In the last article I advocated for a shift in mindset. More specifically I advocated that we work together, in community, to tackle the obstacles that may stand in the way of our health and wellness. As I am writing, somewhat organically, I realized that I have not even defined health and wellness, at least for the purpose of this series. Please note that some of the following definitions are not my own. I have cited those whose sources I know.
The word “Health” finds its origin in the Old English word Hal, which means wholeness, soundness, or spiritual wellness. Health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity [1]. Someone else has defined good health as, “the optimum performance of the innate defense systems in our body”. This particular definition is quite relevant given the current pandemic. My personal favorite, in that it is quite comprehensive is, the conscious pursuit and attainment of the highest level of functioning and balance of all aspects of a person’s existence.
Dictionary.com defines wellness as, “the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.”
One website defined seven dimensions of wellness as it relates to the workplace [2]. Given that most people spend more hours per day at work than anywhere else, I find them worthy of being further explored here. Those seven dimensions are:
- Social wellness, which references our ability to relate to people in all environments, is about building and maintaining mutually beneficial positive and valuable relationships. In describing relationships as being mutually beneficial I do not suggest a “tit-for-tat” or “quid-pro-quo” reality. I am really advocating the recognition of the interconnectedness of everything and everyone. In doing good for or to our fellowman we do good for or to ourselves. Similarly, in doing good to this planet, to which we are more connected than many realize, we are doing good to ourselves and our progeny.
- Emotional wellness, sometimes referred to as mental wellness, refers to having a proper sense and acceptance of one’s identity and from that place being able to successfully negotiate the challenges of life. I must add that emotional wellness, in its highest form, necessitates an inner state of being that is unaffected by external occurrences. In Christian circles, it is referred to as living from a place of rest. Remember Jesus asleep in the boat in the midst of the storm. A digression to explore Mark 4:37-40 is relevant:
37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Jesus operated from a place of inner rest or peace. Emotionally He manifested equanimity, which Oxford dictionary defines as mental calmness, composure and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation. Why and how was He able to do this? We will answer these questions next when we explore Spiritual wellness.
- Spiritual wellness is related to Emotional wellness. It is from a place of a proper sense of identity or being, that one does or lives by a set of guiding beliefs, principles, and values that give meaning, purpose, and direction to one’s life. I believe that one gets one’s true sense of identity from a meaningful relationship with one’s creator. Ultimately, we were created to reflect in everything our creator, albeit with our own unique personalities. Jesus was emotionally well because He was spiritually well. He was spiritually well because He knew who He was in relationship to the Father. As a recipient of the Father’s love He had no reason to fear (1 John 4:18). He simply knew that the Father always had his back. He also knew that the Father had given Him authority (Matt. 18:18). That authority operated through faith (Matt. 21:21). With that God-given authority and faith came the ability to alter physical reality. As the pattern son what is true of Him is also true of us (Heb. 2:10). It is when we panic that we forget that as partakers of God’s divine nature we have the authority and faith to alter reality (2 Peter 1:4). A spiritually well person does not forget who he is when the rubber meets the road.
- Environmental wellness speaks to an awareness of nature, our environment, and our immediate surroundings. In recognition of our interrelatedness with our environment, we should prioritize protecting it and protecting ourselves from environmental hazards.
- Occupational wellness refers to our ability to operate in our callings which divinely utilize our gifts and talents in a manner where our lives and families are not disadvantaged. There is a right balance of family life and our calling (how God wants us to use the gifts he has given to us). There is a right balance of family life and career (an occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life with opportunities for progress)[3]. Someone who is occupationally well prioritizes family over career. Systems at places of employment should ideally be built in a manner that avoids employee burn-out. They also should rarely, if ever, place employees in positions where they have to choose between career and family.
- Intellectual wellness speaks to our ability to learn and make appropriate shifts as we encounter new ideas and experiences that are beneficial to our personal and professional lives. Those who are intellectually well have an unrelenting desire to discover and utilize new concepts and improve their repertoire of skills. They also tend to embrace the opportunity for growth and change that obstacles bring.
- Physical wellness speaks to the proper care for our bodies through appropriate nutrition and lifestyle choices, so that we can function properly and optimally without extreme fatigue or physical stress.
Clearly, there is so much more that can be said of Health and Wellness. I trust that that which was shared in this article was a good place to start. As we proceed on this journey and in response to enquiries there will be subsequent clarification and expansion. Please note that the human body, when provided with the right raw materials and maintained in an appropriate physical, spiritual and emotional environment, has the ability to repair itself through homeostatic mechanisms. Please join me in the upcoming article as we talk about Homeostatic Mechanisms.
References
- ^ How to address the 7 dimensions of wellness in the workplace, Sunday March 29th 2020
- ^ Career, Tuesday April 21st 2020
Disclaimer
The contents of article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.