Fitness Together Georgia

There are 5 Points of Wellness of which we need to be complete in our lives. Most people in the Western civilized world are lacking in not only one of these components, but nearly all of them.

What exactly are the five points of wellness?

1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Intellectual
4. Social
5. Spiritual

Now, let’s take each one of these in order and define them.

Physical Wellness

Physical Wellness by definition is the ability to perform daily physiological demands such as walking up stairs, lifting a bag over your head, digesting food, etc.  Until the post-industrial movement (i.e. working in offices), this facet of wellness came quite natural.  In modern times we have to schedule it into our lifestyle. To improve this facet you must  do resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, and have a good nutrition program that is always evolving and improving.

Emotional Wellness

Emotional Wellness is your ability to cope with daily circumstances in an optimistic, positive, and constructive manner. Ways to improve this is to incorporate more of the physical wellness needs, meditate (possibly incorporate yoga or tai chi), taking breaks, and getting plenty of sleep. A person who is emotionally well is happy, as opposed to depressed or stressed.  Once again, physical exertion is possibly the best treatment for stress.

Intellectual Wellness

Intellectual Wellness is the ability to learn and to use information to enhance the quality of daily living and optimal functioning. You can improve your intellectual wellness by reading, doing crossword puzzles, or listening to audio learning programs. When you’re intellectually well, you are informed and able to carry objective conversations.  Key word here is, objective conversations.  If you’re quick to become defensive, you become argumentative.

Social Wellness

Social Wellness is your ability to establish positive relationships and be interactive in social situations such as a party, ball game, or family outing. To improve social wellness you can have lunch with some friends or go to a baseball game. When you’re social, you’re less likely to feel lonely.  However, you are only alone if you allow yourself to be.  Sometimes, you need your space.  However, you should never be recluse.

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual Wellness is the ability to establish values and act on a belief that there is a force greater than that of humankind. Ways to become more spiritual are to become more involved in your preexisting faith, such as going to your synagogue or church. Praying or meditating is the foundation of spirituality.  Studies have even proven that those who believe in something greater are happier individuals.  Science is even showing that certain centers of the brain are accentuated while in prayer or meditation.  Those who are spiritual feel more complete as opposed to incomplete.

Kelly Huggins
Exercise Science, B.S.
Owner, Fitness Together