WELLNESS LESSON and PROJECT

WHAT IS WELLNESS? Active Process Becoming Aware Making Choices Defining Success Maximizing Individual Potential Fostering Healthy Relationships & Connections -Family, Friends, Community, Global Preventive and Healing Approach to Illness

WELLNESS IS: A choice - a decision you make to move toward optimal health A way of life - a lifestyle you design to achieve your highest potential for well-being A process - a developing awareness that there is no end point, but that health and happiness are possible in each moment here and now An efficient channeling of energy - energy received from the environment, transformed within you, and sent on to affect the world outside The integration of body, mind, and spirit - the appreciation that everything you do, and think, and feel, and believe has an impact on your state of health The loving acceptance of yourself

Brainstorm the elements of wellness…

PHYSICAL Fitness Play Good Nutrition Safety Self-Care, Appropriate Use of the Medical System Stress Management Free from Addictions

INTELLECTUAL Knowledge Sharing knowledge Creative, stimulating mental activities Utilize resources available

CAREER/OCCUPATIONAL/VOLUNTEER Positive attitude towards job (e.g. student in school) Personal satisfaction and enrichment in one’s life Encompasses your values Volunteerism

EMOTIONAL Awareness, acceptance and healthy expression of a wide range of feelings Feeling positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life Maintains satisfying and healthy relationships with others Empathy

SPIRITUAL Inner peace Seeking meaning and purpose in human existence Development of deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe Incorporates ethics and values Respects others

Adapted from Bill Hettler, Six dimensions of Wellness, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

SOCIAL/ENVIRONMENTAL Nurtures harmony with Family and Friends Contributes to the common welfare on one’s community Pursues harmony and peace within the world Respects and preserves the environment Demonstrates a commitment to conservation of natural resources

Reflect on these elements of wellness… as they relate to your personal wellness. Adapted from Bill Hettler, Six dimensions of Wellness, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

WELLNESS Is a multi-dimensional approach to well-being that emphasizes individual responsibility. It is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

PRINCIPLES: Self-Responsibility Choices Integration (Inter-related) Balance Dynamic Synergy (The WHOLE is greater than the sum of the parts)

YOUR PROJECT… Self-Expression REFER TO HANDOUT