+ Health

Physical +

Mental + 

Spiritual + 

(Answer: + health)

“Health (helTH) NOUN 1. the state of being free form illness or injury.”

Physical health= body function; heart pumps, brain things, muscles move, lungs breath. The more efficiently your body performs these tasks the more physically healthy you are.Mental health= psychological and emotional well-being; self-esteem, outlook on life, relationships and social interactions. Being aware of and respecting our feelings and the feelings of others.Spiritual health= values and believes that shape our purpose in life. What do you believe? How do you matter? How do these shape how and why you do what you do every day?

It goes without saying that these three areas of health are intertwined in our lives.

Therefore, so are they connected to one another.

How might being physically free from illness or injury help you be mentally free from illness or injury? Or how might being emotionally unhealthy affect your spiritual health?

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No easy answers; much is left to personal exploration...

Here are some examples to start you thinking:

• Mental exhaustion from over working= no desire to be physically active.
• Low physical activity= low endorphin release and poor mood.
• Daily walk breaks= increase in blood flow, maintenance or gain of lean mass.
• Gains in lean mass= increase in energy metabolism, efficiency of movement.
• Efficiency of movement= accomplishment of daily tasks.
• Enjoyment of sport= receive physical outlet and mental reset through mindful practice.
• Mindfulness practice= energy and calm mind.
• Death of a loved one= connect with family and friends, celebrate life and be thankful.
• Job promotion= boost in self-esteem, confidence to accomplish more, pride in work.

I encourage you to recognize this health connections in your life. Use what you learn to better understand and positively influence your well being.

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For further information in this area, here are some wonderful resources!

• American Psychological Association: The Exercise Effect. Online at: http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise.aspx
• Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School: Exercise to Relax. Online at: http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
• Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being, by Martin Seligman
• Mind Over Medicine, by Lissa Rankin, M.D.