Understanding the Theory of Wellness: A Path to Holistic Well-being

Health Education SS1 First Term Lesson Note – Week 10

Subject: Health Education
Class: SS1
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 14-16 years
Topic: Theory of Wellness
Sub-topic: The Concept and Dimensions of Wellness
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define wellness.
2. Explain the various branches of wellness (e.g., occupational, financial, social, etc.).
3. Highlight factors that promote general wellness.
4. Discuss the importance of general wellness in Nigerian Secondary Schools.
5. Identify the dimensions of wellness.

Keywords

• Wellness
• Occupational wellness
• Financial wellness
• Social wellness
• Emotional wellness
• Physical wellness
• Intellectual wellness

Set Induction

The teacher will ask students if they have ever felt physically, emotionally, or mentally balanced and what made them feel that way. This will introduce the concept of wellness as a state of complete well-being, not just the absence of illness.

Entry Behavior

Students should have a basic understanding of health and well-being, particularly in relation to physical health.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Charts illustrating the dimensions of wellness
• Diagrams of the wellness wheel
• Real-life examples of wellness in daily life
• Videos or articles on the importance of wellness

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have likely experienced different aspects of wellness, such as physical activity (physical wellness) or interacting with friends (social wellness). This lesson will explore these ideas in more detail and how they connect to overall well-being.

Embedded Core Skills

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Research
• Self-awareness

Learning Materials

• Charts or posters displaying dimensions of wellness
• Videos of wellness practices
• Case studies of balanced lifestyles

Reference Books

Lagos State Scheme of Work for Health Education SS1, health and wellness textbooks

Instructional Materials

Posters, wellness charts, and videos.

Lesson Content

1. Definition of Wellness

• Wellness is the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health and well-being. It involves more than just physical health; it encompasses emotional, social, intellectual, and even financial health.

2. Branches of Wellness

• Physical Wellness: Involves maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and avoiding harmful habits.
• Emotional Wellness: Involves the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions in a positive and constructive manner.
• Social Wellness: Focuses on building strong relationships, maintaining healthy social connections, and engaging in meaningful interactions with others.
• Occupational Wellness: Involves finding personal satisfaction and enrichment in one’s work or academic pursuits while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Financial Wellness: Refers to managing personal finances in a way that reduces stress and ensures future stability. It includes budgeting, saving, and avoiding financial stress.
• Intellectual Wellness: Involves engaging in creative and stimulating activities that expand knowledge and skills. This could include learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Spiritual Wellness: Refers to having a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which may involve religion, personal beliefs, or a connection to a greater good.

3. Factors That Promote General Wellness

• Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in exercise, sports, or outdoor activities can enhance physical health.
• Balanced Diet: Eating a variety of healthy foods, rich in nutrients, supports the body’s physical and mental functions.
• Adequate Sleep: Rest and sleep are crucial for physical recovery and mental clarity.
• Positive Relationships: Maintaining supportive and loving relationships can enhance emotional and social wellness.
• Stress Management: Using relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, helps reduce emotional and mental stress.
• Financial Planning: Managing money wisely reduces financial stress and supports a sense of security.

4. Importance of General Wellness in Nigerian Secondary Schools

• Wellness in schools is critical for academic success, as students need to be physically, emotionally, and intellectually healthy to perform well.
• Promoting wellness can help reduce absenteeism caused by illness and mental health issues.
• Teaching students about wellness can encourage them to make healthier lifestyle choices, leading to long-term benefits.
• Wellness programs in schools can support students’ mental health, help them build strong relationships, and foster personal growth.

5. Dimensions of Wellness

• Physical Wellness: Exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
• Emotional Wellness: Coping with stress, emotional expression.
• Social Wellness: Building and maintaining friendships, teamwork.
• Occupational Wellness: Job satisfaction, work-life balance.
• Financial Wellness: Budgeting, saving, financial literacy.
• Intellectual Wellness: Lifelong learning, creativity, and curiosity.
• Spiritual Wellness: Meaning, purpose, personal beliefs.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. ________ is the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of complete well-being.
   • a) Health
   • b) Wellness
   • c) Fitness
   • d) Happiness
     Answer: b) Wellness
2. ________ wellness involves maintaining a healthy body through exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest.
   • a) Emotional
   • b) Physical
   • c) Social
   • d) Occupational
     Answer: b) Physical
3. The ability to manage and express emotions in a positive way is known as ________ wellness.
   • a) Emotional
   • b) Social
   • c) Spiritual
   • d) Intellectual
     Answer: a) Emotional
4. ________ wellness is about creating and maintaining positive relationships with others.
   • a) Social
   • b) Occupational
   • c) Financial
   • d) Physical
     Answer: a) Social
5. ________ wellness involves managing personal finances to ensure financial security and reduce stress.
   • a) Emotional
   • b) Financial
   • c) Occupational
   • d) Social
     Answer: b) Financial

[Additional questions continue in this format up to 15]

FAQs with Answers

1. What is wellness?
   Wellness is the pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that promote physical, emotional, social, and intellectual health, leading to a state of complete well-being.
2. What are the different types of wellness?
   The types of wellness include physical, emotional, social, occupational, financial, intellectual, and spiritual wellness.
3. Why is wellness important in secondary schools?
   Wellness is important in schools because it enhances academic performance, reduces absenteeism, and promotes healthier lifestyle choices among students.
4. How can students promote their wellness?
   Students can promote wellness by engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and building supportive relationships.
5. What is the role of social wellness in a student’s life?
   Social wellness helps students build strong relationships, work effectively in groups, and contribute positively to their communities.

[Additional FAQs continue up to 15]

Presentation Steps

Step 1: Revision of Previous Topic

• Review students’ understanding of the importance of health services and introduce the idea that wellness goes beyond just being physically healthy.

Step 2: Introduction of New Topic

• Introduce the concept of wellness and explain how it includes physical, emotional, social, and other aspects of life that contribute to overall well-being.

Step 3: Student Contributions and Corrections

• Allow students to share what they think wellness means and discuss examples of wellness in their own lives, such as exercise routines, healthy eating, and managing stress.

Teacher’s Activities

1. Define wellness and its various branches.
2. Discuss factors that contribute to general wellness.
3. Explain the importance of wellness in Nigerian secondary schools and its impact on students’ academic and personal lives.
4. Use visual aids (charts, wellness wheels) to illustrate the dimensions of wellness.

Learners’ Activities

1. Participate in class discussions about wellness.
2. Share examples of activities that promote wellness.
3. Complete fill-in-the-blank questions and answer FAQs.

Assessment

1. Define wellness and explain its importance.
2. List the branches of wellness.
3. Discuss how wellness can be promoted in schools and in daily life.

Evaluation Questions

1. What does wellness mean?
2. Name and explain any three branches of wellness.
3. Why is financial wellness important for students?
4. How does social wellness affect your relationships?
5. What are some ways to promote physical wellness?
6. Explain the concept of emotional wellness.
7. What are the dimensions of wellness?
8. How can wellness programs in schools benefit students?
9. What is the relationship between intellectual wellness and academic success?
10. How can you maintain balance in all the areas of wellness?

Conclusion

The teacher will conclude the lesson by emphasizing the importance of maintaining wellness in all aspects of life—physical, emotional, social, and intellectual—and will encourage students to adopt healthy habits that promote well-being.