GUEST BLOG No. THREE

Thank you, Dr. G., for inviting me back as a guest blogger. One of my passions is understanding the psychology of wellness and the many factors involved in successful wellness pursuits. For example, many diets fail because something in someone's personal life distracted or undermined the focus and resolve needed to follow a diet program. This scenario could also apply to individuals with addiction issues and multiple recovery attempts. Change is difficult, and addressing just one aspect of wellness may lead to failure if individuals do not surround themselves with the support needed to address the entire spectrum of wellness.

During the pharmacological treatment of mental health issues, doctors may suggest integrated health, a mix of traditional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine, also known as CAMs. Doctors desire to keep the dosage of psychoactive drugs as low as possible to meet regulations and reduce side effects and possible addiction. CAMs may include a variety of self-healing activities such as yoga and meditation, or treatment by professionals in the industry for such practices as acupuncture or acupressure. The types and methods and combinations of CAMs are too numerous to count, and some have valid research supporting the practice, and others do not.

However, integrated and subjective the term wellness can be, there are eight dimensions to consider. These dimensions are physical, nutritional, social, emotional, occupational, environmental, intellectual, and spiritual. The key to success in one aspect of wellness rests on the stability of the other components of wellness. For example, during an assessment of one organization, it was noted that the workplace environment was not healthy for certain individuals, causing mental stress and fatigue. By implementing wellness programs specific to the department and holding individuals accountable for acts of bullying, and offering education and development on diversity and inclusion, the perception of wellness and employee satisfaction increased. As an example, one individual reported that with the reduction of workplace stress, she could focus on her diet, exercise program, and hobbies and felt a greater sense of peace.

Debra Stewart Psy.D Doctor of Organizational Psychology /Specialization: Health and Wellness PsyD,  MBA, MATLT, BS, ACC Pre-Approved MEPAP Instructor Montessori Home Engagement Licensed Instructor Picture Yourself Stronger LLC Author:

Finding the Good in the Workplace Bully

Recent Research:

Caregiver Attitudes and Beliefs about Pain Medication Administration Learning Styles Inventory for Persons with Dementia