Whole Health... where to start?

Dorland’s Medical Dictionary defines health as: "An optimal state of physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
Our daily habits and choices lead to this social, emotional and physical well-being.  But changing habits can be difficult and require more time than one might expect, on average is takes 66 days for a new habit to become automatic!
Want to feel better or looking to up level your life?  Start with a self-assessment.  Draw a wagon wheel on a sheet of paper.  It’s a round circle with five spokes.  Then label each spoke for Choose Health areas of life: EAT, MOVEMENT, THINK, SLEEP and LIVING CLEAN.  Once you’ve done that, rate yourself on a scale of 1 – 10 in each area.  Put your score on the corresponding spoke, with 1 being at the center of the wheel and 10 being on the rim of the wheel.  Not sure what number to give yourself?  Ask yourself questions like these for each area…
EAT

• Do I eat 5 servings of vegetables per day?
• Do I eat a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables?
• Do I drink half my body weight in ounces of water?
• Do I eat fast food and/or drink soda more than once per week?
• Do I consume more calories than my body requires?
• Do I get enough protein in my day?
• Am I eating an excessive amount of processed foods?

MOVE

• Do I get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day?
• Can I do a reasonable number of push ups for my age/body type?
• Do I get at least 10,000 steps per day?
• Can I touch my toes?  Am I flexible?
• Do I have physical hobbies or play sports that I enjoy?
• Do I take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator?

THINK

• Do I generally wake up excited to start my day?
• Do I count my blessings/pray/meditate on a daily basis?
• Do I have a confidant who I feel safe and supported by?
• Do I feel emotionally/socially/physically equipped to have a successful day?
• Do I have goals that I am working towards?

SLEEP

• Do I wake up feeling rested and refreshed?
• Am I getting enough sleep for my age?
• Do I go to bed and wake up at a similar time each day?
• Do I fall asleep easily?
• Do I stay asleep, or is my sleep interrupted?
• Do I use electronics/have screen time within 1 hour of going to sleep?

 
LIVE CLEAN

• Do I smoke or use tobacco or vape?
• Do I drink alcohol? (Adults more than one serving per day?)
• Do I use personal care products with harmful chemicals? (Reference EWG.org)
• Is my city or well water tested for contaminants/filtered in my home?
• Do I read the labels on foods I buy for added colors, preservatives, chemicals and chose to minimize those ingredients?
• Do I have houseplants, change the furnace filters regularly and open my house windows at reasonable intervals to improve indoor air quality?

 
Once you’ve scored yourself by putting dots on your spoke, connect the dots.  Is the shape you’ve drawn round?  If not, your health wheel is “out of balance”.  You’re doing great in some areas, but other areas need more awareness and attention. Look at the areas that scored lower and see if you’re inspired to make changes in those areas.  If so, start setting some S.M.A.R.T. goals in that area! (See our S.M.A.R.T. Goals Blog for more on this).
It's ok if you’re not inspired to set goals in your weaker areas right now.  Although things like quitting smoking or eliminating fast foods may give you the quickest health gains, setting goals in areas you’re already strong in will still benefit you too.  Add a 15 minute walk to your morning or evening routine.  Eat a fruit or vegetable with every meal. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier each night. Journal for 5 minutes per day. You choose!  Set a goal, hold yourself accountable and stick with it for 2 months.  Little, consistent changes over a long period of time will lead to improved health and happiness!