6 Dimensions of Wellness

MCC Weekly Wellness Info

Ever feel like you put all of your time and energy into achieving a specific goal, only to have it slip out of reach when life gets hectic? A good way to end that cycle is to focus on holistic health. Holistic health focuses on several aspects of life that contribute to overall well-being. These dimensions are a lot like the spokes on a tire- They're quiet and out of the way, and it's pretty much a thankless job. No one ever notices when everything is working well, but without proper set up and operation, all sorts of trouble will break lose. – (Excerpt from "Bike Spokes- An Important Part of Your Wheels”, bicycle.about.com)

When you hear the word “wellness”, what do you think of? Most likely it has something to do with your physical well-being (weight, exercise, nutrition, energy levels, injury/pain, disease state, etc.). The truth is, wellness is much more than that. According to the National Wellness Institute (NWI), “Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.” This successful existence is dependent on all areas of our life. This holistic health model takes into account physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, social and spiritual wellness. These 6 dimensions identified by the NWI are interconnected and contribute to overall well-being. It is important to set goals to improve certain areas of our life, however evidence confirms that the interaction of all dimensions contributes to overall wellness more so than any single aspect of well-being.

This Week in Wellness

Oct. 30th – 8am- 3pm, Carter Blood Care Drive, LTC
Oct. 31st – Trunk or Treat before the basketball games, contact Candice Kelm
Step It Up Challenge! Remember to track your physical activity online (More info. below)

Fit Tip & Challenge

By applying the 6 Dimensions of Wellness model, a person becomes aware of the interconnectedness of each dimension and how they contribute to healthy living. This holistic model explains:

• How a person contributes to his or her environment and community, and how to build better living spaces and social networks;

• The enrichment of life through work, and its interconnectedness to living and playing;

• The development of belief systems, values, and creating a world-view;

• The benefits of regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, strength and vitality, as well as personal responsibility, self-care and when to seek medical attention;

• Self-esteem, self-control, and determination as a sense of direction;

• Creative and stimulating mental activities, and sharing your gifts with others.

Want to know how “well” you really are? Take the Real Age test to find out. The RealAge® Test is a unique calculation of your body's health age, created by top doctors including Dr. Mike Roizen and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Powered by the latest medical research, your RealAge Test results create personalized tips and action plans to get healthier and grow younger! http://www.sharecare.com/static/realage-test 

MCC “Step It Up” Challenge

NOW through Nov. 21st

This is a four-week individual and team challenge for MCC employees and students! Participants will track physical activity, the intensity, the date, and the duration of the activity. The online tracker will calculate total steps and convert steps to miles for you. Individuals that complete at least 140,000 steps will receive a prize (5,000 steps/day for 4 weeks). The top three teams will receive an additional award! Find more information on our webpage- www.mclennan.edu/wellness. Team Financial Aid and Continuing Education are already on the move!

REGISTER TODAY & organize a team for more accountability! www.startwalkingnow.org