Wellness: Small Steps for Vibrant Wellness

Wellness is a choice you make every day. “If you don’t make wellness a priority, you will not be well,” says Terry Gehrke, health and wellness coach at Balanced Wellness. Small choices in all areas of wellness such as nutrition, sleep, social relationships and physical activity can have an amazing cumulative effect leading to a healthier, happier you. “With the right wellness routine, you can get optimal health results without relying on drugs,” says Alane Paulley, president and co-owner of VyFy Wellness Club.

Wellness is not a one-size-fitsall situation. Your unique likes and dislikes, overall health, and starting point will factor into what wellness strategies work for you. The good news is that whatever wellness choices you adopt, you will make a positive impact. Get inspired by these preventive wellness strategies and techniques and explore which options you may want to add to your routine.

Wellness Coaching

Making changes to prioritize your wellness may seem overwhelming, especially if you have long-standing habits that seem hard to break. A wellness coach can work with you to establish goals and develop clear steps to achieve lasting change. “A wellness coach will walk alongside you, hold you accountable for taking the next step, and help you sort through all the noise,” Terry says.

When selecting a coach, do your research. First and foremost, look for a coach who has a certification. Anyone can claim they are a coach, so you want to verify their training and credentials. “Most coaches will have a niche,” says Jen Mannarelli, certified health, nutrition and mindset coach and owner of Jen Mannarelli LLC. Look for a coach who can address your specific needs.

Also, think about the setting you want to work in. Is a group setting better for you, or would you prefer one-on-one appointments? How often you meet will be determined by you and your coach. Many coaches offer pre-set packages that meet for a defined period of time.

Once you enter into the coaching relationship, the real work begins. “Clients are the experts on their lives, coaches are the experts in their field, and together they can make the best decisions,” Jen says. This requires active engagement in the process. “Be open and honest. Don’t hold back,” Jen advises. Your coach will likely give you activities to do between sessions. Do the work. “Even one small step will help you gain competence, which will lead to confidence so you can build on those behaviors,” Terry says.

Preventive Wellness Therapies

There are a number of preventive wellness therapies that can help decrease inflammation and stimulate your body’s healing systems. Some are available in a provider’s office or clinics, while others can be done at home. You should discuss options with your doctor before beginning therapy.

PEMF Therapy

PEMF Therapy

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) was introduced in the 1950s and has been FDA-approved since 1979. This noninvasive therapy uses a device to produce a magnetic field that creates a current that flows into tissue. This stimulates the cells and increases the cells’ ability to heal. PEMF therapy can help reduce inflammation, which is key to overall wellness, as well as promote bone health and wound healing. “You should not do PEMF therapy if you have a pacemaker,” Alane advises. The electrical current emitted could cause a disruption to pacemakers or other electrical implants.

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy involves sitting near or under a red light to let your skin absorb the low-wavelength light. As cells absorb the light, they are stimulated and activated, which can reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation and boost collagen production. “Inflammation is the number one root cause of many diseases,” Terry says. Alane adds, “A lot of people start red light therapy to improve their skin, but realize their energy is increased and keep going.”

Vibro Acoustic Therapy

Vibro acoustic therapy (VAT) uses gentle vibrations and soft sounds to massage your body. The massage stimulates your cells and helps improve the function of your immune and metabolic systems. The frequency of treatment can be effective even just once a month. The FDA has approved VAT for improving mobility, pain relief and increasing circulation.

Everyday Wellness

There are also simple preventive wellness strategies you can implement at home. Don’t think of wellness as a requirement to restrict things from your life. Wellness can be about adding things to your life — like drinking more water, eating more vegetables, implementing a daily walk and getting more sleep. Working on your mindset is also a great way to impact your overall wellness. “So much begins in one decision to say, ‘I am and I can,’” Terry says.

Today's Transitions Spring 2024 | By Tami Pyles