The History and Importance of National Wellness Month
National Wellness Month, celebrated in August, is an initiative that encourages people to prioritize their health and well-being. While the concept is recognized in many countries, its formal establishment in Canada is closely linked to its roots in the United States.
Origins and Establishment
National Wellness Month was founded in 2018 by Live Love Spa, a wellness and self-care advocacy organization. The founders recognized the importance of setting aside time to highlight holistic health practices, leading to the designation of August as a month for people to explore wellness and establish healthier routines.
The significance of National Wellness Month stems from its emphasis on self-care, stress management, and the formation of healthy habits. It encourages people to make time for themselves amidst hectic schedules, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical health. The month serves as a reminder that wellness is an ongoing process that involves making decisions that lead to a fulfilling life.
8 Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness encompasses 8 mutually interdependent dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, financial, and ecological. Attention must be given to all the dimensions, as neglect of any one over time will adversely affect the others, and ultimately one’s health, well-being, and quality of life. They do not, however, have to be equally balanced. We should aim, instead, to strive for a “personal harmony” that feels most authentic to us. We naturally have our own priorities, approaches, and aspirations, including our own views of what it means to live life fully.
Wellness is a dynamic, ever-changing, fluctuating process. It is a lifestyle, a personalized approach to living life in a way that allows you to become the best kind of person that your potentials, circumstances, and fate will allow. The past is history; the present and future lie in the choices you make today. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; just get it going, and become the best kind of person you can be.