UNIT 9 FINAL PROJECT

I - Introduction:

Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?

It is essential for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically because they will be able to lead by example and I also believe it will give them a greater intake of the importance of integral health practices benefits for them and enable them to also help their patients. They will understand and appreciate the relationships between each component

In order to achieve the goals for my optimal well being, I need to emphasize on the physical aspects and psychological aspect. Since my last doctor visit, I have been very limited on the physical exercises I used to do. Therefore, I am learning to practice yoga more and water aerobics because I can obtain the same benefits without causing more injury and allowing my body to heal. Meditation has helped deal with issues in a more positive way, but I still do not give it a priority in my life. I am putting medication as a requirement for me to do weekly. I am amazed by the positive energy I get from meditation.

II - Assessment:

How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?

When I took this assessment on 20 August 2013, I scored 5 for physical well being and 9 for spiritually and psychologically well being.  I will admit that my physical well being has declined to a 3. I have put on 10 pounds due to physical restrictions and improper diet. But my spiritually and psychologically well being remained the same. My faith in my God is still unshaken despite the many physical challenges I have been facing. Due to meditation and daily prayers my psychological well-being is still strong. I still see all the issues I am facing as obstacles to conquer.

According to Dacher, “meditation can be very powerful in expanding your mind and heart and serve as an antidote to anger and hatred. It can help shift your focus from personal love to universal loving kindness.” (Dacher, 2006)

III - Goal development:

List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.

Physical Goal - A few of my physical goals are to start to attend the Yoga Session offered every Wednesday at my local gym and to practice water aerobic twice a week and attend the swimming lesson session I sign for. My physical goals a few weeks ago were very different, but the doctor told me that I will not be running anytime so my body can recover after the surgery, but I still plan on climbing Mount Fuji while I am in Japan even if it takes me a whole week.

Spiritual Goal - My spiritual goal is to still to attend church at least once every month in order to meet with other people that share my beliefs.
Psychological Goal - My psychological goal is to make sure that I continue to maintain a positive outlook at life and to incorporate weekly meditation for at least 15 minutes or more.

 

 IV - Practices for Personal Health:

What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.

As you have read above, I have had a declination to my physical well-being and I intend to improve on it without causing further injury to myself. Yoga will be beneficial to me because yoga will help to promote a balanced development of my physical, mental and spiritual being. It will also help to reduces stress and tension in the physical body by activating parasympathetic nervous system. (Yoga, 2013)

I also intend to practice more meditation because meditation is helpful for the body and very beneficial. Scientifically proven, meditation can help with stress, depression, and anxiety. It is helpful for the emotional problems of daily life, when things go wrong, it opens the heart and makes you more aware. (Gursam, 2009)

 V - Commitment:

How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six months? What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness?

I have downloaded on my cell phone, MyFitnessPal which helps me keep a daily food intake diary and physical fitness. I am attending the swimming lesson and yoga session with a friend in order to keep tab on each other. I spoke to my family regarding attending church regularly and they are all on board for it. As far as meditation, I also have a reminder on my phone. After a few practices, it will become a habit. I will keep a calendar and diary and try to find some of the barriers that might have prevent me from progressing in some aspects and also the diary will help to maintain the progress by continuing the same practices.

References

Dacher, E. S. (2006). Integral Health-The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications, INC.

Gursam, L. (2009, February 22). Importance of Meditation. Retrieved from LamaGursam.org: http://www.lamagursam.org/importance_of_meditation.html

Yoga, T. E. (2013, September 29). Retrieved from M&D INDIA: http://www.medindia.net/yoga-lifestyle/yoga-importance.htm