The term wellness has become ubiquitous over the last decade, largely in response to the tremendous healthcare costs that our nation incurs on a yearly basis and the search for options that can better control that heavy burden that it places on families and our governmental institutions at the federal and state level. So often I hear folks talk about wellness from the perspective of our physical health. Naturally, that is critically important and the costs for poor physical health are obvious and often overwhelming. It is no surprise then that our civic leaders, insurance companies and clinical practitioners are diligently devising plans for how we can take better care of ourselves.
Do not get me wrong; I completely embrace the pursuit of physical health and encourage others to do likewise. My normal week consists of exercising 35-40 minutes three times a week and somewhere between 50 minutes to an hour one other day of that week, typically over the weekend. As we drew closer to the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon in May, I extended that weekend run to gear up for that 13.1-mile event.
My diet has greatly benefited from the fact that I am blessed to be married to a wife who loves to cook and does it extraordinarily well. Moreover, she ensures that our family has easy access to plenty of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, she has become quite knowledgeable about nutrition. While I cannot claim to have her expertise, I have learned to steer clear of “fake” food because of the wisdom that she has imparted.
Working at netlogx, who has developed a Wellness Committee that often create “challenges” for all team members to have the chance to compete, supports my desire for healthy living. In fact, we are even offered reimbursement for up to $100 of expense incurred for participating in wellness programs or events. The aforementioned mini-marathon is how I used those dollars for 2019.
The focus on what I feed my body and the exercise routine have certainly had a positive impact for me. From what I have read and heard, the intake of the right foods can create greater energy and strength than some of the poor habits I had as a younger man. I also love the impact that exercise has on my mental/emotional health. After particularly stressful days, going for a run in the evening can be one of the most positive things that happens all day.
I find it to be incredibly important to take proactive measures to ensure that my mental/emotional health is intact. Like the benefit of feeding your body good food, I believe you need to feed your mind in a similar way. Striving to have a positive outlook, learning greater mastery of my emotions and analyzing/understanding how my mind works have all benefited my mental health.
Perhaps, my greatest discovery as an adult has been the critical nature of my spiritual health. Often, it seems to me, this one aspect of our wellness can be overlooked or de-emphasized. What I have learned about myself, however, is that I need to be intentional about dedicating time to my Roman Catholic faith. While my track record in fulfilling my goals for mass attendance through the work week are strong during the Advent and Lenten Seasons, my participation during the other liturgical seasons can fall short. The result for me can often cause a reduction in my mental/emotional health and often results in greater irritability, negative thoughts, and a failure to lead the life that I profess. That is not a good combination!
So, when I consider my health goals, I must include the holy trinity of wellness…body, mind and spirit!
