Many wellness programs focus on improving overall health by examining several components of your life at once. Your physical and mental health, family relationships, friendships, occupation and interests are all areas that can be a part of your wellness plan. Whether you are looking to create a wellness plan for personal of professional reasons, using a holistic approach will help you to create a lifestyle that can be easily maintained.
Step 1
Perform a wellness assessment. Evaluate the varying components that ultimately affect health: eating habits, activity levels, medical concerns, mental health needs, and status of family relationships or friendships. Determine which areas are functioning in a healthy manner and which areas need improvement. Look at which areas are balanced and which ones seem to be dominating a major portion of your life.
Step 2
Develop an eating plan. An eating plan doesn't equate to dieting. Use the eating habit assessment to address any deficiencies in eating patterns that should be changed. To make healthy eating more interesting, try eating more colorful veggies and leaner proteins, limiting eating out to special occasions, incorporating whole grains, drinking plenty of water every day, avoiding impulsive food purchases and finding new recipes.
Step 3
Develop an exercise or activity plan. Research options for a gym membership or try out some low-cost activities, such as doing yoga or running at a local park or forest preserve. Commit to doing the activity on a regular basis (for example, twice during the week and at least once during the weekend). The length of your activity doesn’t have to be long: 15 to 20 minutes per day is enough to make a difference.
Step 4
Incorporate moral support into the wellness plan. Utilizing support can happen anytime, not just when there is a challenge but also in addressing stress or anxiety. Consider finding a therapist or counselor as an impartial resource. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free benefit offered by some employers. EAPs typically include referrals to counselors.
Step 5
Spend time with family and friends. Relationships must be nurtured. Find a time to get together with friends or family that you haven’t seen in a while to catch up on what has been going on with them. Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. If you don’t have any extra time, ask friends to meet you somewhere that you’re already going, such as the grocery store, the gym or during your lunch hour.
Step 6
Schedule some "fun time" just for you. Find an enjoyable activity to take a break from work, school or everyday activities. Fun is a part of a good wellness program, too. Schedule a massage to unwind if your lifestyle is hectic. Take vacations whenever possible, or take off some extra time around the holidays to spend more time with your family.
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