Holiday stress is real! What can you do to maintain balance in your life, especially during the holidays?
As a committed professional, you’re familiar with the concept of “having it all together”. We often describe others that we admire with this phrase. We also use it as a measure of success. Having it all together represents a balance and accomplishment in multiple areas of our lives.
But is there a tangible way to really determine if someone ‘has it all together’? How do we define these parameters? Enter the Wheel of Wellness. In 1976 Dr. Bill Hetler, co-founder of the National Institute of Wellness, developed the concept.
The WHEEL OF WELLNESS included six dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual and vocational.
In recent years, the model has expanded to include the environmental dimension, for a total of 7.
Whole person wellness is holistic and multi[1]dimensional. It is a conscious ongoing process that encompasses all aspects of one’s life. We can use the Wheel of Wellness in each of these 7 areas to identify where we are out of balance. Any dimension that is being neglected will put you out of balance. And conversely, any area you are spending too much time in can also throw you out of sync, and cause you to experience increased stress.
Let’s look briefly at each of the 7 dimensions from the Wheel of Wellness, and how we can apply them in real life application to reduce holiday stress:
1. PHYSICAL – Regular physical exercise, quality sleep, nutritious diet, being proactive about your health and safety
REAL LIFE APPLICATION: Instead of skipping your workout because you need to go shopping after work, do a short 15 minute workout in the morning or at lunchtime. Instead of grabbing dinner at McDonald’s because you’re short on time, use a delivery service to order a healthy chicken salad from a local restaurant.
2. EMOTIONAL – Recognizing, accepting and expressing feelings, managing emotions and behaviors in a positive way, loving others and ourselves
REAL LIFE APPLICATION: Your mother-in[1]law calls the week before Christmas to ask you to make the Christmas turkey this year though she’s always done it. You’re upset and much too busy, so you take a deep breath and let her know that you aren’t able to cook the turkey, but you offer to order one for delivery or help her pay for a prepared turkey.
3. INTELLECTUAL – Using your mind for greater understanding of ourselves and others, expanding knowledge and skill set, develop and express creativity
REAL LIFE APPLICATION: Instead of scrolling through social media during down time, download a brain challenging app on your phone such as a crossword or word puzzle game.
4. SOCIAL – Healthy relationships, social connections, contribute to society, support the environment
REAL LIFE APPLICATION: Make an effort to sit as a family for dinner, or meet a friend instead of eating at home alone. Shop with a friend or have your kids come along.
5. SPIRITUAL – Seeking purpose and meaning in our lives, develop ethics, values and guiding principles, appreciate depth and expanse of the universe
REAL LIFE APPLICATION: If you don’t have time to attend church in person, look on YouTube for virtual live church services on Sunday morning, there are many options.
6. VOCATIONAL – Seek satisfaction and enrichment through our occupation, goals and interests, share your gifts and talents, feel a sense of purpose
REAL LIFE APPLICATION: Volunteer to help a co-worker that has been struggling. Look into additional learning opportunities, online classes or seminars to expand your skill set. Many companies will cover the cost.
7. ENVIRONMENTAL – Understand how your daily habits affect the environment, enjoy nature, take steps to protect the environment and improve your surroundings
REAL LIFE APPLICATION: Start recycling at home with a separate bin at the curb. Purchase products that are biodegradable and won’t harm the soil or water supply when discarded.
These 7 dimensions in the Wheel of Wellness will serve you well all year, not just during the holidays. But at times of increased stress, it is extremely helpful to keep this nearby to do a self evaluation. Take a moment to go through each dimension one at a time and identify what you are doing in that area. Are you neglecting it, could you put more effort in, are you spending too much time? Ask yourself these questions and then take action steps to create balance in all 7 areas.
Don’t let holiday stress get the better of you, and keeping your life in balance is a great way to “have it all together”.
Jody Trierweiler, CNC is a nutritional consultant, fitness expert, and weight loss coach. You can reach her on her website jodysfitlife.com on social media as Jody’s Fit LIfe, or see her on tv as the fitness and nutrition expert on “Live In The D”
