Back to Basics: The Full Circle Wellness Model
If you’re here, I know it’s because you’re on a journey toward better health and wellness - Congratulations! Whether you're just starting or looking to deepen your understanding, this post covers the basic principles that can help you live a healthier, more balanced life… a life of Full Circle Wellness!
While HEALTH generally refers to the physical state of your body—free from disease, pain, or injury - WELLNESS, on the other hand, is a much broader concept. The idea of FULL CIRCLE Wellness encompasses not just physical health, but also mental health, spiritual health, and much more. Wellness is an active process, and a lifelong journey, of making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. FCW is ultimately about the habits we create, the attitudes and beliefs that we hold, and the self-care that we practice on a consistent basis.
The Full Circle Wellness model, or framework, is something that I birthed out of my own healing journey. It became clear to me that each of the 3 Core Areas of Wellness, when in good balance, all support one another: the Mind, the Body and the Spirit.
Full Circle Wellness is a variation on the “Pie of Life” that includes Eight Key Factors that each fit into one of the 3 Core Areas of Wellness: Personal Development, Mental Health, Physical Fitness, Nutrition, Joy/Leisure, Faith/Spirituality, Purpose/Work, and Finances.
Let’s take a quick look at what I’m talking about:
Investing in your own personal development by continuously learning new skills, taking in new information, and trying new things… regularly reading books, listening to good podcasts, having life experiences;
Doing something to support your mental health daily like maintaining a journaling practice, meditation practice, gratitude habit, therapy or something else;
Moving your body daily so as to reap the physical, spiritual and mental health benefits of exercise, like taking a walk, hitting the gym, doing yoga, or some other fitness regime;
Fueling your body with nutrient dense, whole food, that loves your body back, consuming your body weight or more in ounces of water daily, hitting your protein goals, and taking your supplements;
Creating time for joy and leisure, fun and play on a regular basis, either daily, weekly, monthly (or all three!), and simply allowing yourself to enjoy the small pleasures of life, and expressing gratitude for those moments;
Maintaining a spiritual practice that jives with you and your own understanding of a Higher Power/GOD/Universe/Source;
Giving back to your small corner or the world (or the world at large, who am I to limit your ambition?), utilizing your unique gifts and talents in a way that supports your purpose, your highest good, and the highest good of all;
And, simply put, managing your finances, whether you have a lot of money or a little, it’s important that you’re making smart financial decisions like saving, investing, and tracking, so that overtime, you’re developing a sense of security for yourself.
I know. It sounds like a LOT, but really, it isn’t. It’s all about the simple, baby steps and the small right actions you take, consistently, over time, that add up and add up, and eventually become your habits, attitudes and lifestyle choices.
Achieving optimal health and wellness doesn't happen overnight. And quite frankly, it isn’t a destination! It’s a process. A journey. It’s for life. And, it requires consistent effort and a balanced approach. If you’re just getting started, I got you!
Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, small, small! Set achievable goals and gradually build on them. If you need help with goal setting, and breaking down your goals, I’ve got a really helpful, FREE, workbook for you! Check it out right here.
Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine (morning & night) that includes time for exercise, meal planning, and relaxation, and whatever else you need to protect your peace. If you want to dive deeper on routines, check out this post here.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself educated about health and wellness topics through reputable sources. Stay abreast of any new information that could impact your health, and make sure not to fall victim to fad diets, or fake news.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for support from friends, family, or health professionals! I’m all about a good therapist, and I created this community to be an additional source of support for you! Never hesitate to reach out.
What it really boils down to though, is that health and wellness is a dynamic, lifelong journey.
By focusing on the creating balance of the Mind, Body and Spirit, you can create a fulfilling life. Let the 8 Key Factors be a check in for you, to help you assess how you’re helping yourself in each area.
Remember, the journey is personal and unique to each individual, so listen to your gut instincts, and make choices that best support your overall well-being.
Here’s to a healthier, happier you!
Be Well,
L
