Discover Wellness: Integral Health and Body-Mind Balance

This is not a new idea in the least. This integral approach to well-being originated a few years after the end of the Second World War. The social and economic model improved little by little, and with it, other types of needs gained footing. These include personal growth, freedom, and the opportunity to choose, to develop ourselves psychically and emotionally.

It was a fascinating and decisive moment. In that instant, psychology became aware that its scientific model needed to open up to other possibilities. Thus, many professionals decided, for example, to stop focusing on the treatment of mental illnesses in exchange for providing people with mechanisms, resources, and strategies to learn to be happy. It focused on making people invest in their well-being, in their own self-realization.

The pioneer and creator of the Wellness movement was Halbert L. Dun, a doctor and biostatist. Throughout the 1950’s Dun acquired greater popularity due to his conferences and his books. His message was clear and very inspiring. “People need to live in a world that is more aware, taking advantage of their potential to the fullest.”

The 7 keys to understanding Wellness

We have mentioned how hotel franchises or health centers offer weekend experiences associated with Wellness. These centers sometimes show us a mistaken idea of what this movement was originally seeking. Wellness isn’t something one should try out during a getaway or during vacations. It is a lifestyle which you should integrate into your everyday life.

Thus, it’s to be expected that more and more therapists are acquiring training in this strategy which seeks to optimize potential. It’s worth noting that it’s not an easy task. It’s an extremely active process which requires willpower, perseverance, full awareness, and decision-making.

We’re therefore facing a new concept of “mind-body” well-being which teaches the individual to create healthier and happier living conditions. Thus, the individual will be capable of reaching their maximum potential and acquiring a stronger health.

Let’s look at the dimensions which comprise Wellness.

1. Physical well-being

How would you define physical well-being? The first thing that comes to mind is without a doubt “the absence of disease.” However, for Wellness, one must go beyond this. Because being healthy is not simply limited to being free of any type of ailment, it’s about “feeling good”.

• For example, think about people who suffer from arthritis, arthrosis, or lupus. As we know, these are chronic illnesses. Thus, what Wellness would seek in these cases is to improve their quality of life as much as possible.
• In order to invest in their physical well-being on a daily basis, one must leave aside unhealthy habits such as tobacco, get medical checkups, and reduce their stress. As well as knowing which diet is best suited for each individual and discovering what type of physical exercise would be most beneficial for them.

2. Emotional well-being

In this case, a Wellness-trained therapist will give you the appropriate strategies and techniques to recognize your own emotions. He will help you manage them and, thus, invest much more and better in your own well-being.

3. Intellectual well-being

The ability to open one’s mind to new ideas, concepts, perspectives. and experiences is the key to self-realization and happiness. Staying active, curious, and, above all, receptive to everything that surrounds you is a fantastic way to improve your quality of life.

4. Social well-being

Now, let’s ask you a question. Do the people in your social circle truly provide you with what you need? At times, you become so accustomed to certain social dynamics that you cease to notice how it affects you. You don’t realize the stress they produce and the unhappiness this impact accumulates.

Being aware of this and becoming selective when choosing who you wish to keep by your side is another essential, defining mechanism of Wellness.

5. Environmental well-being

This aspect is not as well-known. At the very least, it is oftentimes overlooked. Environmental well-being refers to your ability to recognize your own responsibility in the balance of nature. It’s not about limiting yourself to avoiding scenarios of pollution or living in the middle of the wilderness instead of in a city.

We’re talking about environmental awareness. The idea is that small everyday gestures carried out by each one of us lead to real results.

6. Occupational well-being

Are you happy with and at your job? Are you satisfied with the activity that occupies a greater part of your day? Your work responsibilities mark a large part of your life and time, you know this. In fact, that’s where your sources of stress and anxiety are most concentrated. Thus, it’s vital that you reflect upon this aspect.

Wellness also seeks to improve this area. It wants you to delve into your skills, vital objectives, and desires in order to create an authentic harmony between your personal and work-related spheres.