MHMR Supports August as National Wellness Month

WACO, TX – August is recognized as National Wellness Month, and the Heart of Texas Region MHMR Center, as the Local Mental Health Authority for McLennan, Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, and Limestone counties, wants our community to know there are steps our people can take to make mental wellness a year-round initiative.

“When people think of wellness, they typically only think of the physical and emotional aspects,” said Molly Howard, the Heart of Texas Region MHMR Center’s Wellness Coordinator. “There’s so much more! I recommend several ways to manage and improving one’s wellness, as well as developing a holistic wellness plan.”

Howard, who is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), says some of the keys she recommends are taken from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “Wellness Dimensions”, which include the following eight dimensions:

  • Emotional: coping with life and creating satisfying relationships
  • Financial: satisfaction with current and future financial situations
  • Social: developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
  • Spiritual: expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life
  • Occupational: personal satisfaction and enrichment derived from one’s work
  • Physical: recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition
  • Intellectual: recognizing creative abilities and finding way to expand knowledge and skills
  • Environmental: good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being

Howard stresses it’s hard to give specifics on general wellness because each person is different, but offers general self-care for wellness, regardless of the individual.

“Keep in mind that when developing a self-care plan, it should be rejuvenating,” Howard said. “Strategies that help with self-care typically fall into the “Three Rs”: recreation, relaxation, and routines.”

Howard added it’s of greater importance for people to be mindful of self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to consistently reassess how to improve one’s wellness.

“Where are you currently in each of the eight dimensions of wellness? What are areas of strengths? What would you like to change or improve?”, Howard said.

CONTACT:

Vince Erickson, Director of Public Information and

#TexansRecoveringTogether CCP

Vince.Erickson@hotrmhmr.org

Cell: (254) 265-2030

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