National Wellness Week is Here!
How do you define wellness? Probably something along the lines of eating well and exercising. But wellness also applies to your social, environmental, spiritual, financial and intellectual wellbeing.
Wellness has the ability to increase both the quality and length of life. This is especially true for individuals living with mental health and/or substance use disorders (SUD) because they have a statistically shorter life span than the general population.
In order to prioritize preventative health care, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) aims to incorporate whole health outcomes for people living with mental health conditions and SUDs.
One of the ways we try to achieve this goal is through our National Wellness Week. As part of SAMHSA’s National Recovery Month, National Wellness Week is celebrated annually during the third week of September. This year it will take place September 11-17.
National Wellness Week was launched to inspire individuals and communities to incorporate the eight dimensions of wellness into their lives. SAMHSA supports embracing these dimensions—emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual—to achieve longevity and improved quality of life.
Here are some ways you can incorporate wellness in your life each day:
- Express your feelings, know your strengths, and ask for help when you need it.
- Be creative and open to new ideas, insights, and wisdom.
- Make good nutrition choices, be active, and prioritize preventive health care.
- Look for satisfaction in things you are passionate about in work or volunteerism.
- Embrace healthy relationships with friends, family, and community members.
Visit the SAMHSA Wellness Initiative website for more tips on how to incorporate wellness into your life and the lives of your loved ones.