We need to be watching out for the children. I would like to give you the opportunity to learn about the five dimensions of health and give some helpful ideas as how to do what is best for the children you know.
There are five dimensions of health: Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social and Spiritual?
Physical Health – All of these need to be in place for a physically healthy human being:
- eat a balanced diet
- drink plenty of water – half their weight in ounces
- exercise: cardio, strength, and flexibility
- sleep in a dark and quiet environment for more than 7 hours
- set up routines and goals
- teach cleanliness
- create a healthy environment
- teach basic self-care of small aches and pains
Mental Health – If dealing with any of the following, seek knowledge and assistance:
- Anger Issues
- Panic Attics
- Bipolar
- Depression
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Eating Disorders
- Hoarding
- Loneliness
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Attacks
- Paranoia
- Personality Disorders
- Phobias
- Seasonal Affect Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Self-Esteem Issues
- Self-Harm
- Sleep Issues
- Stress
- Suicidal Feelings
Emotionally Health – Understanding and being able to identify the types of positive and negative emotions assists one in learning to deal with those emotions.
- Love
- Appreciation
- Compassion
- Euphoria
- Happiness
- Hope
- Enthusiasm
- Confidence
- Gratitude
- Patience
- Pleasure
- Surprise
- Trust
- Optimism
- Joy
- Fear
- Agression
- Anger
- Apathy
- Boredom
- Guilt
- Sadness
- Pride
- Jealousy
- Self-Pity
- Anxiety
- Resentment
- Envy
- Frustration
- Shame
- Denial
- Pessimism
- Regret
- Worry
- Grief
Social Health – Forming meaningful relationships with appropriate interactions needs to be recognized. Discuss and dig deeper into the following:
- How does one connect with other family members, peers, neighbors, friends, strangers?
- Do you have the ability to adapt to a variety of social situations?
- Do you have strong communication skills?
- Do you have empathy for others?
- Will you give your time, skills, efforts, energy and money?
- Do you have a sense of accountability towards others?
- Are you able to give and take within relationships?
- Are you able to be your true self in relationships instead of acting?
Spiritual Health – The ability to feel hope, comfort and peace in all situations. Being intimately connected to the Divine Spirit brings about love, self-acceptance, better relationships with others, and a feeling of being protected. Prayer brings us the ability to talk to the Divine about our life, our issues, ourselves, and the ability to shower others with blessings and protection. Meditation, yoga, mindfulness, gratitude and connection with the elements of nature (fire, water, earth and air) all balance our spiritual life. Singing praise lifts our hearts and spirits.
Sharing experiences and finding ways for children to develop spiritual health is what we need in this dimension.
Having all of these dimensions balanced creates the healthiest of situations. Sometimes we are just looking for an area to focus on when we are falling out of balance. Praying that all children are getting what they need to become happy and healthy adults.
Sandy Carl
