Keys to Success
Volume 2, Issue 3
May/June 2008

Mental Health

In the last issue of Keys to Success I pointed out that spiritual health is vital to “wholistic health”. One of the most powerful spiritual vital signs you can have is “Life Principles”. In other words, it’s critical to have healthy beliefs and values with corresponding health-promoting actions. Living by principles has long been a key to successful leadership. In order to be a powerful self-leader you must build your personal wellness practice on “Life Principles”. You might say your spirit – the real you – is where you develop your ability to choose “right things” to “lead” you to a longer healthier life. In this issue you’ll see the power of mental health to do “things right” to “manage” your life.

As your spirit connects with the spiritual world, your mind connects with the mental world – your intellect, will and emotions. What you think, what you want, your motivation level, and how you feel can influence how you manage your life and health – positively or negatively. Therefore, some of the most powerful mental vital signs, are:

• Positive thoughts
• Healthy wants, desires
• A high level of motivation
• Controlled emotions

Note: If you base your thoughts, wants, desires, motivation and emotions on healthy beliefs and values they will lead to healthy actions and a longer healthier life.

A Key to Success is Being a Strong Leader & Manager
Stephens, 2006, p. 78

Focus for Five

Take five minutes to think about your life and health. Start by thinking about one area of health.

• What are your thoughts?
• What do you want?
• What is your motivation level?
• How do you feel about it?

Action: May is the National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. It’s a great time to begin or resume healthy indoor and outdoor physical activities. Perhaps family members or friends will join you. Check out the President’s Council on Physical Fitness web site. presidentschallenge.org Join the challenge as an individual or with a group. It’s a terrific way to have fun while you are investing in your health and monitoring your physical activities. I’ve earned the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and will be working on the Platinum Award over the next few years.

For more information about the core Wholistic Health Self-Management Program refer to our product section. Contact us if you have questions, and come back to visit our web site for the July/August Issue of Keys to Success. You’ll learn about the ABCs of making investments in your physical health – the third health area in this series.

Dr Jan

Reference:

North American Nursing Diagnosis Association. (2003). Nursing diagnoses: definitions & classifications 2003-2004. Philadelphia PA: Author.

Stephens, J.E. (2006). Wholistic Health Self-Management Program - Core Content. Health Guide 1: Be Whole & CEO,
        Health Guide 2: Healthy Action Plan Process - Yes. Vol. 1. Sheridan, WY: Wholistic Health Education Services.