Well, Well, Wellness… It’s About Time!
By Joanne Graves, Owner of Sanctuary Spa
It may seem obvious that we are facing an increasingly aging population, not just in the states, but globally. But what you may not know is that for the first time in history, the number of people over the age of 65 will soon outnumber children under the age of five!1 And while the majority of us are interested in prolonging an active, healthy lifestyle, we are actually experiencing an epidemic of disease and obesity, due in large part to lifestyle choices. An ever-growing demand to be ‘connected’ at all times with the workplace and social media, increasingly longer work hours, poor exercise and diet choices, and an expensive, failing healthcare system are adding to increasing stress levels that all contribute to this epidemic. Women especially, are sick and tired of being sick and tired. We are seeking ways to find balance in our lives, and the lives of our families, communities, and our world. Fortunately, these factors are causing a paradigm shift to wellness; from reactivity to illness or disease, to proactively seeking ways to promote our own well-being. Wellness is defined in the dictionary as “the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.”2 The World Health Organization defines wellness as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life “ . . . a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”3
The holistic philosophy that emerged in the early 70’s with the modern spa movement has grown to include five widely accepted dimensions of wellness:
Physical: Yes, that means exercise. Move that amazing body God gave you. Take a walk or a yoga class, go ice-skating or bowling, have fun! Eat real food. Nutrition is so much more than satiating hunger; it is the fuel your body needs to keep you well. Hippocrates (the father of medicine) said “Let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food”, wise man, that one! Be proactive with health care and dental screenings.
Emotional: Manage your stress. Massage, yoga, exercise, developing a hobby, laughing, staying engaged in learning, reading for pleasure, joining a club or volunteering are all ways that can promote emotional well-being. Seek professional counselling if you need help.
Spiritual: Understand your beliefs and values. Spend time exploring and asking questions, praying and meditating are all an important part of your overall well-being and can be instrumental in helping you live a fulfilled life.
Social: Spend time with friends. Develop new relationships, and I don’t mean online! Having a strong social network can give you support and guidance when you’re in need. After all, what’s ‘Girl’s’ Night Out’ without the girls?!
Environmental: Think globally, act locally. Be mindful that we are but stewards of a planet that we’ll leave to our children. Recycle. Support local farming like Highland Orchard on Foulk Road. Eat organically. Support local businesses.
Once you begin incorporating these five disciplines of wellness, you’ll begin living life abundantly, with purpose and passion!
I invite you to take advantage of the many treatments and products the team at Sanctuary Spa incorporates to help manage your path to being well. Call us at 302-475-1469 or visit us online at mysanctuaryspasalon.com
1 “A Global Perspective Why Population Aging Matters.” 2015. 3 Dec. 2015 <https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/WPAM.pdf>
2 “Wellness | Define Wellness at Dictionary.com.” 2006. 11 Nov. 2015 <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/wellness>
3 “What is Wellness? – UC Davis SHCS.” 2014. 11 Nov. 2015 <https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/wellness/>
Testimonials:
“I just had an amazing 75 minute massage with Cristina. It was the best I’ve ever had!!! I’ve been massaged at The Four Seasons in Maui, Hotel Hershey and this was by far the best!!! Cristina and Sanctuary Spa ‘hit it out of the park’ today!!”~ Maria J. Wilmington, DE
“Went for the first time and it was fantastic. Professional and friendly staff and I am very happy with my results. Also great pricing.” ~ Angela H. Wilmington, DE
