Wellness during the holidays

Health and wellness are especially important during the holiday season. While this blog focuses a lot on the physical aspect of health and wellness (healthy eating and physical activity), there are other areas that are just as important. The six dimensions of wellness are (from the National Wellness Institute):

• Physical
• Occupational
• Social
• Intellectual
• Emotional
• Spirtual

Here are some ways to be healthy during the holidays in all areas of wellness.

Physical - even if you are pressed for time, make time for some form of physical activity. Park further away and walk, take the stairs, walk an extra lap at the store, turn on music and dance while cleaning the house, take breaks and do exercises, or go ice skating.

Occupational - do something nice for a co-worker (it doesn't have to cost anything!) or give a compliment and smile to a co-worker or class participant. Take a few days off around the holidays to decompress.

Social - invite a friend or family member to go shopping or help wrap holiday gifts. Go to a movie or dinner with a friend. For something inexpensive, meet for coffee or at a bookstore. Call up a friend or family member that you haven't talked to in awhile.

Intellectual - learn something new or read a book on a topic that you are unfamiliar with. Learning is one way to keep our brains sharp. Go to the library or download a free Kindle book. MU employees have access to MyLearn with a lot of books and other learning opportunities.

Emotional - practice some stress management techniques that work for you, have a positive attitude, and learn from your mistakes during the holiday season.

Spiritual - there are many spiritual opportunities during the holidays, so practice in accordance with your beliefs. Also, base your actions on your values and provide others with compassion. Surround yourself with joy and faith.