The Health Circle is an interesting concept emerging in health care today. A Health Circle is a collaborative team approach to maintaining and promoting physical and emotional health. It is often referred to as "whole health."
There are four key elements in this circle:
It is all about you. What matters the most to you? Keep up with your kids? Have time to spend with your grandchildren? The answer to this question will determine your approach to caring for them.
Self-care: We each have the power to influence our own health. Whole Health provides the skills and supports your need to make the changes you desire.
Professional Care: Your health team is there to assist you in the prevention and treatment of illness.
Community: In the same way that there is a "You" at the center of the circle, there is a "We" that enfolds it. Community is defined by the people and groups you are connected with.
With the Whole Health approach, you can examine all areas of your life, including your strengths and aspects where support might be helpful. Self-care is anything you do that is intended to improve your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. You might want to focus on one or two areas at first.
These areas of self-care shown in the circle of health include but not limited to the following:
Acknowledging thoughts and feelings and focusing on the present moment.
Maintaining energy, flexibility, and strength through exercise and movement.
Environments that support your emotions and body - Comfortable, healthy spaces.
Individual growth - Moving towards your most important goals.
Nurturing your body can contribute to not only living but also living well.
Get enough sleep, rest, and relaxation.
Developing close, loving, supportive relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.
Developing a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection.
Tapping into the power of your mind to heal and cope by using mind-body approaches.
How do I get started?
Assess where you are and where you want to be Circle of Health areas of self-care.
Communicate your needs, concerns, and goals to your health care provider.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Focusing on your health before anything goes wrong and being aware of where you are in each of these areas as well as thinking about where you want to be is the first step towards living a healthier life.
Whether you want to wake up with less pain, reduce stress, eat better, exercise more, you can start making a difference today. To get started with your health journey, click here to learn more about how we can serve you.
