Definition of Wellness

Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.

“…a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
– The World Health Organization

“a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential.”
– The National Wellness Institute

Why Wellness Matters

Upholding an ideal level of wellness is unquestionably vital to live a higher quality life. Wellness matters. Wellness matters because everything we do and every sensation we feel transmits to our well-being. In turn, our well-being directly effects our actions and feelings. It’s a continuing circle. Therefore, it is significant for everyone to achieve optimum wellness in order to pacify anxiety, reduce the threat of illness and guarantee positive interactions.

• One way to keep moving is to count your steps. I set a goal and I always strive to achieve my goal. I also tried to challenge myself and get more steps than my goal. Then when I get home instead of just letting my dog out I make sure to walk him at least a mile.
• It is hard sometimes to be motivated after a 12 hr shift but your body needs you to move. If you have been sitting at the computer charting for a while, get up. Walk around. Stand and chart. JUST MOVE!!!
• As night nurses we have bad habits but don’t let sitting still be one.
• Any other suggestions you may have, please share!!

This was me and my boyfriend Michael at my friends wedding in August 2016.

This picture below was Michael and I at my friend’s wedding in December 2017. This is when I started to notice how much weight I had gained. I already did not feel very confident in myself but seeing this picture made me feel even worse.

January 2018 is when I decided something needed to change and I needed to loose the weight I had gained. So Michael and I went on a low-calorie count diet. I also started to exercise everyday. I started to feel better and felt better but I will say it took a while before the pounds started to come off and I started to notice a difference in the mirror.

What a difference my weight loss journey has made. I feel better and my clothes seem to be very baggy. I am still working on my confidence but I believe that will always take time and may be something that I always need to work on.

Just seeing the differences in the pictures motivates me to keep moving because it will make a difference even if I don’t always see it. Sometimes that hardest part of the weight-loss journey is that first part when the scale does not move but you feel as if you are starving because you cut back, started to eat healthy and added exercise to your daily routine. DON’T GIVE UP….you will see the difference it will just take time.

I am not a fitness lover. More of a fit this pizza into my mouth lover, but I have always dreamed of having that beach body that you see with other women. Then I came to the realization that my body may never look like that, and I need to be fine with that. However, I can exercise and stay fit and be healthier!

I am also a Registered Nurse, who works nights. Yes I am that vampire that sleeps all day and stays up all night. I cannot complain because I love it, and would never make it on the morning shift.

Now night shift (3rd shift); does come with its own set of issues such as forcing your body to work against its own circadian rhythms, breakfast/lunch/dinner times are completely off and you suffer from severe sleep deprivation; but one must learn to cope instead of throwing in the towel.

This is just like exercise. Will you have days that you just can’t get to the gym, or really do not have any time, or choose sleep over exercise? Yes, but that is fine as long as you don’t give up and completely throw away all of your hard work.

I am here to help share my struggles and journey and to help motivate you to keep your body in shape and stay healthy despite your schedule. I cannot promise I know it all or the exact cure but I will promise to help with the motivation. I also expect you to comment to help others with their motivation!

So let’s get started towards a healthier life together!!!!

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton