 Show Physical Well BeingA useful definition of Physical Well Being is provided by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists:
What Contributes to Physical Well Being?Poor lifestyle choices can lead to the development of chronic disease, defined as an “incurable illness or health condition persisting for a year or more, resulting in functional limitations and the need for ongoing medical care.” Examples are obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Despite knowledge of preventability and manageability through early detection, treatment and healthy living, chronic disease typically leads to some degree of physical or mental impairment in at least 25% of those diagnosed with a condition.² Of the leading causes of death in the US, 57% were caused by cardiovascular disease or cancer, and nearly 80% of these deaths could have been prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.³ Failing to maintain your physical well being can result in a rapid decline in health status. Physical activity alone has been proven to reduce the risk of high cholesterol levels, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, as well as prevent muscular degeneration. Activity loss can eventually lead to muscular dysfunction, increasing the risk of injury and falls, and also significantly limit daily living activities (ADL’s), the basic, day-to-day self-care tasks such as bathing, eating, dressing and even mobility.³ For many, losing the ability to partake in ADLs can mean a loss of independence, leading to depression, decreased social functioning, shortened life expectancy and decreased quality of life. All of these factors can have a negative effect on other dimensions, especially Emotional and Relational. Case StudyAndrew had always been highly physically active. He was an athlete in college, working out every day and eating a strict diet. But lately the pressures of medical school, his new marriage and now a new job living away from family and friends was taking a toll. He barely had time to fit in any physical activity and his marriage was strained due to the demands of his job. Andrew was feeling a lack of confidence not only due to excessive weight gain, but also being new in his role and feeling unfulfilled professionally. His lack of work/life balance didn’t seem to leave time for much of anything. Andrew decided to take a good look at his life. By talking to a new peer coach, someone who understood his unique challenges, Andrew learned by improving his Physical Well Being he could also improve a number of the other dimensions of his life. He realized there were quite a few small changes he could make in his life to also improve his professional, emotional and relational dimensions. His wife really liked to cook, so Andrew suggested they spend time together planning/shopping/preparing healthy meals for the week. He also asked a couple of colleagues to work out once a week and started playing a weekly game of basketball at the rec center; two reasons to schedule much-needed activity. His new peer coach also offered suggestions for how to get more connected at work to grow professionally in his new role. By focusing on his physical well being, Andrew was able to get the balance he needed in his job and personal life. He is spending more time with his wife and his is back to healthy exercise and diet. He and his wife have even signed up to run in a few upcoming 5K races together. Andrew is happier, healthier and more productive at work because he focused on improving his physical well being! How to Achieve and Maintain Physical Well Being?Physical Well Being involves creating a plan to ensure you are getting regular physical activity, eating healthy and getting enough sleep to balance all dimensions of your well being. There are plenty of resources available to you to improve your health and be on your way to a long, fulfilling life! To learn more about your Physical Well Being dimension, you can read from our recommended reading list. We Can HelpVITAL WorkLife supports all dimensions of your Wheel of Well Being. Call us anytime, day or night, for support of your Physical Well Being.
Check out our video below to learn more about the Wheel of Well Being:
Physical health and mental health are strongly connected. Taking care of your physical health is scientifically shown to improve mental wellbeing, and vice versa. If one declines, the other can be affected too. A balanced diet, proper sleep, and cutting down unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol, and drugs are some of the key physical health factors that can promote mental wellbeing. Some of the things that can affect mental wellbeing are stress, working too much, and being too inactive. Studies are showing more and more that a holistic approach to health – linking physical, social, emotional, and mental health – is necessary for mental wellbeing. This approach also helps a great deal with managing and recovering from mental illness. For more information, take a look at our pages on food, sleep, and being active.
75% of the human brain is water. Hydration increases circulation and cleanses the organs of the body, especially the heart and brain. Drinking tea or juice isn't enough; it’s vital to drink water on its own as well. Some symptoms of not drinking enough water may include headaches and mood changes. (Source)
Exercise can get you outside, exposing you to sunlight, fresh air, and potentially new companions through group activities. The act of physical movement reduces risk of physical illnesses, lifts your mood, and can improve your sleep. Exercise even helps you think more clearly with the extra blood flow to the brain, and increases the size of the hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for memory. (Source)
Playing recreational sport 1-3 times a week reduced distress by 34%, according to a large study. Organised recreational activity is shown to raise self-esteem and brain function. This may be partly due to the social interaction aspect of the activities. The study also states these benefits are as potent as medication, for moderate anxiety and depression. (Source)
Across the general population, rates of smoking have declined greatly in the last 20 years. However, smoking is still common among people experiencing a mental illness, who often begin smoking earlier and smoke more than the average smoker. Even if you have a severe mental illness, you can cut down and quit smoking with the right support. Nicotine replacement therapy, for example, can help. (Source 1) (Source 2) (Source 3)
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, proper sleep, and cutting down smoking, alcohol, and drug use are vital to physical health and mental wellbeing.
Was this information helpful?
Thanks for your feedback. It’ll help us make Head to Health better. Your anonymous feedback has been submitted. Please note: this is not a crisis support service. If you need help now, visit our crisis support page.
We’d love to know how we can improve Head to Health. Visit our feedback page to let us know how we can make your experience even better. Please note: this is not a crisis support service. If you need help now, visit our crisis support page.
We've already received your feedback for this page. Please note: this is not a crisis support service. If you need help now, visit our crisis support page. Page last updated 22nd July 2021 |
What does physical health and well-being mean?
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 themosti Inc.
