You may start a fitness program or get a gym membership because you want to lose inches, feel more confident, or get stronger. We understand that our diet and our activity levels determine the outcomes of whether we hit those goals or not. But the domains of physical health only makes up about less than 20% of your overall success rate long-term.
Deep health has now entered the chat.
Achieving deep health is when all dimensions of health are in sync, not just the physical domain. What deep health is not is something you can attain through pills or operations. It’s got to do with how you think, how you respond, how you solve problems, and how you deal with the outside world around you. It comes from a balanced diet consisting of whole, minimally processed foods. It comes from sufficient exercise combined with quality rest. It comes from fresh air and clean water. It comes from genuine human connection and real emotional expression. It comes with living a life that feels purposeful and joyful. You want to lose that 20 pounds or deadlift more weight? Well, giving attention to all aspects of your health will actually help you get there faster and more easily, especially if you focus on ways that it will fit into your life that are sustainable for you. Deep health looks different for everyone.
There are six dimensions to deep health, which are strongly entwined and deeply connected. There is relational health, existential health, mental health, physical health, emotional health, and environmental health. Every one of the elements of deep health influences eating and exercise behaviors.
Physical Health is summed up by how you feel physically. It is feeling vibrant, energized, and thriving, performing and functioning well.
Emotional health is how you feel and your general mood on a day-to-day basis. It is experiencing a full range of emotions and expressing them appropriately.
Mental health is about how your mind is working when you are presented with a big logistical challenge. It is being alert, focused, competent, and thoughtful, learning, remembering, and solving problems well.
Existential health is the reason why you want to make changes for your health or having a deeper understanding for wanting that change. It is feeling that your actions have meaning and your life has purpose.
Relational health is about who in your life is supporting you on your health journey. It is being connected and authentic with others, feeling supported and like you “belong”.
Environmental health is the way in which your surroundings affects your health. It is knowing your everyday environment supports your health and well-being.
Good health is so much more than your physical health. It is thriving in all areas, not just surviving. Give yourself permission to gauge your health through a broader lens (Deep Health Assessment:https://www.precisionnutrition.com/deep-health-guide). In the hustle and bustle of your daily lives, I hope you find solace both in and outside the four walls of the gym as it is essential for holistic well-being. The principles learned inside the gym can extend far beyond the physical and can enter mental, existential, and relational health. CrossFit delivers a full spectrum of wellness when you find the right community and embrace it.
Start makes changes and take action today! click >this link< to book your free introduction to the gym and our service options. We would love to get to know you and help you reach your goals!
Written by Kayla Allen, inspired by Precision Nutrition’s Deep Health articles.