WELLNESS ON EVERY SIDE

“You shall increase my greatness and COMFORT ME ON EVERY SIDE” – Psalm 71:21

Yhe Will of God for His children is WELLNESS on EVERY SIDE: “You shall increase my greatness and COMFORT ME ON EVERY SIDE” (Psa.71:21). 3 John 2 echoes the same truth: “Beloved, I pray that you may PROSPER in ALL THINGS and be in HEALTH, just as your soul prospers.” Wellness is the product of practising healthy habits daily, to attain better health outcomes in all aspects of life, so that we don’t simply survive, but thrive. We understand the significance of Wellness in relationship with Health, which has been defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

In alignment with the definition of Health, Wellness is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is not a passive or static state, but a dynamic and conscious development of the whole being. Wellness has been viewed from various perspectives, including a seven-fold dimensioning comprising: spiritual, mental, physical, social, financial, vocational, and environmental. These dimensions are symbiotic and influence each other. When one dimension of our well-being is out of balance, the others are affected. To strive for wellness is to take a proactive posture by making choices and taking action to build wellness in each dimension.

Spiritual wellness involves our set of beliefs, principles, and values that help give direction to our lives. It is seeking meaning and purpose in our everyday lives, which ultimately encourages wellness. This relates to the concepts of: spirituality, biblical meditation, wisdom, spiritual guidance, beliefs, values, morals, compassion, gratitude, and being at peace with God, self, others, and nature.

Mental or Emotional wellness includes all aspects of mental or psychological health, emotional state and well-being, and how they interact. It influences how we think, feel, and behave in daily life: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” (Pro.23:7a). Mental wellness affects coping with life’s trials and relates to: anxiety, thinking patterns, emotional intelligence, and stress management.

Physical wellness involves a variety of healthy habits that relate to exercise, routines, proper nutrition, healthy sleeping, sexual health, and substance use. It involves learning about disease and harm prevention, and developing habits that will enable one to live a longer, happier life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Social wellness describes how we interact with our community and those around us, beginning from the home: “And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Gen.2:18). Social wellness includes: rewarding relationships, healthy transitions, isolation, and interactions, communication skills, adjustment to change, and building support systems of family, friends, peers, and professionals.

Financial wellness is about how submitting our finances to the Source of all wealth, contributes to overall wellness: “And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant…” (Dt.8:18a). It is the healthy relationship between personal and family goals and financial obligations. When someone is struggling financially, all aspects of their wellness are affected: “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (Pro.10:22).

Vocational wellness involves preparing and using our skills and talents in order to gain purpose and fulfilment in life: “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands” (Psa.90:17). Vocational wellness is about expanding knowledge and engaging in self-discovery and self-development; seeking opportunities that are personally meaningful and rewarding, based on one’s values, interests, and beliefs. Related issues include: goal setting, time management, study habits, skills acquisition, and interests.

Environmental wellness is about how our environment positively affects our wellness: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” (Psa.23:2). It includes incorporating nature in life, to feel a sense of peace and wellness. It relates to the impact and therapeutic effects of our surroundings on our wellness.