Wellness is a lifestyle that incorporates a self-determined balance of healthy habits such as getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious foods, avoiding excess alcohol and recreational drugs, having a strong, support system, engaging in meaningful activities, doing exercise, etc. Science has studied the fascinating mind-body connection where our thoughts and feelings impact upon our immune system helping us to resist disease. Additionally, wellness behaviors such as proper exercise have a positively impact on our mental health. It would make sense that a group of people emotionally supporting one another in wellness would be truly beneficial.
Wellness-Focused Groups
There exists a large variety of groups focused on specific areas of wellness. These include weight loss, smoking cessation, alcohol or drug abuse, diabetes education, stress reduction, and all types of illnesses and disorders. These groups run the gamut of professionally-run educational groups to member-run group discussions on the emotional impact of the disease, to advocacy and/or community education groups focused on community education or prevention strategies.
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Wellness Activities
Groups for arthritis, weight loss, stroke, diabetes and others have many activities to help patients feel better, gain strength or mobility, or to live better with the ailment. Wellness activities assist people to manage their conditions, build strength and resilience and offer support and information.
Peer Support is Stronger than Willpower
Sharing stories, offering suggestions and tools, and mentoring have been found to promote healthy behaviours. Support groups can reinforce healthful changes and persuade members to change their behaviour in order to live a fuller, healthier life.