HEALTH

DEFINITION is a state of complete physical, mental and social well –being and not the merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

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THE SIX DIMENSIONS OF HEALTH

PhysicalSocialMentalEmotionalSpiritualEnvironmental

PHYSICAL

refers to the state of the body; its compositions, development, functions and maintenance.

FEW WAYS TO ENSURE GOOD PHYSICAL HEALTH

Eat nutritious food, to keep the body and mind energized.

Never skip meals or overeat. Water is essential for cleansing the

body. Fitness through exercise will increase

immunity and endurance levels of the body.

Regular medical checkups can help in arresting an illness, in its early stages.

Sleep at least for 7 uninterrupted hours daily.

Avoid addictive substances.

INTELLECTUAL This is a cognitive ability to develop skills and knowledge to enhance one's life. Our intellectual capacity helps to stimulate our creativity and insight in decision making.

EMOTIONAL Our ability to accept and cope with our

own and others feelings is defined as emotional well being. Emotions contribute to almost all aspects of our life, at times, even setting course of actions. Symptoms of emotional problems; as hopelessness, depression, anxiety and even suicidal tendencies are not always easily detectable, but can lead to dire consequences.

Setting realistic goals will go a long way in life planning.

Explore every opportunity with an open mind.

Be aware of the demands and expectations from you.

A positive outlook, especially when dealing with conflicts.

Awareness and acceptance of our strength and shortcoming, is essential for our emotional well-being.

Ability to handle stress and seek help, if needed.

Build strong communication networks among family, friends and peers.

SOCIAL To build and maintain satisfying relationships, comes naturally to us, as we are social animals. Being socially accepted, is also connected to our emotional well being.

We should increase our ability to interact with people and their ideas.

Accept and understand diverse cultural norms.

Build networks among different kinds of people.

Adapt a positive self image. Enhance your interpersonal communication skills.

SPIRITUAL Our good health is incomplete

without being spiritually healthy. To seek meaning and purpose of life is termed as being spiritual. Spiritual health dimension, refers to our personal belief and value, our own acceptance or rejection of the creation. There are no prescribed ways, to attain spiritual well-being, it's more a matter of looking inwards, at our own depth of understanding, our existence and creation.

Life as we know is a puzzle; health dimensions are like separate pieces, that need to be fitted together to make meaning. Though we all seek a harmonious balance between the mind, body and spirit, to lead an optimal fulfilled life, its rarely attained in totality. Our own feelings of weakness and non-acceptance of life's events, causes much distress in our daily life. Little understanding of the roles these dimensions play, will perhaps lead us to what we seek the most viz. Health and Happiness.

What are Some Good

Personal Habits to

Have?

PERSONAL HYGIENE

Personal cleanliness and hygiene is one of the determinant factors to a healthy life. A daily bath is the basic good habit that has to be inculcated in children from an early age. You need to maintain personal hygiene so that you can remain healthy.

EAT HEALTHY Following a healthy and balanced diet

is one of the good personal habits that you should have. Frequent consumption of junk foods and constant deviation in meal timings affect your health negatively. The most tempting of foods can be addictive and harmful. Follow a balanced diet. Do not skip meals. This good personal habit, if developed from childhood, is sure to be with the person for a lifetime.

SLEEP WELL We all know the saying, "Early to bed, early

to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." We have heard of this, we think of this, but we seldom follow it. This simple statement says a lot about how a person's lifestyle should be. By sleeping well, we do not mean to sleep for long hours. The statement rather implies that habit of going to bed early and rising early keeps you fit and fine. An eight-hour sleep is sufficient for a human being. Taking excess of it and sleeping late n the morning is bound to bring laze and ill health.

EXERCISE Daily exercise is one of the most

important personal habits that every single person needs to have. It is one habit that applies to every phase of life and it reaps plentifully. You need to understand the importance of daily exercise and start following it with dedication. It is absolutely necessary to find some time from your busy schedule and devote it to exercise.

MEDITATE Along with making physical activity an

integral part of daily life, mental exercise is equally important. Rather, I look at mental well being as the most vital factor to creating an environment conducive to thrive in. A daily habit of meditation is very helpful for one’s mental health. It helps you achieve mind control and peace of mind. It is beneficial in the fostering of a positive spirit in you. Making meditation a daily habit can actually lead to enhancement of your mental strength and make you feel happy.

READ This is one personal habit that should be

developed since childhood. Children need to be made to take interest in reading during their initial years of learning to read. Once a child develops the habit of reading, it is there to stay! Reading good books opens doors to new horizons and exposes a child to new experiences. Reading is one of the most effective ways through which a child learns the values of life. Moral stories are the most effective media of cultivating moral values in a child. Reading thus proves a very good personal habit that all of us should have.

BE HUMANE This personal habit is the one that

makes you a human being. Humanity is one value that needs to be fostered since one's early years. Develop a helpful nature. Man is a social animal and hence needs to take everyone along. Help the less fortunate ones, help them fight their difficulties; help them wear a smile on their face.

THE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF ERIK ERIKSON

1. Infancy: Birth to 18 Months

Ego Development Outcome: Trust vs. Mistrust

Basic strength: Drive and Hope

2. Early Childhood: 18 Months to 3 Years

Ego Development Outcome: Autonomy vs. Shame

Basic Strengths: Self-control, Courage, and Will

3. Play Age: 3 to 5 Years

Ego Development Outcome: Initiative vs. Guilt

Basic Strength: Purpose

4. School Age: 6 to 12 Years

Ego Development Outcome: Industry vs. Inferiority

Basic Strengths: Method and Competence

5. Adolescence: 12 to 18 Years

Ego Development Outcome: Identity vs. Role Confusion

Basic Strengths: Devotion and Fidelity

6. Young adulthood: 18 to 35

Ego Development Outcome: Intimacy and Solidarity vs. Isolation

Basic Strengths: Affiliation and Love

7. Middle Adulthood: 35 to 55 or 65

Ego Development Outcome: Generativity vs. Self absorption or Stagnation

Basic Strengths: Production and Care

8. Late Adulthood: 55 or 65 to Death

Ego Development Outcome: Integrity vs. Despair

Basic Strengths: Wisdom