Home › Blogs › Rebecca Q.'s blog ›

Seven dimensions of wellness - physical wellness

Submitted by Rebecca Q. on Thu, 06/14/2012 - 11:41am

The last of the seven dimensions of wellness is physical wellness. Physical wellness is about keeping our bodies healthy and taking action when we are sick or injured. When we are physically well, we are active, at a healthy weight, feel good about our bodies, and are able to participate fully in our lives.

One important part of physical wellness is what we eat. What we eat affects how our bodies work and feel. What we eat is also an important part of maintaining a healthy weight. To promote physical wellness, eat a variety of healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low fat dairy. The MyPlate model can be a useful tool, reminding us to make half of our plate fruits and vegetables, make at least half of our grains whole grains, and choose a variety of lean proteins, including lean cuts of meat, beans, tofu, and nuts. Learn more about MyPlate at http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.

Another important way to promote physical wellness is physical activity. Physical activity doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or “working out.” Physical activity is anything that gets the body moving. To successfully maintain a routine of physical activity it is important to find activities that you and your family find enjoyable. Physical activity can include running, walking, bicycling, dance, yoga, swimming, team sports, gymnastics, Zumba, strength training, playing tag, climbing trees, roller skating, martial arts – anything that gets your body moving. Adults and children are encouraged to get a mix of aerobic activity and muscle strengthening activity. Physical activity is also a great way to boost mood and emotional wellness.

Other healthy habits can help create physical wellness for adults and children as well.

  • Visit a doctor for regular recommended checkups, screenings, and immunizations.
  • Get enough sleep each night.
  • Always wear a seatbelt. Children should ride in the back seat and use the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their age.
  • Wear helmets when riding bicycles and use protective equipment when playing sports.
  • Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, talk to your health care provider about how to quit.
  • Learn to recognize early signs of illness and seek medical care when needed.

    • Preparing these blogs has reinforced for me what I think most of us already know – each dimension of wellness is closely linked with every other dimension of wellness. By focusing on any one dimension of wellness, we are helping to build wellness in other dimensions. And in order to be truly well, we must pay attention to each dimension of wellness.