{personal assessment: unit 9 project}

Tayla James

May 27, 2014

Kaplan University: HW420 Aspects of Healing

Unit 9 Project

Introduction

Health and wellness professionals deal with a variety of different people with different backgrounds and beliefs, which is why it’s important for them to develop themselves psychologically, spiritually, and physically as well. Going to a professional, one wants to feel connected and able to trust the advice given to them, so it is important that the professional have both book knowledge as well as personal experience in the field they are giving advice in. This way, both the client and the professional experience a more whole sense of well-being.

Personally, I need to work on my psychological health the most. I have struggled my whole life in this area and yet I continue to work on each issue the best I can, but becoming more aware and motivated to change.

Assessment

On a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), I would rate my physical wellbeing at an 8, my spiritual wellbeing at a 6, and my psychological wellbeing at a 7. I would describe myself as being physically fit and healthy, however I do have some ailments that bother me (knee and back pain, etc.) and although I eat pretty much all organic and healthy foods, I still could be healthier with other things (I drink Monster energy drinks every day!). My spiritual wellbeing is good, but not great. I'm not really religious, but I do believe in some higher power or energy. And my psychological wellbeing is improving, but still could use some help. I suffered with anorexia and depression for ten years, which has taken its toll on me both physically and mentally. I still have anxiety and negative thoughts that rule me some days.  

Goal development

A goal for my physical health is to improve my posture to help ease my back pain and to ice regularly. A goal for my spiritual wellbeing is to take 15 minutes each day and just sit quietly with my thoughts. And for my psychological health, I would like to continue my deep breathing to control my anxiety.

Practices for personal health

In order to move forward with these goals, I want to implement more focused meditation and breathing, which will help me slow down and focus in on what is really important. Also, patience would be a good thing to practice, as change takes time and it can be difficult. Implementing meditation and breathing into my daily life can be as easy as focusing my awareness towards my breath and allowing myself to relax for a moment. The practice does not have to be something I plan for, as ideally I want to use it in times of stress, which are usually when I am out in public. Patience is something more difficult to practice, however it could go hand in hand with the breathing practice, as deep breathing can help me remain patient.

Commitment

To track my progress for the goals I set for myself, I can keep a journal and write in it each night and record my progress for the day. My goals do not really require me to meet something specific, but rather just my own well-being and emotional feelings, so writing seems a good fit. Maintaining long term practices can be a challenge, but the key is to stay motivated and keep in mind why you are doing what you’re doing. In my case, I must remember why I need to use deep breathing and meditation and I can remind myself how these practices will benefit me and my overall sense of happiness and well-being.