Tips to Improve the Physical Dimension of Wellness

​Physical Dimensions of Wellness
 
Did you enjoy last week’s blog post about the 8 dimensions of wellness? I hope so because for the next 8 weeks we are going to dive into each dimension of wellness, discussing ways to improve the dimension as well as how each dimension impacts the other. 
 
So, let’s get started with the physical dimension. Keep in mind, each dimension is valuable and these discussions are in no specific order. 
 
I am going to be honest…. This is the dimension that I have struggled with the most. I am great about many of the others but this is the dimension that I continually grapple with. So, when I share these tips or discuss the value of physical wellness, I am probably speaking to myself more than you.
 
Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about the value of physical wellness. Physical wellness includes moving your body, eating well, sleeping well and nurturing your body. When your physical wellness is strong, you have the energy to show up better in life and your focus on what is important to you. 
 
I am one of the most low energy people you will meet. I am not depressed, I just struggle with my energy level. It has been an issue for me my entire life but has definitely become a bigger issue since having kids because I have less time to recharge. 
 
Unfortunately, this means I don’t often have the energy or stamina to play with the kids for hours at the playground or to run errands all day and then come home and make dinner. Around 2pm every day (sometimes earlier), I hit a wall and I struggle functioning and not just collapsing in bed. It really sucks. I suffer from adrenal fatigue also that makes it even more challenging. 
 
However, I am also very aware of things that help my energy in this season. I know that I cannot have a lot of caffeine because when I crash, I crash HARD. Instead, I need to drink a ton of water every day. It helps me stay functional.
 
I also know I need to engage in low impact, low intensity movement. This may be a 30 minute yoga video or a walk on the treadmill (or ideally outside when it is not so stinkin’ hot). I cannot do high intensity workouts because it will completely drain my energy for the rest of the day. 
 
And the hardest for me, I notice a direct correlation between what I eat and how I feel. Yet for some reason, I often choose convenience or easy over what I know will serve me best. So, this is the area that I have to be the most intentional about. 
 
There are so many different ways we can improve this area. Maybe you are a high energy person and crush this dimension, awesome! Or maybe you struggle like me. If you struggle, find what works for you. It may be some of the things I shared above or it may be that you focus on more quality sleep, be more intentional about taking your vitamins, actually eating breakfast instead of skipping it, or finding a movement activity that you enjoy and feel energized after. Find one change you can make and once that is a habit, then incorporate something else. It doesn’t have to be a complete over haul or all or nothing. We can find moderation in improvement and often that is what creates lasting change. 
 
See you next week as we discuss the social dimension!