Ruth Ann Marks
What
does wellness mean to you?
Being healthy and happy. To me wellness
encompasses a variety of aspects, including physical,
mental (emotional/intellectual/creative), spiritual,
social and financial. I think it’s also important
to live in a healthy, well environment, be it work, home, or
play.
What do you do to stay well?
I try to follow a recommended diet, exercise
five days a week, and take time to relax and have
fun. I do something that I love: I sing in a large
church choir. I see my health care providers, have
my preventative screenings, and try to follow their
recommendations. And I think you should always
be in the process of planning a party or getting ready
to go to a party. (OK, I jest. But only a little…)
How do you work wellness into your day?
I
plan time for meals and exercise, and I take breaks.
What are your biggest struggles for maintaining wellness?
Sticking to my recommended diet! I also
struggle with getting in my exercise. Right now
I’m
really not doing any weight training.
How do you overcome those struggles?
I plan and prepare home-cooked meals. I developed
a list of alternatives to emotional eating/munching and try
to act on them. I also try to participate in a variety of types
of exercise: I’ve
recently taken up Bharata Natyam classical Indian dance — it’s
loads of fun and the 60 minutes of “exercise” pass quickly.
In terms of my specific gap in doing weight training, I think my best
option at this point is to visit my fitness center more regularly.
Also, I seek help from experts. For example, I’ve worked with
a dietician and a personal exercise trainer. I peruse and read articles
on the Internet, books and magazines for health information.
How do you find time to stay well?
A former boss once gave me excellent advice: “Put yourself
first, take care of yourself.” I know that sounds egocentric,
but basically you have to take responsibility for taking care of yourself,
as best as you are able. You can’t help others if you don’t
take care of yourself.
Why
is being well important to you?
Life is to be enjoyed, and it’s
much more fun when you’re
well.
Do
you have any recommended resources for wellness?
My
current recommendations are:
