TOO CLEAN OR NOT TO CLEAN

I am not going to waste my time or yours time by discussing how to clean faster. I am more interested in figuring out what else we can do with free time besides cleaning house.

After years spent chasing the clock, I fell ill. I spent a lot of time and energy making doctor appointments, having medical tests, undergoing nasty procedures, and filling prescriptions.

Finally, the day came when I was in recovery and feeling better. I went in for a check up.

My doctor asked me to review a wellness wheel. The purpose was to determine if I had begun to restore balance to my life after spending more time than usual caring for my physical health.

There is no need to wait for a doctor's orders to take advantage of a wellness wheel. Wellness wheels can be used anytime. Primarily used as a self-evaluation tool, wellness wheels help people to gain insight on personal satisfaction levels in regards to different aspects of their lives such as physical, intellectual, social, environmental, emotional and spiritual health.

The wellness wheel below is a simple model used by health educators. Why not take a few minutes to reflect on your own health?

Read over the characteristics of each spoke on the wheel and then assess your weaknesses and strengths.

Once you have targeted areas that may need be changed, take a deep breath. All of us can improve our health. So, relax. Share your concerns with others who will support helping you find ways to achieve better balance in your life. Forget cleaning. Take the time to take good care of yourself.

SOCIAL

People who are socially well have a perception of having support available from family, friends, or co-workers in times of need and a perception of being a valued support provider.

Traits of a Socially Healthy Individual

• Interacts easily with people of different ages, backgrounds, races, and lifestyles they are unfamiliar with
• Develops a network of friends, family or others for support
• Recognizes a need for "fun" time in your life
  
• Budgets and balances time to incorporate social, or fun, activities along with meeting obligations
• Contributes time and energy to play an active role in the community

ENVIRONMENTAL

Individuals with environmental wellness have positive interactions at work and with the broader natural world they live in.

Traits of a Environmentally Healthy Individual

• Finds satisfaction and worth in work but does not overly define oneself by work and spend a disproportionate time working at the expense of other aspects of life
  
• Ensures work environment and relationships are comfortable
• Possesses awareness of the natural environment
  
• Recognizes opportunities that lead to new skills and acts on those opportunities
• Works to ensure the stability and longevity of our natural resources

EMOTIONAL

People who are emotional well are secure about their self-identity. They seek to reflect on their own actions and accept themselves for who they really are. They encourage self exploration and improvement. They also have the ability to cope with and/or improve unpleasant mood states.

Traits of an Emotionally Healthy Individual

• Is comfortable with and likes self
  
• Communicates feelings
• Has methods to reduce stress before and after it arises
• Knows personal limits and acts accordingly without overextending themselves
  
• Keeps a generally positive attitude
• Takes responsibility for own behavior
• Views challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles
• Functions independently but knows when to ask for help
• Is aware of common mental health problems, issues, and signs of detection
  

SPIRITUAL

Individuals who are spiritually well strive for a sense of satisfaction and confidence in personal spiritual beliefs. They encourage individuals to increase their understanding of values, ethics, beliefs, which can add direction to their lives. They have a growing set of beliefs that can help support them mentally and emotionally. They have an overall sense of well-being, peace, and connectedness that helps them find meaning in life.

Traits of a Spiritually Healthy Individual

• Spends time reflecting on themselves as a person
• Gives time to volunteer or participate in community service activities
  
• Spends time defining your values, reevaluating them over time, and making decisions that complement them
• Participates in activities that protect the environment
• Is open to those of other religions and belief systems
• Cares about the welfare of others and acting out of that care

INTELLECTUAL

Intellectually healthy individuals have a srong desire to learn and maintain curiosity. They value shared experiences and are stimulated by new ideas, sharing knowledge, and pursuing learning.

Traits of a Mentally Healthy Individual

• Enjoys learning because you want to - not because you are told to.
  
• Explores and shares new experiences (e.g. arts, theater)
  
• Observes the world around us
  
• Listens
• Questions

PHYSICAL

Individuals who are physically well apply knowledge of nutrition, fitness, personal hygiene, and self medical care (such as taking ones temperature or using over the counter medicine) into their daily living. They work hard at maintaining a high level of energy and lead a lifestyle that enables them to stay healthy. They are aware of the effects that physical stresses and personal needs have on their bodies and do not place unnecessary demands on themselves.

Traits of a Physically Healthy Individual

• Exercises safely and regularly
• Understands basic nutrition information
• Eats a balanced diet
  
• Gets regular physical check-ups
• Performs self-medical exams
• Avoids drugs, such as tobacco, that hinder physical health
• Washes one's hands after using the restroom
• Takes medication properly
• Evaluates physically risky situations and moderates actions when needed
  
• Possesses strategies for managing stress
• Gets an adequate amount of sleep

Sources: University of Washington Primary Care Center
Vanderbilt University Wellness Wheel