals that revolve around accomplishments. An example would be setting a goal of  running a half marathon, and then maybe another goal of besting your times. Don’t set goals based on appearance. The reality is that there’s a lot of makeup, lighting, and damaging tactics used to get those fitness shots.That’s not wellness.

Yes, this aspect of wellness will involve sweat, hard work, and maybe even the occasional grunt, but you’ll get there and the biggest benefit is the way you’ll feel. Get started today.

 

Nutrition

Your mother was not wrong when she said you are what you eat. Nutrition can play a huge role in how you feel on a day to day basis.

Focus your nutrition, not on fads, but on sound nutritional advice to eat balanced portions of whole foods. Eating organic fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and occasional whole grains, wherever possible will help you lose weight if necessary and maintain a healthy digestive tract. Avoid processed foods and artificial ingredients. Sometimes this is referred to as eating clean eating.

In certain cases, a whole food derived vitamin supplement can also help you maintain the nutrients your body needs to function well. Consult a certified nutritionist, you’ll be amazed at how much better you will feel.

clean-fruits-vegetables

Spirituality

Spirituality is subjective, personal, and somewhat sensitive as a topic, but it is certainly no less important than any other aspect of wellness in the achievement of a balanced and happy life.

Choose for yourself a spiritual path and belief system that intrigues and edifies you. For some this will involve religion, for some it may not. Ask and search for answers to the big questions.

A good rule of thumb is that if there is no deep mystery and wonder involved in your study, it is not likely to lead to a complete balance with the other aspects of your life.

silent-thought

Relaxation

Your body, mind, and soul all need occasional downtime. Relaxation allows you time to rest, time to heal, time to think, and even time to digest. All of these are important aspects of a balanced life.

Relaxation should involve meditative time while you are awake and adequate amounts of sleep. A hot tub, sauna, or even a nice patio nook make great places to escape the world and to regenerate.

This is not simply plopping down in front of the TV and taking a load off. Breathe deeply and relax deliberately, you will notice the difference as you bring your entire being into a state of true balance and wellness.

achieve balance for wellness

Jake Ricks

AUTHOR - Jake Ricks

Jake Ricks is the Marketing Director for Bullfrog Spas. In addition to his efforts in marketing leadership roles, Jake has been published in a variety of publications with topics that include the pool and spa industry, outdoors, digital marketing, and content marketing. Jake's passion is fly fishing, bird dogs, and living life outside. When possible he guides on local waters, competes in fly fishing events, designs new fly patterns and is a regular contributor to outdoor blogs and periodicals.

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