What It Means to Achieve Total Wellness (are you ready for it?)

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I've said it before and I'll say it again -- achieving total wellness means you've found peace for the body, peace for the mind and, ultimately, peace for the spirit.

Want something more concrete?

My favorite definition of wellness comes from Charles B. Corbin of Arizona State University. Corbin once said, "Wellness is a multi-dimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being."

So achieving wellness is really achieving health, but I also maintain that achieving wellness is the turning point from which fitness evolves from a chore to a recognized part of life that we welcome and enjoy!

From that point on, your body begins to become healthy and you gain energy and perspective. You also reduce stress and anxiety, and feel more confident and calm.

And now you begin to see the mind connection.

Less stress and anxiety equals more happiness, so now you see the spirit connection.

Think of it as an unbroken circle. When one part is not aligned the others fall out of whack.

Truth be told, fitness of the body is not the be all and end all. I know that hearing this from a fitness professional sounds somewhat odd. But what I mean is that the act of becoming fit is merely the portal.

Once we begin to recognize that this really works and you start to feel better you want it even more. In fact, you begin to crave it.

What I have found is that it's because of those intense feelings that we are more open to exploring other areas of wellness like meditation and yoga or experiencing different fitness avenues like a new class or maybe even a fitness vacation.

There is a lifestyle shift, for sure.

Be warned though: Wellness is not a destination. There is no end point. Once you begin seeking out ways to be well -- whether it starts with healthy eating choices, exploring fitness options, or employing a professional fitness or wellness coach -- it will only be the first step to what hopefully will become a lifestyle of healthy exploration and happy longevity!

Until next time, be well... totally!

Alicia

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness.

Overall Health & Nutrition

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