“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” — World Health Organization

Wellness oftentimes takes a fractional approach and this is problematic. The narrative regarding wellness must be viewed in holistic terms in order to achieve true wellness. It is only when a wholesome strategy is taken that we can achieve comprehensive access to well-being.

On January 3 the global community observed International Mind-Body Wellness Day.

The day is set aside to recognise the profound connection between mental and physical well-being. The celebration of this day provides an opportunity to raise awareness and promote a holistic approach to well-being, emphasising the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body.

Oftentimes there is a disconnect between the mind and body. However, the mind and body share a profound and reciprocal influence. Recent research highlights the essential connection, emphasising that a positive mind contributes to a healthy body, and vice versa. Mind-body wellness practices focus on integrating mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is critical to acknowledge the role our emotions, experiences, beliefs, and actions play in achieving a balanced and healthy mind-body relationship.

By prioritising mind-body wellness, individuals can work towards achieving a state of balance and well-being that positively impacts every aspect of their lives.

International Mind-Body Wellness Day is not only about personal practices but also about education. The day serves as an opportunity for schools, colleges, and educational institutions to promote awareness about the significance of holistic well-being among students and educators. This helps create an overall better learning atmosphere.

Teachers play a fundamental role in guiding students towards a more balanced lifestyle, assisting students to become more self-aware. This teacher-centred approach can empower students with the necessary tools for stress management and resilience to navigate the everyday tasks of academic and personal life. Additionally, International Mind-Body Wellness Day is a fantastic way to cultivate a positive and supportive school environment, fostering community and shared well-being. By celebrating this day, students and teachers can contribute to a culture that values mental and physical health, creating a foundation for a more balanced life.

Self-care is critical for everyone to be their best selves. We all need to pay attention to our bodies and when necessary visit our health-care providers. Self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

Teaching as a profession is highly stressed and many educators suffer from ill-health, such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), due to the demands of the profession.

NCDs, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease, are collectively responsible for 74 per cent of all deaths worldwide. The WHO adds that more than three-quarters of all NCD deaths and 86 per cent of the 17 million people who died prematurely, or before reaching 70 years of age, occur in low-and middle-income countries.

Coping Strategies

Rest may also be critical to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to getting plenty of restful sleep each night, taking breaks throughout the day can help you stay sharp and reduce stress. You might also consider taking a mental health day from work to recharge fully.

A wealth of research has identified diet as a critical factor in overall well-being, influencing physical fitness, mood, and cognitive function. Excessive sugar and certain types of fatty acids cause an inflammatory response, which can negatively impact brain health. Physical activity has many immediate and long-term benefits. Being physically active lowers your risk for developing several common cancers.

Exercise can also help prevent excess weight gain or help you keep off lost weight. When you take part in physical activity you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. Additionally, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol, and it decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which lowers your risk of heart and blood vessel, called cardiovascular, diseases.

Exercise and physical activity can be fun. They give you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, or simply do activities that make you happy. Physical activity also can help you connect with family and friends in a fun social setting.

Many of us often ignore or pay little attention to our spiritual well-being. The start of a new year provides a great opportunity to reset our spiritual compass.

Spiritual well-being is defined as an expanding sense of purpose and meaning in life, including one’s own morals and ethics. Spiritual beliefs can include the existence of a relationship with a higher power and are related to perspectives on life, death, and the nature of reality. Practices can include rituals such as prayer and meditation and religious service attendance.

Having a spiritual element in our lives may even help us heal when suffering from a physical or mental condition.

Prioritise Wellness

Unfortunately, in many quarters ill-health has been normalised. In today’s fast-paced world, characterised by stress, pressure, and constant connectivity, achieving harmony between the mind and body must be prioritised.

International Mind-Body Wellness Day serves as a powerful reminder that true health encompasses more than just physical fitness; it highlights the importance of mindfulness, balance, and self-care in fostering overall well-being and achieving a harmonious state of being.

International Mind-Body Wellness encourages everyone to seriously and decisively prioritise self-care, whether through physical exercise or taking time off to relax and rejuvenate.

In fact, every day should be mind and body wellness day.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or waykam@yahoo.com.