How Can we Make 2021 Better than 2020?
Many people treat the holidays as a sort of vacation from everyday life and often that means letting our health sit on the back burner from November through December. While 2020 had been different in many ways, I am sure that the slothful and glutinous nature of the holidays persisted. Compounded with this, is the stress of ensuring that the holidays are amazing for your family and friends. 2021 presents a fresh start and an opportunity for you to prioritize yourself and your health!
Psychology Today (Ramprasad, 2014) tells us that there are 8 Dimensions of Wellness which need to be in balance for one to truly be healthy. When reviewing each of the dimensions you may feel as though in some areas you have already attained wellness, while others have been more neglected. The following are healthy and positive suggestions on how you may improve each area and create a wonderful and well-balanced 2021.
- Emotional – Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying/positive relationships.
To improve your emotional wellness, consider starting a journal that you write in for 5-10 minutes each day. This exercise allows you to check in with yourself, by reflecting and spending time on improving self-care. Another way to improve your emotional wellness is choosing to speak with a mental health counselor who can help guide and provide you with positive and healthy coping tools.
- Physical – Recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition.
There is a significant link between physical and emotional wellness and integration. To improve your physical activity, consider meeting with a personal trainer at a local gym that can assist you with creating a program that is right for you. For nutrition, while you are grocery shopping stay on “the perimeter” of the grocery store. The perimeter is where many healthy and nutritious foods are located. Avoid shopping in the aisles, where the processed foods are. Seek out professional guidance from experts who can create tailored physical, dietary, and nutritional lifestyle plans for you.
- Social – Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system.
Many of the dimensions of wellness can be improved by joining new community groups and experiencing new things. However, it is important to nurture your existing relationships as well. Take a moment to examine the people closest to you and create a plan on how you can improve these bonds. Make sure these relationships are positive, encouraging, and supportive.
- Occupational – Personal satisfaction and enrichment derived from one’s work.
This area will need to be addressed differently by everyone; however, the most common complaint is that work is too stressful and has taken over your life. It is important to perform well at your job, but the best way to improve your performance is to make sure you show up rested and fulfilled outside of your career. Balance your work with your personal life, and both will benefit.
- Financial – Satisfaction with current and future financial situations.
Download a spending and finance tracking app such as Mint that helps you to stick to a strict budget. You could also meet with a financial advisor who can assist you by creating a plan to improve your financial future.
- Intellectual – Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills.
Consider joining a new community group where you could learn a new skill or share one that you already have. This could be an opportunity to improve multiple dimensions of wellness where you get to improve your social life as well as your physical wellness if the new skill promotes activity.
- Environmental – Occupying pleasant and stimulating environments that support well-being.
Your home and work environments can either be positive and motivating toward the life you want, or they can be energy-depleting and uninspired. Take the time to reevaluate these environments and create a plan to improve these areas so that they are fulfilling for you.
- Spiritual – Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life.
If you are religious, try to expand your involvement in your church, synagogue, youth group, etc. Ask the leader of the organization where they need service and take that on as a way to serve your faith and community. Begin a meditation practice. It can be as small as 5 minutes a day. Sitting in peace for a few minutes each day can be an immensely powerful exercise toward improving your spiritual wellbeing.
Let us manifest an amazing 2021 by investing in ourselves and striving for optimal wellness.
Written by: Dr. Sarah Saxton, D.C.
(Doctor of Chiropractic at Nomad Chiropractic)
Leah McMillan, DPA, LMFT, EMDR-T, CFRC
(Founder/Owner/Therapist at EnSpire Counseling and Wellness, LLC)
Resources:
Ramprasad, G. (2014, November 19). The Eight Dimensions of Wellness. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shadows-in-the-sun/201411/the-eight-dimensions-wellness
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2016). Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-By-Step Guide to Wellness. Retrieved 2020, from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma16-4958.pdf