Unit 9 Post

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?

There are many that believe that you can’t truly understand or teach something until you have experienced it yourself. Now I believe this depends on the situation at hand but in regards to health and wellness professionals I truly believe now that practicing what you preach is important. In regards to psychological development we must keep ourselves mentally stable and healthy in order to help clients. We also need to develop this area in order to not become bias to new ideology and advances in our profession. “That means the holder of the tool kit, the practitioner himself or herself must enter the transformative process, we must change ourselves if we are to change the medicine we are practicing (Dacher, 2006).” 

Spiritually it’s important to be educated and open minded to different spiritual practices so that we can customize growth plans for our customers. Having a sense of belief with something beyond themselves gives a sense of hope and compassion. Physical health is important as healthy living as it aids in stress management, disease, and helps us stay centered. This also sets an example for clients and gives motivation and encouragement. Physical and spiritual developments are areas I need to grow the most in. Being overweight puts a strain on my body and mind. I feel like I can’t focus and it affects my self-esteem. Not being physically fit affects my sleep and energy levels. Recently I have adopted clean eating habits and working out. I plan to continue until I reach my goal and from there to maintain a healthy way of living. Spiritually I need to read more and find more spiritual counsel to guide me down my path of grown.

II. Assessment:

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

            Psychologically I would rate myself a 6 just because as someone diagnosed with depression this is a constant struggle. I no longer take medications so my mental health is solely up to me. Many times I fall inside of myself and this isn’t good for depressives.  Physically I would say I am a 4 because I am overweight and have high blood pressure. I have recently made life changes where I am losing weight every week and eating health. Spiritually I would also say I am at a 6 and this is simply do to fear and skepticism. My goal is to reach a 10 though I believe we are all constantly growing so by no means does this mean I won’t need to grow. It simply means the needs will change again with a new set of goals to reach within myself.

III. Goal development:

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

Physically- To lose at least 2 pounds a week until I reach goal weight of 150 pounds.

Psychological- To journal thoughts and feelings every day no matter what

Spiritually- To make meditation/prayer apart of daily life.

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. 

            Spiritually- Seek several aspects of spiritual counsel and knowledge. By doing this I will  

Have a guide to my spiritual path who can give support. I will also make it a point to have silent prayer every day and read on different spiritualties. This will not help with my mental state of mind but will also help me to connecting to a greater power.

Physically- Adopting a high protein, low fat, and low carb heating plan. Eating clean and organic foods from a nutritionist and recording a food diary every day. The second example would be using exercise programs designed by professionals who will monitor my results and make changes when needed. Working out an hour a day 6 days a week.

Psychological-Going to therapy at least once a week and group therapy once a month.

Finding outlets and hobbies are important so for me that is playing my guitar. Playing my guitar every day for an hour. 

I. 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 plan to create a system of personal development for myself based on my diaries I will be keeping. I have already created a happiness chart and on that chart it assesses my physical, spiritual, and psychological growth. What I have done is assessed where I am now on all of these levels. Change is hard and the reading stated "As I write this final chapter, I am painfully aware of the gap between this lofty vision and the reality of our life and our world.  Biological imperatives still have the power to pull us back to preoccupation with survival and physical needs.  Psychological conditioning can easily force us to live more instinctually than intentionally.  It is difficult to clear a new path.  Yet, here and there, we must remember to take a deep breath and to focus inward in order to remember who we really are, why I am compelled to write this book, and you to read it (Dacher, 2006).” Over the next 6 months I will continue my plan of personal growth through therapy, a new healthy lifestyle, and spiritual counsel. I plan to review these with my support systems in each area such as my psychologist, personal trainer, and spiritual adviser. I also plan to study integral health and development on a deeper level to truly understand and implement its practices into my life. Implementing loving-kindness, subtle mind, and visualization practices every day. I believe by doing this I can achieve a life of happiness and wholeness.

Thanks,

Ebony