Ironically, as I ask this question I’m recovering from a cold. It doesn’t sound like much but it has taken its toll.

A banging head, sore constricted throat, aching muscles, sneezing and watery eyes remind me of how vulnerable the human body can be to dis-ease and disarray.
Although I recognise that I’ll soon feel better, it does pose the question; ‘without harmful bacteria, viruses or protozoa attacking us, does that make us well?’. This is a question that I often ask my clients.
I’ll ask you the same.
How do you know that you’re well?
It seems such a simple question, but in our sometimes confusing world with multiple demands, many don’t have an answer (well at least not at first).
I’ve seen a huge increase in IBS, fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, metabolic syndrome, chronic headaches, fatigue, anxiety, stress related illness and hormonal issues.

Clearly, many of us are not well. In addition, there are many who don’t have a ‘diagnosis’ or ‘label’ but simply know that something isn’t right. They feel unwell, even if they don’t know exactly what’s wrong.
What’s more apparent is that in the busyness of life many don’t have the opportunity to ask their GP or even themselves; ‘what’s wrong?’ Or ‘what’s the difference between how I feel now and when I feel (or felt well)?’
Let’s Look At How You Can Start To Explore How Well You Are
Do you consider the quality of your sleep? Do you wake naturally and feel refreshed? Distortions could be an indication of elevated cortisol levels.
Do you get headaches regularly or have fluctuating mood swings? This could be related to blood sugar instability.
Do you have abdominal pain or need to urinate frequently? This could be due to a bacterial infection.
Do you measure your wellness by how much you weigh or look in the mirror? This could be a state that may need reframing.
Do you have consistent energy throughout the day? A lack could indicate low oxygenation of your cells.
Are you able to shrug off a slight or hurtful comment from someone and get on with your day? This indicates mental agility and strength.
How To Use This Information
There are so many other questions that you can ask yourself, but the main thing is that you have a barometer. This enables you to know how well you are physically, mentally and emotionally and to assess if or when you experience changes.

You don’t have to have a Fitbit, or a smart phone and monitoring doesn’t have to be obsessive. Simply checking in with yourself on a regular basis can help not only to avoid serious illness but to identify when you’re off balance and then to consider what you can do to regain it.
You won’t necessarily feel great 365 days of the year, but you could do for 320 or even 345 days.
So what does it mean to you, to feel well?
Main Photo by Crosby Hinze on Unsplash