Simple but Powerful Wellness Model

In this post, I will describe a model for better understanding wellness that can simplify things for anyone feeling a bit overwhelmed by information (as we tend to get).

It is based on the underlying principle that the activities we engage in either help us bring energy in and/or recover (Yin) or allow us to expend energy outward to accomplish things and get what we need or want (Yang). With that said, I learned of these two models primarily by studying the work of Paul Chek as I started learning how to balance my lifestyle better.

The Four Doctors

The first one is the "Four Doctors"- which are Diet, Quiet, Movement, and Happiness. The concept here is that these are the four essential elements of any healthy lifestyle. More categories could be added, but really anything could be associated with one of these four. They are called "doctors" as a reference to the fact that we often look to doctors and other authority figures to direct us in what we should do about our health, but in reality we can get amazing results just by looking to these basic areas of our life and taking initiative ourselves.

In the model, Dr. Diet and Dr. Quiet are considered "Yin" because they serve to energize and restore the body, and Dr. Happiness and Dr. Movement are considered "Yang" because they represent the use of energy to get things done and express ourselves.

"Yin" Doctors

So, Dr. Quiet and Dr. Diet work together to bring in the energy and resources we need on a daily basis. Dr. Diet obviously includes the food we eat, but it also encompasses things like hydration and really anything that we bring into our bodies from the outside. Dr. Quiet represents rest- which includes sleeping as well as time taken to relax, "recharge", or even meditate.

"Yang" Doctors

On the "yang side", Dr. Happiness is considered the "chief" because it represents the use of mental energy via thinking and planning, which is related to our values and goals. In this sense, Dr. Happiness is really what directs Dr. Movement- which is all about moving our bodies and taking action.

Using the Model Practically

So, you may be wondering: this is interesting and all but how can it really help me?

This is something that can be addressed in-depth in private consultations, but generally, the easiest way to apply it to your life is to simply consider: what are 1-3 things that I could list in each category that are important?

For example:

• Dr. Diet- I know I feel best when I drink enough water throughout the day, limit my caffeine intake, and eat vegetables with every meal.

• Dr. Quiet- I know I usually feel really tired by around 10 or 11pm, so my goal is to always be in bed by 11 and to limit my screentime just before going to sleep.

• Dr. Happiness- I know l love music, so I'm going to find time to listen to music and/or practice my instrument every day.

• Dr. Movement- I tend to get tight throughout the work day, so I want to find time to stretch every day and also work out at least twice a week to get stronger.

The great thing is that you can start off quite generic based on what you currently know, and as you try things and learn more, you can obviously get more specific and detailed.

Hopefully this helps. It has certainly been a useful "tool" for me and many other people.