Unit 9 Post

Final Project:

I.

            In the three major aspects for health and wellness professionals (physical, spiritual, and psychological) it is important to have a well-rounded understanding of all three. A quality understanding of these three isn’t just the only we need as professionals, but we must also continuously work to improve these in our lives as well. In order to provide quality care for our clients we must practice what we preach. We cannot expect those learning from us if we cannot prove to them that we are on point in these three areas ourselves. I would really like to develop in the spiritual and psychological aspects the most because I feel that is where I lack the most. My physical area is very strong, and I have great tools to continue my improvement in this area.

II.

            When assessing my health in each domain I first take a look at what each of the three entail. After studying what it truly means to be at the top of my game in each I can begin checking off what areas I am strong in, and where I have weaknesses in. When assessing my scores in each area I would first start with my physical well-being. I would have to give myself a solid 8. I have always taken very good care of myself, but I do however believe there is always room for improvements. For my spiritual well-being I would have to rate it a 6. I think at times I let outside forces cause me to go off balance, and when this happens it can be hard for me to get out of this battle. I find myself easily distracted, and it does not turn out well for me even though I know I can do things to prevent it. Finally, when assessing my psychological well-being’s score I would have to give it a 7. Letting my anxiety affect me mentally is truly my only problem in this area. I have been taught tools to control it, and realize that it is all in my head. I continue to work on these and head in a positive direction in controlling this issue.

III.

            One goal I would like to set for my physical well-being is to continue to have a balanced attack, and always remember to give my body a new challenge. When I start to feel too comfortable doing something I’ll know it’s time to give myself a new wall to break down. A goal I have set for my spiritual well-being is to start implementing a yoga routine into my regimen, or even begin meditating once a day. When it comes to my psychological well-being I would like to finally stop letting the little things get my mind racing, and realize that sometimes things happen that I can’t control.

IV.

            Two strategies I use to help me improve my physical well-being are first, to make sure I get a good night sleep on a regular basis. This will help my central nervous system recover as well as my body after all the strain it goes through during my workouts (Harter & Rath, 2010). Second, I can make sure I am feeding my body the proper foods it needs to continue to build and recover efficiently. To improve my psychological and spiritual well-being I need to start paying more attention to both, and working hard to stay on track. In the psychological domain I would like to go on a long walk, or jog in order to clear my head of what’s bothering me. I have also found that even just going to the park and taking in all the sights and smells helps a great deal too. Exercises I can use to work on my spiritual domain would include meditating and breathing techniques. If I feel that one of these isn’t doing the job, this course has provided me with some excellent listening exercises that have worked for me as well. Especially the unit 8 exercise we participated in (Dacher, 2006).

V.

            To properly assess my progress in the next six months I will begin doing exactly what I do for my exercise routines every single day, and that’s keep a journal. I will start taking note of when I do certain things I have told myself I would commit myself to, and note when I have been slacking as a reminder to get into gear. My long-term strategy will be to eventually find a routine that works for me because every individual is different, and unique. Like one persons workout regimen may work for them, it may not be the best for the next person. It may take me awhile to find one I enjoy, and works to my best ability but that’s why it’s a long-term goal!

References: 

- Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral health: the path to human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Publications.

-   Rath, T., & Harter, J. (2010, October 21). Exercise, Sleep, and Physical Wellbeing. Gallup Business Journal. Retrieved April 29, 2013, from http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/127211/exercise-sleep-physical-wellbeing.aspx#1