Embracing Holistic Wellbeing: Exploring the 6 External Elements of Wellness
In our pursuit for a fulfilling and balanced life, a holistic approach to wellness is ideal. There are twelve interconnected elements that contribute to our overall well-being. These elements encompass various aspects of our lives, from our environment to our physical health to our mental wellbeing. In the first part of this 2-part series, I discuss the six external elements of wellness: food, rest, air, body, sun, and water. Each of these elements is significant and they have immense importance in supporting your physical and mental well-being. They play a vital role in keeping you energized, balanced, and thriving and are fundamental pillars of wellness we should all embrace.
1. Food. Food serves as the fuel for our bodies and minds. Nourishing ourselves with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods gives us energy, supports optimal physical health, and enhances mental clarity. We can avoid the harmful effects of diet culture by eating for nutrition while still prioritizing enjoyment of our food. Balance and awareness is key when building a sustainable eating plan.
2. Body. Our bodies are our personal homes and we should treat them with care and respect. Prioritizing physical wellness involves regular exercise, adequate sleep, and maintaining a healthy weight. Our bodies have a unique way of communicating with us. Doing regular check-ups, paying attention, and noticing how it feels is important for maintaining overall health and catching any potential issues early on. By being in tune with our bodies, we can detect subtle changes, and take proactive steps to seek appropriate care or make necessary lifestyle adjustments.
3. Air. Clean and fresh air is essential for our well-being. Breathing deeply and consciously in natural environments rejuvenates our body, mind, and spirit. Prioritizing air quality and spending time in nature can improve respiratory health, increase energy levels, and reduce stress. Spending time outdoors or keeping your windows open in your home or your vehicle and skipping the a/c is an easy way to get some fresh air.
4. Water. Water is often seen as the fountain of life, vital for our bodies to function optimally. Staying hydrated promotes digestion, circulation, and waste removal. Drinking water, filtered if possible, helps detoxify our systems and maintains the health of our organs, skin, and overall well-being. Aim to drink half your body weight in oz of water. As an example, if you weigh 150lbs aim to drink 75oz of water daily.
5. Rest. Rest and rejuvenation are essential for our bodies and minds to recover from the demands of daily life. Prioritizing quality sleep and creating restful spaces allow us to recharge, enhance cognitive function, and support emotional well-being. Embracing restful practices, such as naps, meditation, slowing down or taking intentional breaks during your day, replenishes our energy and reduces stress.
6. Sun. Sunlight provides us with essential vitamin D and plays a role in regulating our circadian rhythm. Spending time outdoors and soaking up the sun can boost mood, strengthen bones, improve health and support overall energy. Finding a healthy balance between sun exposure and sun protection is key for harnessing its benefits so remember to use a quality sunscreen daily and use a hat or light clothing to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
In conclusion, I hope it has become clear that adopting a comprehensive approach to well-being is essential for a fulfilling and balanced life. By focusing on the six external elements of wellness – food, rest, air, body, sun, and water – we begin to connect the dots that contribute to our overall physical wellbeing. Stay tuned for part two, where we will delve into the equally important internal elements that shape our mental wellness as part of our holistic wellbeing. If you would like to download the 360 wellness wheel, a colourful visual of all 12 elements of wellness plus get a fillable wellness check-in, click here.
