Ten Signs that you are Living Well

Ten Signs that you are Living WellrnBy T. Z. Tyler When someone greets you with the question “How are you doing?” and you respond with “I am well” do you really mean it? Do you know what it really means to be “well”?rnWellness is defined as the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought after goal (a lifestyle that promotes wellness). Knowing what you know now, do you mean it when you say “I am well!”? Do you consider yourself to have an optimal health and vitality (liveliness), encompassing the following elements of wellness: emotional, psychological, spiritual, physical, and social well-being? rnWhen the five wellness elements are present, your life has a sense of balance, you experience peace, and you are connected to the universe. How often do you feel that sense of “wellness” in your life? *10 signs that you know you are living well* 1. High Self-image - It is important to believe in you and your ability to deal with situations that might arise in your life. rn2. Positive Expectations - Know that you can and will contribute to positive outcomes. The key to this is faith, reliance or trust in someone or something. In what or whom do you trust? Do you believe that things will be okay? rn3. Purpose – Know what direction you want your life to go. Create a vision. Create goals that encourage action towards where you would like to be in the future. rn4. Strong Sense of Responsibility – You control your responses to life events and emotions, thoughts, and actions that result from those events. Do not blame others for you inability to make healthy lifestyle choices. rn5. Good Sense of Humor – Make an effort to laugh every day. Read a joke daily. How often do you laugh? rn6. Spiritual Involvement – Connect to your inner self and the universe by meditating and working on breathing technique. Read books and articles about higher levels of consciousness. rn7. Freedom from Addictive Behaviors – Avoid unhealthy behaviors that can lead to addictions. Consistently self-evaluate your choices and the impact they have on your life. rn8. Physical Activity – Get active. Exercise regularly. Get your heart rate up. rn9. Strong Support System – Leave the lines of communication open for friends and family. Surround yourself with positive, encouraging, spiritual minded people. 10. Good Stress Management Skills - rnA. The Elements of Wellness and Managing Stressrn a. Emotionally – positive self-talk, cryrnb. Psychologically – change unhealthy thoughts to healthy ones, think and act constructively, take control, problem solve, modify expectations, maintain positivism, cultivate your sense of humor, have funrnc. Spiritually – connect with inner self, others, nature, and a higher Being or state of consciousness, meditate, breathe, relax, listen to music, have faithrnd. Socially – verbalize painful emotions, seek out emotional support, feedback, and nurturance from friends or loved ones, get intimate (massage, touching, sex), seek out professional help if necessary, go outrne. Physically – nutrition, healthy diet (energy), avoid or limit caffeine, exercise (maintain healthy body and mind) regularly and react with milder physical stress responses before, during, and after exposure to stressors. Now, take a moment to reflect on the list above. Which one(s) of the signs do you possess? Which of the signs of wellness can you work on at this moment to increase your level of wellness? Taking Action – Create a weekly checklist that includes the above signs of wellness. During the week, place a check next to each one of the signs that you know you exhibit on that day. Reflect each day by writing about it in a journal. Be Well!