The Wellness Wheel is a tool used by psychologists to show how various areas of life contribute to overall well-being. It includes eight key dimensions: emotional, physical, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, intellectual and financial health. Each month, we will explore a different element and its importance.
When we think about wellness, we often picture meditation, positive affirmations and self-care Sundays. However, there’s one pillar of wellness that quietly supports everything else: physical wellness.
Serving as the foundation for how your body and mind function, this element of wellness influences not only your health but also many other fundamental aspects of living well, such as your mood, energy, quality of life and relationships.
Physical wellness is not about looking a certain way – it’s about feeling your best, because when you do, you:
- Have more energy and focus
- Handle stress more effectively
- Sleep better
- They are less prone to illness and serious or sustained disease
Some science-backed ways to improve physical wellness:
- Move your body every day – activities like yoga, CrossFit, running, and many others help reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and improve sleep quality. However, the best workout is the one you’ll stick with, so find something you enjoy doing, whether that’s dancing, riding your bike, or walking your dog.
- Fuel your body with nourishing, whole foods
- Stay hydrated
- Prioritize sleep – this is the time when your body and brain rest and reset
Getting started can be a challenge. As Jazmin Chavez, family partner, shared, “As a new mom, I have neglected my physical health and am ready to start my wellness journey. I know it will not be as easy, but I will need to put in dedication and work.”
Rather than changing your entire lifestyle overnight, it might help to start small and swap one habit, such as going for a 10-minute walk, going to bed 15 minutes earlier, adding one vegetable to every meal, or drinking one extra glass of water, and then focus on doing that consistently. Little actions can compound into big, lasting changes!
Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated – it just has to begin. Here are some other tips and ideas from Pacific Clinics employees on how they’re starting or planning to start their journey to better physical wellness:
“I am taking it slow. I’m integrating interval training and cross-training in a very low-stakes mindset to help me get started. I also make sure to have the very best songs and podcasts to listen to.” -Baylee Carter, Clinician I
“I started incorporating weightlifting and doing strength training classes at the gym this year. It’s a lot of work, but I can see the benefits. It energizes me, and I found I sleep better too.” -Prue Cooper, director of paraprofessional and SUD training and innovation
“I have been training for a marathon and working on getting to more health appointments over the last year.” -Chris Espe, program director
“I enjoy going on hikes. My favorite part is a little treat, like a smoothie or coffee, after. I try to make working out as enjoyable as possible!” -Vianna Villacorta, executive assistant
“Dancing around my house in between meetings! Also finding other creative movement options like a trampoline, walks with my dog, a yoga ball and attending pilates.” -Margie Cueva, program director II
