Five Steps To Total Wellness

We're constantly told that it's important to eat right and exercise to stay healthy. But Dr. Andrea Pennington believes there's a lot more to be considered if you really want to achieve total wellness.

In her new book, "The Pennington Plan," she explains how to balance the mind, body and spirit.

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"The Pennington Plan, as outlined in the book, is a five-step motivational plan that we've been using with patients at our institute in Maryland, Pennington explained. "It's really been designed to help people get all the information they need, and actually stick with their health plan so that they can achieve total wellness.

"It's for men, it's for women, young or old. Whatever area of your life needs work, whether it's a relationship, your job or your physical or emotional health, you can use this five-step plan."

Pennington says she really wants "to challenge Americans to reclaim wellness, because it's inside each and every one of us. So no matter what's going on in your life, you really can tap into that internal power and transform your life into one that really honors your dreams."

She says she's seen the results firsthand: "I have seen this plan do amazing things in my own life and with my patients. We have a guy who lost 212 pounds, Jeffrey, back in Maryland. He used the five-step plan. We've seen people overcome depression, anxiety, even addiction. So no matter what's going on with you, you have the power."

THE FIVE STEPS, as outlined by Pennington:

Define your goals

"What I ask for people to do is actually write down what their goal is, very descriptively. It's not enough just to say I want to lose 30 pounds or get my blood pressure down. I want you to really start engaging your mind and even your soul by really being descriptive about what it is you want, how will you look, how will you feel how, how will you carry yourself when you get to that goal."

Define your motivation

"This one is really important. A lot of people think, 'It's a no-brainer. I just want to be healthy to live longer.' But you really need to come up with at least five motivating factors for why this goal is so important to you

Devise a plan and get started

"You really do have to devise a plan. I recommend, again, that you have five pathways to your goal. It's not enough for us to have one particular way that we're going to get from here to our wellness destination. And when you're planning, what I want you to do is think about what tripped you up in the past, and plan for potential pitfalls. That way you can embark on this journey with all the confidence."

Chart your progress

"We ask that you keep a journal, make little notes every time you hit a significant milestone. This is really critical for people who have a long-term goal. …Tracking your progress and doing journaling has actually been proven in clinical studies to help people achieve that state of total wellness, because it really goes beyond your physical being. It really goes into your getting excited about life again. When you journal and you look back over your progress, you can say, 'Wow, I really am powerful."

Celebrate your success every day

"As you track your progress, take a little timeouts for yourself. Maybe it's some pampering. Maybe it's celebrating with a new outfit or just 20 minutes of 'me time.' I do recommend that you not celebrate with food. We want you to get in the habit of using non-food rewards."