What Health and Wellness Goals Make Sense for You?

by | Jan 8, 2013 | Self-Care, Wellness Plan, Wellness Tips & Information


By Dr. Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS

 

When you think about becoming healthier what comes to mind? Most people think of having a slimmer, firmer body. Some think about ending toxic habits like smoking. Though you might benefit from these classic goals, other changes might bring even more benefits. In order for you to satisfy your specific  health needs you have to consider all aspects of wellness not just the obvious.

“Health” comes from a word meaning whole, as in functioning at your best in all areas.  It’s a lot more than simply not being sick.  It’s even more than having a healthy weight. If you find yourself frustrated by unsuccessful health improvement attempts maybe you’re focusing on something that doesn’t address your current needs. Your path to wellness might start by addressing something you’ve overlooked.

Issues like stress, mood, money, friends, and hobbies can influence health outcomes ranging from weight to life span.  In order to create a personal health plan that addresses your specific needs it’s important to consider all factors not just nutrition and exercise. Most factors fall into one of five categories but the majority of people focus solely on one: physical factors.

To create your personal health plan, start by assessing each of your health arenas. Figure out what works and what doesn’t.  Keep it simple. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10.  Ten means, “This works better than I could ever imagine” and one means, “This needs some serious attention.”

Here’s an overview of the five main health factors:

Physical arena: Your body and what you put in, on, or do to it (food, exercise, etc.) It also includes your physical environment (ex. air quality, housing materials, etc.)

Mental arena: Your thoughts and beliefs.  Do you have an inner champion or an inner critic? Does your self talk encourage and empower or limit and defeat you?

Emotional arena: Your feelings. Do you tend to be happy, sad, enthusiastic, angry, etc.? How do you handle your emotions? How do they affect your life?

Social arena: The way you “accessorize” your life and make it uniquely yours.  Issues like relationships, habits, hobbies, career, community, and money fall into this category. How do these factors affect your quality of life and lifestyle?

Spiritual arena: How you understand life and cope with challenges? What gives you a sense of purpose? How do your values and personal philosophy affect your well-being?

After you survey your arenas prioritize them based on importance. Next, set realistic goals to help you accomplish them. For more information about setting realistic health goals read  “The Key to Picking S.M.A.R.T  Wellness Goals”

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.  Make an appointment with your primary care doctor for assistance in assessing your health status, setting appropriate goals, and monitoring your progress. You don’t have to wait until you have a health problem to see your doctor.

Be well.

 

Holistic Wellness Speaker and  Wellness Luminary Donna Hamilton, MD has a mission to help everyone live the healthy, satisfying lives they’re meant to lead. She passionately teaches what being healthy really means and how to do it in a way that fits your unique needs. Her comprehensive approach to health and wellness addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being. Dr. Hamilton-a former board certified pediatrician-now specializes in health optimization. She retired her white coat and stethoscope and now speaks nationally about holistically improving health and well-being.  To book Dr. Hamilton for speaking engagements visit  www.ManifestExcellence.com

 

© 2013 Donna L . Hamilton, MD

 

 

Donna Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP
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