What is Wellness?

Wellness is a holistic state of health that encompasses the physical, mental, emotional (including lifestyle and social well-being), and spiritual aspects of our lives.

• Physical wellness involves maintaining good health through movement, nutrition, and the ability to engage in daily activities and favorite leisure pursuits.

• Mental wellness is cultivated through continuous learning, proper nutrition, and fostering positive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that shape a healthy mindset.

• Emotional wellness (which includes lifestyle and social well-being) stems from nurturing meaningful relationships, creating a balance between work and play, and engaging in fulfilling social and leisure activities.

• Spiritual wellness is about discovering our life’s purpose, embracing and utilizing our unique gifts, and deepening our connection to something greater than ourselves. Spirituality often involves a search for meaning, offering a sense of fulfillment and inner peace.

Glossary of Terms

• Fatigue/Sleepiness – lack of energy, tiredness (increased amount of time spent resting), drowsiness (decreased levels of alertness)

• Digestive Issues – nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, bloating, constipation, diarrhea

• Breathing Issues – increased rate of breathing, shortness of breath, congestion

• Immune Issues – frequent colds/flu, skin rashes

• Hormonal Issues - imbalances in thyroid, reproductive, pituitary gland, and/or pancreas function

• Anxiety – feeling nervous or agitated, occasional increases in heart rate, flushing

• Depression – feeling sad, tearfulness, withdrawal from social interactions

• Spiritual

  • (Best) Sense of Purpose – motivating factors that give meaning to your life; shaped by things that you believe in and value – your own personal code of behavior

  • (Best) Sense of Connectedness – the inner connection that you have with your self as well as the connection experienced with others, the environment/the natural world and a higher power/heaven/the cosmos; this connection may elicit feelings of compassion

  • (Best) Sense of Hope/Faith – ability to find meaning, hope and potential in life experiences

  • (Best) Sense of Coping – ability to effectively cope with a variety of situations including change and struggles

  • (Best) Sense of Inner Peace – represents feeling of peace, connection and safety in the world