What is WELLNESS?

Wellness means overall well-being.  It incorporates the mental, emotional, physical, financial, occupational, intellectual, environmental, and spiritual aspects of a person's life,  so it is important to consider all aspects of health.  This is especially important for people with mental health problems, because wellness directly relates to the quality and longevity of your life. What makes us well differs from person to person.

Ways to make healthy choices to optimize
your physical & mental well-being:

PHYSICAL
• Stay active!  Take the stairs, walk instead of drive, or join a local sports league.
• Make healthy food choices and sees how much better you feel.
• Sleep is as important as diet and exercise.
• See your primary care doctor regularly.
• Stay informed about your medication.  Ask your doctor about side effects.
• Don't smoke and avoid the use and abuse of substances, such as alcohol, drugs, and caffeine.

FINANCIAL
• Make conscious decisions regarding spending and budgeting.
• Plan and prepare for future circumstances.

EMOTIONAL
• Be aware of your feelings.
• Express your feelings to others.
• Learn coping mechanisms to overcome troubling emotions.

ENVIRONMENTAL
• Find pleasing surroundings that encourage good physical and mental health.

SOCIAL
Social support is one of the most important factors to good mental health.  Try these hints to get connected:
• Make a short list of family, friends, and peers who are supportive and positive.
• Make a least one connection per day by calling, emailing, or visiting a friend or family member.
• Join a group like a book club or support group.  Volunteer!

OCCUPATIONAL
We don't always thing about our jobs or careers as a port of overall health.  Personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose often enters one's life through work.

INTELLECTUAL
Creative and stimulating activities add another dimension to wellness.  Learning new things and pursuing personal interests are a part of a healthy lifestyle.

SPIRITUAL
Spiritual health can mean different things to different people. For many people, spirituality can provide meaning and purpose to their lives.

Achieving wellness involves ACTION & COMMITMENT.
Don't wait to get well.

If you would like to participate in our PBHCI Wellness Program :
Contact Rebecca Beltrami @ 907-772-3332
This is an excellent opportunity to receive the support necessary to successfully improve your health and wellness!
* Sources:   Swarbrick, M. (2006).  A wellness approach.  Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29. (4) 311-314.
HHS Publication No. (SMA) 10-4567  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 2010.