Several months ago, we may have all thought that by September, things would be back to normal. Now that we’ve seen how the pandemic has progressed, some companies may be preparing to go back to the office while many others are still working from home.
August has always been a transition month. Whether it’s squeezing in one last vacation, wrapping up summer projects or planning back-to-school schedules with kids, August has been a month where we have become accustomed to getting ready for the fall season.
This year may look a bit different for many. As we wait to see what the future holds, now is a good time to re-evaluate your health, and we don’t just mean your physical health. Instead, we urge everyone to revisit their holistic health.
What is holistic wellness?
The term, holistic wellness, has become increasingly popular among health experts as we continue to see evidence that a number of factors affect health outcomes.
This conversation began as early as 1948 when the World Health Organization (WHO) was the first to define health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”
In 2005, WHO formed the Commission on Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) to determine the social factors that lead to ill health and health inequities. Today, those factors are known as the determinants of health, which include genetics, behavior, environmental and physical influences, medical care and social factors.
Health experts often look at these social factors in combination with other areas of wellness. The National Wellness Institute (NWI) states there are six dimensions of wellness including emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual. But what does wellness mean? NWI defines it as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.”
MyAdvisor’s approach to holistic wellness
When we review holistic wellness with a patient, we follow NWI’s definition which involves first becoming aware, and second, making choices.
For example, when we enroll a new client, we walk through a holistic wellness questionnaire. From that questionnaire, we develop a plan that focuses on tangible results. Here’s a breakdown of our process.
- What’s the focus area?
Whenever we first come into contact with a client, there is usually a desired outcome they want to focus on – such as sleeping or eating better.
- What’s the root of the problem?
The answer to these problems isn’t always simple or clear. That’s why we carefully triage and assess the root cause of a problem by looking more closely at daily routines and habits.
- What can we control to change the outcome?
Reflecting on the social determinants of health, there may be external social factors that we can’t change. In that case, our coaches determine how to best address the problem within the client’s control.
- What is the goal and how do we reach it?
Each client is provided a customized plan that clearly identifies a goal and a timeline that not only measure progress, but provides encouragement every time a new milestone is accomplished.
- What additional support can we provide?
After we diagnose the problem, we continue to work closely with our patients to help them stay on top of their progress. After working with our care coordinators who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, 98% of our clients have reported a higher life satisfaction score.
Re-evaluate your holistic wellness
To help you begin thinking about your holistic wellness journey, we share eight steps to get started.
- Please answer below:
- How is your physical health?
- How are you feeling mentally?
- How would you rate your daily nutrition?
- How focused are you on the relationships in your life?
- Are you happy in your career/occupation?
- How confident are you with your finance?
- Do you feel secure in your current living situation?
- Out of your lowest scores, pick one area that you want to focus on over the next four weeks (or longer).
- Think about your daily routine. Is there anything within your control that you can change that would help improve one of your lower scores?
- Once you determine what you can change, set a specific goal that is realistic and attainable. (i.e. save $200 in four weeks)
- Map out weekly milestones that will help you reach your end goal. (i.e. save $50 each week)
- Keep track of your progress by writing it down. Evaluate each week – what worked, what didn’t work?
- Share your goal and weekly report with a supporter who will help keep you accountable.
- If you find success, try your plan for another month or pick another area to focus on.
Coronavirus has certainly shed light on the critical need for all types of health care. While we offer these steps as a way to get started, we stress the importance of working with a licensed medical professional. That’s why our patients have direct communication to a wide range of medical health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, registered nurses and other clinical professionals.
Want to learn more about our services? MyAdvisor contracts with companies looking to offer these kinds of services to its employees. Contact us to learn more.
