Personal reflection on health and wellness

My goals through the term were to gain significant knowledge in different areas of the course, adopt preventive measures to remain healthy and also be able to help others to achieve a health wellness. The areas that have greatly changed my daily behaviors include studies in nutrition, substance abuse, mental health and chronic illness. First, starting with substance abuse, I changed my behavior on gambling and taking alcohol. I made the decision as I found that there were more demerits associated with my addition as compared to benefits (Fisher, Gary & Thomas). Some of the benefits that I thought were associated with gambling and drugs, included finding comfort, feeling relieved as well as passing time. My change in eating habits has included taking vegetables, fruits, low-fat diet, lean meat, whole grains, fish as well as nuts, beans, and eggs.

The nutrition part has taught me on how to ensure I take a balanced diet without only concentrating on a single meal of interest. Further, I have learned the advantages and disadvantages of various foods which currently guides in deciding on which meal to take. Due to the realization that some of the popular and widespread nutritional disorders are associated with lack of fiber as well as minerals or vitamins, I now prefer using vegetables as a way of avoiding risks of such disorders. Risk of Coronary heart illness and stroke can also be prevented by an increment of fruit and vegetable consumption (Chapman, Alexander, Keyserling, & Ammerman, 2018). Such changes will reduce the risks of heart attack. I also learned that quitting tobacco smoking can return a sense of taste and smell as well as improving the body's immune system.

I believe quitting Tobacco through joining sensational programs has allowed me to lead a healthy life than before. Studies on mental health have shed light on my perceptions on how to avoid mental illness and also be able to deal with those suffering from mental illness. Since many people have mental problems nowadays, I believe the course has been important for equipping me with knowledge on depression, anxiety demeanors, schizophrenia as well as eating disorders. Some techniques that I have adopted to reduce stress include mindfulness meditation and reducing stress in order to view the world in a positive manner. Getting enough sleep helps in avoiding schizophrenia symptoms which further helps reduce stress hence protecting the brain. Through the help of teachings on health and wellness, I have achieved several objectives.