Unit 9 Project

Creating Wellness: Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of Healing
HW420
Unit 9 Project
Bridget Hamler, RN
Cindy Fouhy, Instructor
September 7, 2010






Introduction
Health professionals work in high stress situations, live in high stress times and carry burdens around on a daily basis that only increase in weight as the days go by. Being exposed to such high stress all the time can leave us drained and vulnerable. On top of all that, health professionals are expected to care for complete strangers on a daily basis. How can we effectively care for others when we ourselves are a mess? In my case, I am a prime example of a health care professional with too much stress. Currently, I have so much on my plate, and my psychological, spiritual and physical well being is so skewed, I am going to need a major overhaul to achieve any kind of wellness. Hopefully, the following plan will provide a logical, realistic and workable plan to get me back on track to the path of wellness so I can better serve my clients.
Assessment
Each area of wellness can be assessed at different levels on different days. We humans are usually not consistent. Lately, my score would be less than or equal to a level five in each area of wellness. Physically, I would give myself a level five this week. I have fallen behind in my routine and have traded my gym time for nap time. Spiritually, I would also give myself a five. I have slipped a little this week. Psychologically, after the past week, I am precariously perched at a level of two and a half.



Goal Development
When we formulate goals for ourselves, first they need to be attainable and reasonable. When trying to maximize our wellness, we do not want to set ourselves up for failure from the beginning. I will start with my physical wellness. I have already made myself a calendar of various physical activities to do on certain days. Nothing crazy, but walking, swimming and treadmill work, stuff I already do, and not a strict crazy schedule, it needs to be flexible to fit into my schedule. I also do little things, pick a parking spot far from a store so I can walk more, walk the dogs more, and even take the stairs every chance I get. I have already gotten back on track with proper eating, so I just have to keep the ball rolling.
Psychologically, I need some work. I am not in the best of situations to begin with, but, have to get my ducks in a row before I can make any permanent changes. However, I still have to deal with life on a daily basis. I have learned to meditate, even if for only five minutes. In the shower, in the tanning bed, even waiting in the drive-thru! I also try to get proper rest, it is hard to shut down some times, but rest is so important.
Spiritually, I am not too bad, but can use a little pick me up. I am one that does not equate spirituality with religion. For me, it has to do more with my soul, and the well being for of my soul. Doing more for ‘me’ can feed my soul. So I definitely need more me time. One thing I would like to do is catch up on my pleasure reading. I can intersperse it between my BSN courses, and I won’t get the two confused!


Practices for Personal Health
Setting new goals means there are activities I need to do to reach these goals. Some I have already mentioned. Change up my fitness routine; make it more fun and not a chore. I need to set regular bed times and have a regular bed time routine to maximize my rest. Meditation before bed may help to declutter my head. Feed my soul, with simple little things, like bird watching. Enjoying the Blue Herons in the river, the nesting Ospreys or the beautiful Canada Geese. They are my favorite. At first, they will hiss at me, and then eat out of my hand! Silly goose! Since I am not working a lot at my per diem job, I will go visit or volunteer so I can see my ‘gals’ more often. Plus, when it comes to my diet, a little dietary indiscretion is fine now and again. I do have to cut back down on my caffeine, my crutch, I was completely caffeine free, but I am still honing the good habit to replace the not-so-good habit. I already do a few little things; watch the sunset when I can or chase my giggling grandson, but there is more I can do. Horseback riding, here I come!
Commitment
I am very list oriented; making a list will keep me back on track. In a few months I will have the weight back off. Interrupting and avoiding negative thoughts will get easier with time. Working towards progress and not perfection is also key. I am only human; I will make mistakes, but not becoming discouraged and expecting the ‘bumps’ will help on the down days. Also, learning from Dr. Dacher, and putting love and kindness in all that I do will also help on my road to wellness.

References
Elliott S.Dacher, M. (2006). Integral Health: The Path to Human Flourishing. Laguna Beach: Basic Health Publications.