TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN: BLUEPRINT FOR WELLNESS
By Donna Dotson, ACSW, MWorks Employee Assistance Program
According to Barbara Harris, editor of Shape magazine, "Fitness is a process of developing yourself in mind, body and spirit. There is no endpoint." She is absolutely right. Change of a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual nature is not a one-shot deal. It is a life-long process filled with discovery and the intentional involvement of health and well-being in your life. Well-being is more than increased physical activity and better food selection. It's uncovering, valuing and knowing the "real you." Getting to that point may be difficult, but it is also satisfying and worthwhile.
Along the road of life people naturally form habits about how they think about themselves, others and the world. Your thinking may predispose you to over- or underestimate your worth and abilities, as well as those of others. Often, the "real you" and your true abilities get buried by these thinking habits. As such, your thinking habits become blinders preventing you from getting the information and confidence you need to build life routines, supports and activities that promote your overall health.
Courage, curiosity, humor, persistence and compassion are a few of the tools you need to build your foundation of well-being. Pause for a moment and reflect upon these questions: How do your current thinking habits stifle your courage, compassion, curiosity, humor and persistence? To what lengths are you willing to go to change your thinking habits so you can flourish?
LAYING YOUR FOUNDATION
If you wish to be successful in your process of change, it is important to create a well-being program that leaves you feeling cared for. To create less friction and more comfort in your life, consider incorporating some of the following in your daily routines.
- Cultivate gratitude.
- Don't over-schedule.
- Put yourself first some of the time.
- Eat only when hungry.
- Never make a promise you can't keep.
- Set realistic deadlines.
- Allow an extra half-hour for everything.
- "Be" instead of "do."
- Drink plenty of water.
- Stop trying to please everyone else.
- Grow friendships.
- Cherish your dreams.
- Stay away from negative people.
- Laugh more often.
- Challenge and change non-useful thinking that hurts you or others.
The benefits of respectful self-care are endless. Find ways of thinking that get you excited about incorporating or adding healthy activities and behaviors into your life. And don't dismiss the connection between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
If you would like assistance in building your personal foundation, the Health System's Employee Health & Well Being Services offers an array of resources for all faculty and staff. Call 734-763-5409 or visit the EHWBS Web site to learn more. |
