Carmen Bowen-Wright
WELLNESS IS a composite of a healthy mind, body and spirit. Disturbance in any one of these components can trigger disturbances in the others.
THE MIND
For a healthy mind:
* Rest - get adequate rest and sleep. During sleep the body is being reconditioned and the mind is getting rest.
* Friends - keep friends who can be supportive in times of worry.
* Hobbies - cultivate a hobby that can be used as a distraction when the mind is troubled. This hobby could be reading, craft work or a sport, for example, tennis or badminton.
THE BODY
Good hygiene includes daily cleansing, brushing of teeth after eating and before bedtime, washing hands before eating and after use of toilet. The body should be cared for inwardly and outwardly. Hence, the skin should be kept moist and soft by appropriate creams and lotions. The hair and scalp should be shampooed at least once per week. Also, wear appropriate clothing, that is, clothing which is comfortable and of a material and style to fit the temperature and weather.
Engage in exercise such as walking, dancing, jogging or running. However, if for any reason you cannot do any of these exercises, one can do what I call 'bed' and 'chair' exercises. From your bed, you can stretch the upper limbs and lift the lower limbs. The latter exercise, done without touching the bed, will cause the tummy to tuck in. Even persons confined to a wheelchair can do some stretching exercises.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and protein and very little fat and carbohydrates. The latter should be just enough to give the required energy with none left over to be stored as fat.
THE SPIRIT
If the mind and body are healthy, the spirit will also be uplifted. However, here are hints to lift the spirit:
* Music of one's choice can cheer one as it uplifts the spirit.
* Laughter - any situation that creates laughter.
* Appropriate entertainment such as listening to a chorale, an exquisite piano recital, the exciting music of carnivals and a night out listening to DJs and popular singers.
* Creating something - a beautiful floral arrangement, a garment, a piece of furniture can lift the spirit. The act of creating something gives a sense of accomplishment, happiness and great self-esteem.
Think on these hints and see how many you can use in your everyday life. Until next time, remember, wellness is not just a healthy body!
* Dr. Carmen Bowen-Wright is a preventive medicine specialist and wellness practitioner; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
