Last week, I shared with you my passion for the National Wellness Conference and how it helps me achieve high-level wellness.  As you may remember, Martin Collis, PhD was a keynote speaker and shared the acronym, MELLOW, to highlight the key components of a healthy life.  We’ve already covered M - Magic of the Mind and E - Exercise.  This week, we will complete the remaining letters.

L - Laughter

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”

Dr. Collis reminded us that we all need laughter.  Laughter is a reflex survival device - even deaf and blind babies laugh.  It helps us to release stress hormones and feel better.  And it has been documented to improve the immune system and lessen our risk of chronic illness.

At NWC, there are many opportunities to laugh.  Many of the presenters are quite funny, no more so than Dr. Collis.  Plus, we laugh at the meals - the dances, karaoke, and the kazoo band in the talent show! 

L - Love

The negative impact of loneliness is well documented, and Dr. Collis encouraged us to find ways to fill our lives with people and things we are passionate about.  He remarks that in his own life he did not have a plan, but found himself happiest when he, “… stumbled after things” he cared about.

The feelings of friendship and connections are part of the reason so many health care professionals return to NWC every year.  It is like a family reunion!  There is also so much support for everyone there, whether they are running/walking their first 5K or dancing or singing at the talent show.  The conference reminds us all that we need these connections in our daily lives to feel whole.

O - Optimal Nutrition

The “O” in MELLOW is Optimal Nutrition.  In this keynote presentation, we learned that our diet has probably changed more in the last 40 years than in the previous 40,000 years.  We reviewed the data that supports the importance of eating more whole foods and slowing down to savor our meals.

The conference planners have learned to ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to nutrition.  Every meal in the cafeteria is brimming with health options, including the blueberry vegan pancakes my daughter raved about.  There are several different healthy entries, salad bars, and yummy treats. 

I returned from the conference recommitted to eating well - and wishing I could bring the staff to my house because it would be much easier if I didn’t have to do it myself!

W - Wonder

The final aspect to wellness that Dr. Collis addressed was wonder.  The ability to feel wonder is thought to be unique in the human species.  He reminded us that we need to align our lives with our purpose, find time to play, and feel gratitude for all of life.

I cannot truly describe the sense of wonder and awe that I experience being part of the community at the conference.  I am in awe of how much we learn and how many friendships are formed in such a brief time.  I also am filled with gratitude for all those who have shared their talents and energy to make this event possible!

So, what do you do to follow the spirit of MELLOW?  As we head toward fall, are there things you want more of in your life? … And who will be joining me at NWC next year?

 

Sara Armstrong is the owner of Zoi Wellness Consulting. In addition to wellness coaching, Sara specializes in health education seminars, diabetes prevention and management, Health for EVERY Body, and worksite wellness design. You can email Sara for a free wellness consultation at sara@zoiconsulting.com.