Unit 9 Final Project

I Introduction: Why is it important for health and wellness professionals to develop psychologically, spiritually and physically? What areas do you need to develop to achieve the goals you have for yourself?

It is so important for a health and wellness professional to understand and develop in all aspects of integral health. If we have not developed in each area, it is going to be a challenge to help others. The professional can still be a work in progress in certain areas, but understanding the process is crucial when working with client. We cannot ask a client to participate in areas we our self have not yet gone.

I am still working on my spirituality. This area of my life has been lacking for some time. I have touched on it briefly but then I stop working on it when something else comes up. I plan to commit to this aspect of my life one I graduate in August. I have been trying to incorporate meditation and yoga to help, but this has only been happening once a week if that. I am dedicating a room for meditation in my home, and I look forward to growing in this area of my life.


II Assessment:How have you assessed your health in each domain? How do you score your wellness spiritually, physically, and psychologically?

My physical well-being continues to be the same since I rated myself in the first weeks of class. I continue to rate myself at about a seven. I would like to exercise more. This just becomes difficult when taking three classes and working full time. I have no doubt that I will pick up my activity once I graduate in August.

When I started the class I rated my spiritual well being as a five, I now rate myself as a six. I feel like I have improved but still need improvement on this. I have been trying to take more time to work on this aspect and have a plan once I graduate in August. I am trying to get involved in yoga again to re-connect with my spirituality.

My psychological well-being is all over the place. I need more clarity with my mind. Taking on too many things at once fogs my mind. I have been working on this but I am feeling overwhelmed with so much going on. I would say I am at a five in this area. I am also confident that once I graduate I will have more clarity, focus on myself, and not commit to too many things at once.


III Goal development:List at least one goal you have for yourself in each area, Physical, Psychological (mental health) and Spiritual.

Physical well-being goal: To exercise 3 days a week while in school and increase to five times per week when I graduate in August.

Spirituality goal: To make time for spiritual reflection at least one time per week while in school and increase to daily once I graduate in August. As it is currently, I struggle, but I am confident I will succeed.

Psychological goal: Not to commit to more then two items at one time, this continues to be a struggle. I need to focus more on my clarity and not have so much chatter. This goal will be a hard one and will be on going.


IV Practices for personal health:What strategies can you implement to foster growth in each of the following domains; Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Provide at least two examples of exercises or practices in each domain. Explain how you will implement each example.

Physical
This is an area that is easier then the other two. I plan on going back to boot camp classes in August twice a week and then walk with my husband twice a week. This will help me have a tone body and increase my self-confidence.

Psychological
This is the hardest area. I have to cut down on my mental chatter and learn to say no. I have been doing pretty well with this recently. I have said no to two family parties as I already had prior engagements and realized I cannot do it all. What I have to learn also is not to feel guilty when I decline. The not feeling guilty is harder then saying no.

Spiritual
This is starting to come easier. I will start participating in yoga at least one time per week at home and increase to three times per week in August. I also will start meditation once a week at home and incorporate it daily by using a CD to help guide me.


V Commitment:How will you assess your progress or lack of progress in the next six months? What strategies can you use to assist in maintaining your long-term practices for health and wellness?

To be successful over the next six months I plan on reevaluating my needs in August and then change what will work for me at that time. I may also consider journaling so I am accountable for my success. This process will need constant evaluation, as I am constantly moving forward. I may have some setbacks, but that is when I will find out what will work and not work for me. In addition, just leading by example is a motivator for me to be successful. My success and confidence will increase once I graduate with my health and wellness degree in the hope to find a more fulfilling job. I would love to be a health coach and I am getting closer to this goal. I will also start pursuing my Master of Science Degree in Health Promotion Management in August and graduate in December 2011.