Wellness

National Wellness Week
September 19 - 25, 2011

Wellness brochure and more tools from SAMHSA

Find national and local wellness events

People with serious mental illnesses die decades
earlier than the general population.
(National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors)

Wellness means overall well-being. It incorporates the mental, emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a person's life. Each aspect of wellness can affect overall quality of life, so it is important to consider all aspects of health. This is especially important for people with mental and substance use disorders because wellness directly relates to the quality and longevity of your life.

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness¹

        Social                         Physical
        Emotional                 Spiritual
        Occupational         Intellectual
        Environmental         Financial

                                                                    More on the dimensions

Make Mental Health and Wellness a Priority

Each day, we face all sorts of demands and drama which can lead to insomnia, lack of concentration, problems in our relationships, and other mental health issues. But there are simple daily actions we can take to help. Mental Health America, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people live mentally healthier lives, has recently developed a resource called 10 Tools to Live Your Life Well.

These "10 Tools," developed based on scientific evidence, provide proven, healthy ways to cope with stress and boost overall well-being.

1) Connect with Others. People who feel connected are happier and healthier--and may even live longer.

2) Stay Positive. People who regularly focus on the positive in their lives are less upset by painful memories.

3) Get Physically Active. Exercise can help relieve insomnia and reduce depression.

4) Help Others. People who consistently help others experience less depression, greater calm, and fewer pains.

5) Get Enough Sleep. Not getting enough rest increases risks of weight gain, accidents, reduced memory, and heart problems.

6) Create Joy and Satisfaction. Positive emotions can boost your ability to bounce back from stress.

7) Eat Well. Eating healthy food and regular meals can increase your energy, lower the risk of developing certain diseases, and influence your mood.

8) Take Care of Your Spirit. People who have strong spiritual lives may be healthier and live longer. Spirituality seems to cut the stress that can contribute to disease.

9) Deal Better with Hard Times. People who can tackle problems or get support in a tough situation tend to feel less depressed.

10) Get Professional Help if You Need It. More than 80 percent of people who are treated for depression improve.

So now you know the tools. . . Today is the perfect time to start incorporating this list into your day-to-day routine. For more information, go to www.liveyourlifewell.org.

¹Swarbrick, M. (2006). A wellness approach. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29,(4) 311- 314.