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LIVING WELL IN EVERY SEASON by Lindsey Hanson The days are getting longer, flowers are blossoming, spring cleaning is underway. In a season that is synonymous with new growth, spring can also be a time to reflect on wellness. Wellness is an active and continually evolving process of achieving one’s full potential. By focusing on how to live each day to its fullest, the personal growth from pursuing wellness can affect life in momentous ways. Wellness is multi-dimensional and encompasses all components of a person’s life, throughout all seasons of life. It includes not only personal growth, but how a person contributes to their community. While overall wellness can’t be measured, it consists of active decisions and actions that a person takes. More than just a number on a scale or a healthy recipe, it encompasses physical, social, occupational, intellectual and emotional dimensions. According to the National Wellness Institute, the six dimensions of wellness are the pathway to optimal living, affirming and mobilizing a person’s positive qualities and strengths. CRISTA Senior Living’s Live Well program addresses these interconnected components of wellness to provide residents with the opportunity to continue to flourish. The retirement years allow for new opportunities and experiences, as well as time to focus on the things in life that truly matter. The Live Well program thoughtfully provides a framework to include activities, services and events that develop positive and transforming relationships, stimulate the mind, strengthen the body, nurture the heart, and ultimately give glory to God.
to ensure optimal health. Try aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen daily.
SOCIAL Social wellness emphasizes interdependence with others, recognizing an individual’s role and the importance of being in community. To foster social wellness, try setting a weekly time to call family members who live far away, share a meal with friends, or invite a neighbor over for coffee.
OCCUPATIONAL The occupational dimension of wellness recognizes the satisfaction and enrichment in one’s life through work, volunteering, and hobbies. It recognizes that contributing your unique gifts, skills, and talents to your community through various outlets is personally meaningful and rewarding.
INTELLECTUAL Creativity, learning, and problem solving are included in intellectual wellness. Pursuing personal interests as well as current issues can expand and challenge the mind. Join a book club, visit a museum, or attend an educational presentation.
EMOTIONAL The extent to which a person feels positive and enthusiastic about life is encompassed in emotional wellness, as well as the capacity to recognize and accept feelings. To develop even greater optimism, note three things you are grateful for every day, listen to calming music, or write in a journal. To learn more about the Live Well program at CRISTA Senior Living, call 206-546-7565 or visit cristaseniorliving.org.
Interested in pursuing wellness this spring? The following six dimensions of wellness provide ideas to try in every aspect of life. Making just one small change at a time can lead to significant results!
SPIRITUAL The spiritual dimension of wellness recognizes the search for purpose and meaning in life. Try beginning the day in prayer or meditation, or becoming involved in a weekly church service or Bible study.
PHYSICAL Physical wellness is achieved through regular exercise and healthy eating habits, as well as taking preventative measures
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3rd Act magazine | spring 2016
www. 3rdAct Mag.com