Unit 9 Project

Introduction

It is important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually, and physically for a few different reasons.  The first reason is that in order for a health and wellness professional to help assist their clients to develop in their health and wellness, then the professional should be adept at living a life of health and wellness.  If the professional is adept at practicing what they teach others, then this shows that they believe that the lessons are important enough to practice themselves, and they can prove that the lessons work.  This will also help the professional to be more empathetic towards their clients, which will help them educate in a more effective and understanding manor.  Finally, if the health and wellness professional practices the lessons that they teach, then they themselves will be happier and more at peace in their own personal lives, which will make them better able to help others, rather than being distracted by unhealthy conditions of an unhealthy life such as an unhealthy mind, body and spirit.  I believe that since beginning this class, I have gained a lot of personal peace, and growth resulting in better overall wellness.  That being said, I need to continue to work on all these areas, such as practicing meditation exercises which help focus the thoughts on positive things, relaxing the mind, and ridding myself of unhealthy thoughts and beliefs.  It amazes me how much impact a simple negative thought or fear can affect the course of my day.  Just a simple thought, if I allow myself to elaborate on it, can turn into a downward spiral, however, likewise a simple positive thought such as a positive affirmation can boost my mood, confidence and lead to a more peaceful and productive day.  

Assessment

Compared to the first time I assessed myself in all the areas of spiritual, physical, and psychological health, which were all rated fairly low, I would give myself a much higher score now.  For example, in the area of spiritual health, I would probably give myself a 6-8.  Looking back after learning all that I have in this course, I believe it is safe to say that my previous score in this area would have been around a 4.  Psychologically, I was probably about a 3-4 as well, due to a lot of stress and negative psychological noise, however since I have begun to go to my quiet mental place, I would say it is at least a 6.  This is an area that has been strained for a long time, so there are times when it is lower, however it is much better than it was.  Physically, considering my level of good physical health practices such as diet, exercise, and my physical wellbeing was less than 4, and I would say honestly that I have not really made much more progress in this area, other than relearning some healthy eating habits and doing some form of exercise sometimes, therefore I might rate it a 5 now. 

Goals/Practices for personal health

I have been psychologically, spiritually, and physically unwell for a long time, therefore I understand that true change is going to happen one small step at a time.  I could list any goal just to answer the question, however I am going to be realistic and list my true goals, as small as they are.  Psychologically- one small goal is to consciously practice dwelling in the still place of my mind when I am anxious, upset or afraid.  Now that I have learned what that still place feels like, I can do that.  Spiritually- I plan to continue to practice the witnessing mind exercise, training my mind to focus on something neutral, rather than allowing the ranting thoughts lead my mind.  I also will continue to practice forgiving others, and letting go.  Physically- I plan to go for walks now that it is nice out at least once a week, and I also plan to make a plan, including brain mapping ideas of what doing what I enjoy, while increasing my physical activity.  I plan to do this because it will give me another distracting outlet that is good for my body, but also good for my soul because it will boost my mood. 

Commitment

I recognize that it takes time to truly learn new habits, and I believe habits are developed by practice.  I think it would be easy for life to take over and to forget the lessons I have learned in this class if I do not make a conscience effort to remind myself, and to continue the practices.  Therefore, a strategy that I came up with is to mark my calendar once a month for the next 6 months a reminder to assess my level of fitness in all the different areas of integral health, and to plan and practice how to improve those areas.  This will give me a memory boost.  At the end of the 6 months, ideally my ratings will be much higher and the practices will be more ingrained than they are at this time.