Don’t just survive, thrive.
I’ve been looking through the archives. I stumbled upon a blog post I wrote back in 2016 while attending my undergrad. I talked about a wellness class I took. Initially, the thought of taking a wellness class gave me middle school PE vibes. It seemed ridiculous to require such a class in a business degree program and I wasn’t excited to attend. However, it ended up being one of the most valuable lessons I received. Having found the blog, I felt inspired to explore the five dimensions of wellness again…
I am a firm believer that you must take care of yourself before you can take care of others – the old airplane oxygen mask concept. This wellness class forced me to examine physical, emotional, spiritual, occupational, and financial wellness. Of them, I have utilized three most often this year.
· Physical Wellness
In the past couple of years, my priorities have shifted, forcing my physical well-being to be placed near the end of the list. Exercise has declined and I have found myself eating out more often. I used time as an excuse.
This year I have scheduled an hour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to engage in some sort of physical activity. By scheduling it, I can hold myself accountable. Surprisingly, I have found workout inspiration on Instagram to fill the hour as well. I’ve done my best to eliminate sugar and dairy from my diet while increasing my water and fiber intake. In addition, I have become more conscious of my portions and implemented occasional intermittent fasting. Since making these changes, I have acquired a new source of natural energy. I generally feel good and more motivated.
· Emotional Wellness
I've learned that I am extremely loyal, an overachiever, and a perfectionist. I have a hard time saying no, which sometimes leaves me exhausted. I’ve also felt that there is a solution to everything – if you just keep trying – but sometimes, finding the solution isn’t worth the journey it took to get there.
This year I’ve realized that boundaries are healthy and saying no doesn’t make you a bad person. “Let me think about that” has been my best tool. In fact, it gives me a chance to evaluate the big picture and decide what aligns with my values.
· Financial Wellness
I’ve consciously cut back this year on all the little things. I started taking my lunch to work, started brewing my own coffee, and utilized coupons when I shop. I have also created a spreadsheet to re-evaluate my bills, cutting all the unnecessary expenses like Amazon and Apple music. These might be small changes, but they add up.
Maybe it isn’t realistic to master all five types of wellness at once, as it can be unrealistic and overwhelming. There should always be room for improvement, but Occupational Wellness and Spiritual Wellness have taken more effort for me to achieve this year.
· Spiritual Wellness
I have felt most secure with this dimension in the past. I have grown up in an environment filled with strong morals and a higher power. In fact, I pride myself on maintaining integrity and serving all walks of life with the utmost respect. However, I have felt an urge to find my greater purpose in the past year. My role as a community leader and participation in volunteerism seems to be what satisfies but I still feel there is something more to gain.
· Occupational Wellness
I thrive on achievement, often going beyond what is required… but as I cross off each achievement and grow closer to my ultimate career goal, I have noticed that it might not be enough. Perhaps there is an unhealthy correlation between external recognition and self-worth. More importantly, when will it be enough and how hard/long am I willing to push myself to get there?
I believe one dimension of wellness can bleed into another. For example, being frugal (financial wellness) can cause a person to become less stressed (emotional wellness) when paying their bills. So, I set aside time every day to intentionally focus on one dimension. The others will eventually follow.