Google the phrase “pillars of health,” and you’ll find that there are a lot of folks weighing in with thoughts on what, exactly,
those are. Aetna, for example, offers up nutrition, exercise, relaxation and sleep, missing what I personally believe to be a crucial pillar of health—connection with other people—but at least capturing the four that just about everyone can agree on.
My favorite list of 12 pillars comes from the website for Darryl Edwards’ Primal Play Method (which aims to make exercise fun, and thus, something we want to do), and includes things like “follow the sun” (respecting your circadian rhythm), “interact with nature,” “manage stress appropriately” and “play wholeheartedly.”
Looking over just about every list that summarizes conceptions of health essentials, one can’t help but notice how many of these basic foundations of whole-person wellness are supported by recreation, sports and fitness facilities—even on more extensive lists like the Primal Play list. Health clubs encourage activity and human connection. Trails provide a place to move the body and connect with nature. Park district yoga and tai chi classes offer a way to slow down and get some deep breaths. Splash play areas and playgrounds offer a location for wholehearted play.
Neglect any of these pillars—in your own life as an individual, or on a macro level as a community (or even as a culture)—and you’ll quickly see their importance to health: your own personal health, your community’s health, and beyond.
It’s worth taking a moment to pause and think about how healthy behaviors are embraced (or ignored). What do you believe are the most essential pieces of building a healthy life? How do you support those in your own life? In your community?
Be well,
Emily Tipping
Editorial Director,
Recreation Management
[email protected]
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