Unit 9 -My Integral Health Plan

1. Introduction:

As I have stated before, this class has been beneficial to me at so many levels that it blows my mind. I have never thought that personally I would gain so much from a school course.

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?

Health and wellness professionals are in charge of taking care of patients leading them to healing. During the process, they need to be focused with a clear mind, emotionally and psychologically detached and yet able to connect with the patient at a level of building trust and confidence. As an individual and a professional, I understand that I have to be strong and knowledgeable to be able to address the client’s issues. I practice many of my nutrition skills as a Personal Chef and my clients provide me with feedback. One of the strongest suits that I appear to have is my level of energy, positivity and willingness to address the client’s issues. Using my knowledge, I serve them to the best of my ability but what they applaud me for is my jovial attitude (how not, when I do what I love and get paid for?) and my positivity towards any challenge that might come. I know that there are things that I hide pretty well (after all, they sign my check) and I know that I need to work on my patience and my stress management. My job is pretty high-stress and demanding as I work with many special needs clients and sometimes, their needs bring me to the point where it is almost impossible to put together a menu. I have times where I feel like breaking a plate (not in front of the client, lol) or punch a punching bag to release my stress. Deep breaths, a brisk walk or few moments of mind de-cluttering will help.

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

My physical wellness is at a 7 on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best. I say it is at a 7 because I have certain issues I need to work on and it has been 2 months since I am seriously getting “back in the wagon” of loosing weight, exercising more, detoxing and fasting. My eating habits has been healthy (plant based diet) for a long time yet combined with stress and other factors, I can say that my physical wellness has been affected.

My spiritual wellness is at a 9, on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best. I only say it is a 9 because I always want to strive for the better. I conduct a spiritual life following my Jewish tradition and my relationship with God is a healthy one.

My psychological wellness is a 7, on a scale form 1 to 10, 10 being the best. Personally,  have been through some trials and tribulations which affected me professionally as well. I have recently moved from one state to another and starting a new business can get very tricky. This, combined with other personal issues took a serious toll on my emotional and psychological wellbeing. I am getting better as I consider myself a warrior that never gives up.

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

Setting goals, for me, is a very serious business. For my physical goal, I aim to loose 40 lbs in the next 6 months. I aim to exercise at least 4 times a week (which would be better than almost 0 now). For my spiritual goal, I aim to finish a study on prophecy that I started a month ago and it takes 6 months to complete it. I also, aim to focus on prayer and fasting more. I pray daily, three times a day and fast once a week. I will not increase the amount of prayer but the quality of it. My goal is to pray with intention and increase fasting to 2 days per week. Fasting helps me see with clarity and it will also impact my physical goal.  For my psychological goal, I intend to work on my stress management issues and improve my relaxation techniques in combination with clear minded meditation.

4. 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.

For my physical growth, I will implement my already “proven to work” strategy of fasting and hiking. By fasting 2 times per week, I seek clarity of mind and focus my body energy for the spiritual and psychological issues rather than digesting food. I have done it before and it works like magic. Hiking is an activity that I enjoy very much and being out in nature, will help me combines physical, spiritual and mental wellness during one activity. During hiking, I can pray with intention, meditate and reflect on a certain thought and burn some calories. It took me a while to learn how to ask for help, but now, I am getting better and I will not hesitate to ask a friend or even a professional to ask me with my struggle, whatever that may be. For now, I work by myself and have one friend who is helping me work out my emotional issues. I also work with my rabbi for spiritual and emotional issues and I will not hesitate to ask for professional help, if needed.

5. 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 stay focused on my goals, I have already created a chart on my corkboard, which will help me keep track of my progress and make notes each day. The corkboard is placed in a very visible space and it will be in my eyesight all the time.  In combination with visual aid, I also have a couple of iPhone apps that will help keep track of my progress of lack of it. I also keep a journal where I normally, “pour out my soul”, so to speak. Writing helps me put things in perspective and also ability to go back revisit my past feelings and compare with present ones. This way, I can plan for future. I am a very committed person in anything I set my mind to do and though I flounder sometimes, I never stray away too far from the path. I am normally able to get back on track on my own but I have learned to ask for help, which once was very hard for me to do.