The front pages of our newspapers all across the country report how America’s health crisis is having profound consequences for our communities and country. But we must also recognize that this is a deeply personal issue for the millions of Americans of all ages who struggle against significant odds to achieve and maintain well-being of spirit, mind and body. Beginning the New Year it is a great time to look at what “well-being” means. For every person, it means something different. A good definition to work from is: a state of whole-self awareness that is defined by each individual relative to their own spirit, mind and body. That means people should look to a holistic approach to well-being that intentionally goes beyond physical activity and nutrition to whole self-health. Both scientific research and professional observations of those seeking health verify that well-being is dependent on a variety of factors.

As you look at making health changes, there are several facets of well-being to look at. First, it should be multi dimensional. It goes beyond fitness and nutrition. Make sure wherever you go to gain health you have a sense of belonging, achievement, safety and giving. Finding a friend to work out with can greatly enhance the motivation. Check out a variety of options in order to find a program or facility that makes sense for you. Once you start be patient, good things take time.

Second, well-being is self defined. Each person must define well-being in their own context. Everyone is different so initiative and motivation will vary from person to person. Start searching for areas that interest you or make you feel you are on the right track and get started right away. Doing exercise and activities with people of like interests can build friendships and let you see that we all in our own way struggle with our well-being.

Third, well-being should have rhythm. An person’s well-being changes with the rhythms of life. Priorities will change during different situations and stresses of life. No matter what they may be, make sure to give time for yourself on a daily basis. It takes time to get into a consistent pattern of working out and being active. Take your time and start out slowly. It won’t happen overnight. Use friends or personal trainers to assist you and keep you on track.

Finally, well-being is about balancing choices. People need to understand the dynamics of balance and that a decision to be more well in one aspect of well-being may lead to being less well in another. It is important to create variety in your total health. Make the healthy choices the easy choices but still give yourself flexibility, treats and days off. Don’t let a set routine with no variety take over. Continually changing the activities that you do will help keep you motivated and interested as you look to your well-being for a lifetime.

Freeborn County’s people and families in pursuit of health and well-being require continuous supportive relationships and environments. By working together and challenging each other in our well-being pursuits, we can continue to raise the quality of life and keep us at the top as a national vitality center.

Dennis Dieser is the executive director of the Albert Lea Family Y.