We hear a lot about mindfulness and well-being these days. What do they have in common and why is it important?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the leading cause of death in the US is heart disease. Many causes of heart disease are lifestyle-related including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet and inactivity.
What is well-being? Webster’s dictionary defines well-being as “the state of being happy, healthy or prosperous.” The Wellness Wheel model illustrates the multi–dimensional aspects of health including, 1) Physical 2) Emotional 3) Social 4) Spiritual 5) Environmental 6) Financial 7) Intellectual and 8) Occupational.
What areas are you thriving in? What areas need more attention? We’ve all been through a lot in the last couple of years with the pandemic. In a recent article by Margaret Moore, founder of Wellcoaches School, she defined “post- traumatic growth” as “appreciation, meaning, strength, possibilities, creative acts and richer relationships.”
What does mindfulness have to do with my well-being and goals? According to the Greater Good Science Center, “Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.”
When I work with clients as a certified Health and Wellness Coach (CHWC) we usually begin by creating a Personal Wellness Vision. Where would you like to be in one, five and ten years from now? Having a clearly defined vision helps us move forward during those times when our enthusiasm wanes and sitting on the couch is more appealing.
In 2022 let us all have greater appreciation and meaning in our lives, being mindful and looking through a gentle, nurturing lens. Wishing you all health, happiness, and
well-being in 2022.
Hannah Rothlin, MA, is a certified Health and Wellness Coach (CHWC), Medical Exercise Specialist (CMES) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor. She also holds two graduate degrees in Exercise Physiology and Consciousness Studies. For more information and a free consultation contact Hannah at: 707-495-7690 or [email protected].
