Physical Wellness
Physical wellness, also known as physical health, refers to the state of wellness and optimal functioning of your body.
Physical wellness encompasses a range of factors related to your physical health, including:
- Physical Fitness: Being physically fit involves maintaining strength, endurance, and flexibility through regular physical activity and exercise. It also includes cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and overall physical performance.
- Nutrition: Proper nutrition involves consuming a balanced diet with essential nutrients that support your body's growth, maintenance, and repair. This includes a variety of foods from different food groups to provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and energy.
- Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight that is in proportion to your height and body type. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of various health conditions.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Consistently monitoring your health through regular check-ups, screenings, and assessments. This helps in early detection and prevention of potential health issues.
- Sleep: Getting adequate and quality sleep is crucial for physical wellness. Proper rest and sleep support physical and mental recovery, energy levels, and overall health.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated by consuming an appropriate amount of water is essential for bodily functions and overall health.
- Avoiding Harmful Substances: Refraining from the excessive use of substances that can harm your physical well-being, such as tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
- Disease Prevention: Engaging in practices that reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as getting vaccinations, practicing safe sex, and avoiding risky behaviors.
- Injury Prevention: Taking precautions to avoid accidents and injuries through safe practices, such as wearing seatbelts and helmets, and following safety guidelines in various activities.
- Mental and Emotional Health: Recognizing the connection between physical and mental health, as one can significantly impact the other. Maintaining good mental and emotional health contributes to overall physical wellness.
Five resources for improving physical wellness
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Exercise is Medicine: ACSM's "Exercise is Medicine" initiative offers resources and information about the benefits of physical activity and exercise for health. It includes exercise guidelines, videos, and tools to help medical learners and professionals promote physical wellness.
- NHS - Live Well - Exercise and Physical Activity: The National Health Service (NHS) in the U.K. provides practical advice and resources on exercise and physical activity, including workout videos, fitness plans, and tips for maintaining physical wellness.
- MyPlate - Physical Activity: MyPlate, a resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers guidance on nutrition and physical activity. It provides information on the importance of exercise and offers tools to help individuals set and track fitness goals.