Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/329694
Wellness is difficult to define, but can be simply described as the state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy while making daily choices that lead to more self-fulfillment, meaning, and success. Wellness is as much a state of mind and spirit as it is a state of body. It requires a balance between work time and playtime, solid interpersonal relationships, and strong emotional coping resources. Meaningful work, family activities, social interaction, and personal interests help life feel purposeful and enjoyable. Wellness requires good choices and some effort. People seeking wellness eat a healthy diet but allow themselves to splurge once in a while. They get regular sleep and take steps to manage stress, nurture relationships, pursue personal interests, and remain open and positive about life's ups and downs. 38 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k j u l y / a u g u s t 2 0 1 4 CLASSROOM TO CLIENT education Understanding Wellness—Your Own! By Anne Williams WELLNESS MODELS Many people use wellness models to help them focus on areas of life that feel out of balance. A wellness model is a chart, document, or program that offers basic criteria for optimum function in specific life areas and provides questions that help people explore wellness in their own lives. Sometimes, health-care practitioners use a wellness model as part of their assessment and goal-setting procedures with clients/ patients. Many destination spas have moved toward an integrated wellness approach. Clients receive consultations that include the development of an ongoing wellness plan. Wellness plans outline useful activities, seminars, or treatments the client might seek out. Administering a wellness model in a private massage practice is not appropriate, as such advice falls outside massage therapy's scope of practice. However, massage is likely to be included in a client's wellness plan from another provider, so therapists should be versed in wellness concepts and be able to work in conjunction with other health professionals to support the client's wellness goals. The wellness components and wellness planning tools described here will help you broaden your understanding of the benefits and role of massage. An integrated wellness model can also prove to be a useful tool in your personal self- care routine, thereby supporting massage career longevity.