8 things you need to be healthy, but you didn’t know about
What does the word 'health' mean to you? Is it just about lifting weights for you? Or does it also make you think beyond that? Like how you're doing mentally, financially, or emotionally? There's a good chance that you're only thinking of one or two aspects of being healthy and doing well. But did you know that there are 8 different aspects that make up your total health? We only recently discovered this, and we want to share this with you, of course! If your health is high on your priority list, then you need to give attention to all different aspects that make you healthy (and happy). As it also happens to be 'International Men's Health Week' this Mid-June, we're sharing the 8 aspects of being healthy that you probably didn't know about. From mental and physical well-being to emotional, financial, social, and career health, we'll uncover the secrets to living your best life. So let's get started!
What is health?
Before we dive into the different aspects of being healthy, let’s take a moment to investigate what ‘health’ is according to the ‘official’ channels. The World Health Organization has a nice definition. They say that health is not just about being free from sickness but about feeling awesome in every way – physically, mentally, and socially. It’s all about that complete well-being vibe. Makes sense, right?
There have been different definitions of health over time. But one thing is for sure: if you want to boost your health, you have to embrace healthy habits. That means getting off the couch, sweating it out with some exercise, taking care of your surroundings, and ditching the not-so-healthy stuff.
The 8 different aspects of health
According to Dr. Martin Seligman, a renowned psychologist and one of the pioneers of positive psychology, there are eight dimensions of well-being. Or as we like to call them, 8 things that you need to be healthy.
The theory suggests that your total state of health is made up of 8 different aspects that are all connected to each other. There are also other theories out there that suggest other or fewer dimensions for well-being, but we at TrainMore resonate the most with the 8 dimensions of Dr. Seligman. Here are the eight dimensions that his theory points to:
- Emotional Health – feeling good mentally and emotionally.
- Career Health – having work you like.
- Physical Health – how your body is doing.
- Social Health – having a satisfying social life.
- Intellectual Health – being challenged intellectually.
- Spiritual Health – being mindful and feeling good vibes.
- Environmental Health – where and how you live.
- Financial Health – how you’re doing financially.
You need them all
These 8 aspects of health each cover a different area of your life. You need them all to be in balance if you want to be the healthiest version of yourself. And it makes sense. If you’re doing well in all areas of life, you have a higher sense of well-being and, therefore, you’re the healthiest.
If one or more of these areas are decreasing, then this will influence your overall sense of well-being. The more areas are out of balance, the more effect this will have on your well-being. Each aspect plays a role in your happiness and ‘healthiness.’ So, it is important that you pay attention to each of these aspects in your life.
It is interesting because this theory is often overlooked. When we talk about ‘being healthy,’ we’re only looking at one or two of these aspects. But it seems that there is more than meets the eye.
Now that you know that, let’s dive deeper into all these different aspects so you can know how to prioritize your health even more.
The 8 things you need to be healthy
Emotional Health – Nurture Your Inner Sunshine
Picture this: waking up with a smile, feeling optimistic about the day ahead. Sounds good, right? Your mental well-being is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. This aspect of health is all about feeling good, finding joy, managing stress, and cultivating positive emotions. It’s about recognizing and embracing the full spectrum of human emotions while developing resilience and effective coping strategies. It’s also about how you manage and cope with negative emotions effectively.
Take time to understand your thoughts and emotions, and prioritize practices that enhance your resilience and positivity. Explore activities that bring you happiness, such as practicing gratitude, mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies that uplift your spirits. Remember, your emotional well-being is your secret ingredient to a healthier and happier life. It’s okay to ask for help when needed, and by focusing on your mind’s well-being, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way.
Physical Health – Move, Nourish, and Flourish
A healthy body is a happy body! Your body is the vessel through which you experience life. And you only have one of it, so you need to take good care of it. This aspect of your health is all about how your body is doing and taking care of your body.
So treat your body like a temple through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and enough rest. Incorporate activities you enjoy, such as dancing, swimming, or hiking, into your fitness routine. Fuel your body with nutritious foods that provide energy and support overall vitality. And don’t forget to catch those Zzzs – quality sleep is vital for restoration and rejuvenation. This will boost your energy levels, reduce the risk of illness, and increase your overall vitality. By prioritizing your physical well-being, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant and energetic life.
Intellectual Health – Be Curios
Do you love expanding your knowledge and challenging your mind? Intellectual Health revolves around stimulating your intellect and embracing a lifelong learning mindset. It’s all about how you’re being challenged on an intellectual level.
Engage in activities that keep your brain sharp, such as reading books, solving puzzles, or learning a new skill. Explore different subjects and discover what piques your curiosity. Maybe even debate with someone to keep those radars moving! The pursuit of intellectual well-being not only enhances your cognitive abilities but also opens doors to new opportunities and personal growth.
Social Health: Friendships for life
Humans are social creatures, so this aspect is all about how satisfying your social life is. It looks at the quality of your relationships, social connections, and sense of belonging within communities. It’s also about positive interactions, support networks, and a sense of community.
Invest time and effort in building connections with family, friends, and your community. Engage in activities that allow you to interact with others, such as joining a gym, volunteering, or attending social events. Remember, a strong social support system can provide comfort, encouragement, and joy along life’s journey.
Research has shown that gyms are great places to make new friendships. So sign up for our day pass, try our gyms for free, and start building those friendships!
Career Health: Find Your Passion
They say, ‘Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ This aspect is about having work that you love and focuses on how satisfying and fulfilling your work is. It also includes career development and a sense of purpose.
Seek opportunities that align with your interests, values, and skills. Strive for a healthy work-life balance, set meaningful goals, and continuously seek personal and professional growth. Remember, when you find purpose and passion in your work, it becomes a catalyst for overall well-being and success.
Environmental Health: Outdoor life
This is about where your life, and where you live, has a big impact on your well-being. Environmental health emphasizes your connection with nature and the importance of sustainable practices.
Spend time outdoors, immerse yourself in nature, and appreciate its beauty. Take steps to reduce your ecological footprint by practicing recycling, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. By nurturing a healthy environment, you contribute to your own well-being and that of future generations.
Financial Health: Dollars bills
Money matters! Financial health is about how you’re doing financially. It looks at your financial stability, security, and the ability to meet basic needs, manage financial resources effectively, and plan for the future.
Create a budget, save for the future, and cultivate healthy spending habits. Seek financial literacy through education and make informed decisions about investments, insurance, and debt management. By attaining financial stability and security, you can reduce stress and gain peace of mind, allowing you to focus on other dimensions of well-being.
Spiritual Health: Nourish Your Soul
This aspect goes beyond the physical and material aspects of life. Your spiritual health is about having a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than yourself. It is about religious or philosophical beliefs, personal values, and the pursuit of inner harmony.
Explore your spiritual beliefs, engage in meditation or mindfulness practices, or find solace in nature. Cultivate gratitude and practice acts of kindness. By nurturing your spiritual well-being, you open yourself to a sense of inner peace, contentment, and harmony.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just embarked on an incredible journey toward holistic well-being. By embracing the eight dimensions of well-being—emotional, physical, intellectual, social, occupational, environmental, financial, and spiritual—you’re unlocking the secrets to a balanced and fulfilling life.
Remember, it’s important to recognize that well-being is a dynamic and ongoing process. Take small steps each day, experiment with different activities, and find what works best for you. Your well-being is unique, and your journey will be too. Embrace the adventure, cherish the progress you make, and celebrate the vibrant, healthy, and happy life that awaits you!
So go ahead, live well, and be amazing!”
On which aspect will you focus so you can be the healthiest version of you?
