Ways to maintain wellness, good health

Recently I had the opportunity to speak to a group who requested that I speak in plain language, free from theory and jargon, on ways that they could adapt to maintain wellness and health. The interaction and question and answer period they provided was enlightening and some of the highlights from that time are included here:

• What can you change and what can you not change?

Teach your children and begin the practice yourself of realizing that there are many things in life which are beyond your control.

I believe that both emotional and physical illness is often the result of a prolonged and dedicated struggle on the part of many individuals to achieve perfection and to fix everything that is not right. This may be the result of a deep seated need to win the approval of and please everyone, or to fix anything and everything that comes along in life or to assume the responsibility for all errors in situations where they are involved. Dispel the belief that you can't be happy unless everyone around you is happy. While problem solving skills are worthy goals for everyone, we have to accept the fact that we can not change everything and certainly not everybody. We may compromise or we may simply admit that we can only control ourselves.

Accepting the fact that we may have to make adjustments and learning to develop healthy and reasonable expectations early in life are very important.

• Seek balance and avoid extremes.

Too much work, too much fun, too much food, and yes, even too much money prevents the experience of diversity in life which is essential for good mental health. Balance is the answer.

Many that I have counseled with over the years have been compulsively driven, in their careers, in pursuit of material possessions, of fame and recognition, or in a philosophy or religion. They have often paid the price by either an emotional or physical breakdown. Those who somehow defer paying that price until later in life look back with regret on the things they missed as a result of imbalance. Our basic psychological needs include fun and recreation. We should stop to smell the roses. The greatest success in life is being content.

• Enjoy life one day at a time.

Dispel the belief that you can't be happy until you reach a plateau or a goal you have set. I will be happy when I finish school, when I get a job, when I get a promotion, when I meet my future spouse, when I own a house, etc. Set aside a chunk of time each day that is yours and yours alone. Savor the moment.

The change and the emphasis on wellness and health promotion is long overdue. Well-baby clinics are in the forefront. Corporations are providing seminars, recreation areas and medical help to employees to counteract absenteeism and increase productivity. As an avid believer in health and wellness, I will discuss in future columns other elements that can be used in developing your own emotional wellness program.

Copyright c 1994 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.