Unit 9, Overview

1. Introduction:
   Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? 

As a health and wellness professional we all are mentors and coaches to those who are seeking a healthier way of living. It is our responsibility to teach individuals how to develop a holistic, mind and by the approach to medicine that looks at good health as a balance of physical and mental well-being. As a health and wellness professional I would have an individual to look at their health today and asked me where they would like for it to be. I think I should become their motivator teaches them self-management skills and I will provide education and the know-how to help them improve their well-being.

 What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?

I would need to further my psychological skills for developmental counseling. I am aware of the different problem-solving methods to use during counseling but to reach integral health I would need to practice this and use it in my personal life in order to put in motion in someone else's life. For example, achieving loving-kindness, and calm-abiding which are important steps for integral health. I must further my education – self meditating, self-centering, and listening skills that will tap into the internal mind; almost like the all seeing eye. I have been practicing more involvement in to placing these practices in my personal. I'll start with my family and friends.

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

Scoring my wellness spiritually, psychologically and physiologically can be done by taking evaluation that encompasses questions on how I feel that will evaluate stressor with-in my life. I have done this in previous classes and my score were quite high as far as financial stress.  Physically there is a stress from too much working out due to my occupation as a group fitness professional but its balance psychologically mindful exercises and practices such as yoga, tai chi, things that focuses on the breathing that stimulates the body internally and helps relaxes the mind. By teaching yoga there are exercises and stretching that stimulate certain organs within the body and this in turn send signals or electronic pulses to the brain that relaxes the body. According to the fitness professional handbook, fifth edition written by Howley and Frank's mindful exercise programs include qigong, tai chi, and yoga all of which work more flexibility and breathing techniques which introduces the benefits of mindful exercises and possibly rehabilitation. So to assess my own ability to reach integral health I do practice a form of mindful exercises by teaching yoga and participate in tai chi classes hoping to reach an internal balance of self a wellness and I can pass this onto my clients.

 

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

Physical – maintain recommended body mass index through regular exercising. This goal has been achieved.

Psychological – become more mindful of yoga practices and its purpose doing classes. Learn how to focus and center my energy with-in to wake up the inner healing powers of my body through self-stimulation (more meditation and acquired environment and by the use of soothing music).

Spiritually – I'm not very strong in this area. I believe in all God's, meaning I have respect of each person's religion. Although spiritually being connected with self may not necessarily mean believing in one's religion but understanding the eternal balance of knowledge that focuses on the responsibility that teaches one to be accountable for themselves, through motivation, self-inspiration, and encouragement.

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 previously mentioned Yoga, Pilates, in Tai chi are exercises used to reach a physical, psychological, and spiritual connection with self. These exercises can be implemented within a regular exercise regime or the practice of incorporating at least 30 to 45 minutes of your day either when you wake up, maybe doing lunch, or before you go to bed. A mindful practice includes meditation – setting quietly using breathing techniques, to soothe the mind and body or soothing music or recorded voice of instructions could help with this practice.

4. 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?

Progress can be assessed through individual's quality of life. A person resting heart rate could be an indicator of improvements, how one balances day-to-day interactions with others negative or positive situations, and individuals physical adaptation to the exercises such as Yoga, or Pilates. These mindful practices would not only stimulate their minds, but would increase their flexibility and muscle tone. Therefore comparing one physical improvement as well as their mental improvements will be possible on one assessment in comparing their ability after starting a new program to improve health and wellness. .

All in all if done properly there should be some psychological changes; they should be easily detected whether good or bad. Dealing and approaching situations that may be uncomfortable may change in how one may become more adaptable to different situations to help deal with them. Regular consultations should be scheduled monthly to evaluate a person's involvement or adaptation to these mindful practices.