How to Make Wellness a Priority
When wellness is central to our being, we inspire others to be well too. To act as a leader who can cause a ripple effect of wellness, think of this month’s theme in two ways:
Include more of yourself: Think about what’s happening in all areas of your life—emotional, social, financial, vocational, physical, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental—and ask yourself, In this phase of my life, which dimensions am I caring for and which need more attention? The exercise below can also help you figure out ways to expand your idea of wellness to incorporate all aspects of your life, going beyond the obvious (though important) things like sleep and nutrition. “As you include more of yourself in your wellness journey, you will discover a deeper level of joy, well-being, and purpose,” says Jeffrey Abramson, who is a partner in the Tower Companies, a leader in sustainable building that works with the Global Wellness Institute.
Include others you care about: It is up to everyone—every person, every family, and every institution—to make wellness a priority. When we do, we reduce our risks of chronic illness and overstress. And at the same time, we put ourselves on a path to better health, sustainable energy and productivity, and happiness. So try shifting your mindset from “me” to “we.” Do the Focus on Wellness exercise below with a circle of friends or neighbors, your team at work, or members of your family. By creating a wellness
moonshot you all share, you will generate enduring bonds through your shared intentions to be well, and you’ll be sources of positive support and well-being for one another.
Try This Exercise: Focus on Wellness
To begin, either close your eyes or soften your gaze and look at a stationary point. Take three to four breaths to relax and reconnect with yourself. Now write down your responses to these questions:
Who do I want to be?
What results do I want to achieve in my life?
What does it mean for me to be well—to thrive?
When do I feel most alive?
What naturally brings me fulfillment?
What matters most to me?
What do I most want to devote my time and life energy to for the next 5, 10, 20, or 50 years?
You may want to explore these questions over a period of days, weeks, or even months. Remember to be inclusive—all dimensions of your life matter, from emotional health to environmental stewardship. Pull your insights together in a meaningful way, such as with a vision board, a voice recorder on your smartphone, or the old-fashioned pencil and paper. Note which responses give you the most energy and joy; use these to craft the personal wellness moonshot that means the most to you.
This article originally appeared in the February 2020 issue of Prevention. For more information on the February Wellness Moonshot theme, visit the Global Wellness Institute.
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