Wellness to me is both physical and mental. I view wellness as the
typical things such has eating right, exercising, drinking enough water,
and getting enough sleep; however, as someone who suffers from
anxiety and depression, I place a heavier weight on the importance of
mental health.
One of this week's readings defined wellness as, "optimal physical,
mental and emotional wellbeing, a preventive way of living that
reduces—sometimes even eliminates—the need for remedies."
(Kirkland, 2014). This definition aligns with my own definition in the
physical way, and because it at least mentions the mental aspect of
wellness.
As a full-time online student, someone with a full time job, a non-
traditional student at 33, and being involved as a member of several
civic and volunteer organizations, I personally find it extremely difficult
to incorporate the physical aspect of wellness. I do try to watch what I
eat, drink enough water, etc., but I haven't prioritized exercise in my
own wellness journey. Origin Bank implemented a wellness manager to
promote wellness within our organization, but I haven't joined the
program myself. As a banker, a job where I am seated for 8 hours a day,
and of course as I get older, I know I am going to need to really prioritize
wellness as soon as possible. Understanding the importance of
something and implementing it, however, are two very different things!
References:
Kirkland, A. (2014). What Is Wellness Now?
Journal of Health Politics,
Policy and Law
,
39
(5), 957–970. https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-
2813647
