Optimal Health Program

Overview of the Optimal Health Program (OHP)

OHP is a holistic approach to mental and physical wellbeing, developed with the goal of empowering individuals to take charge of their health. It combines over 20 years of research and program delivery, focusing on proactive mental health care rather than reacting to crises. The program aims to help participants identify where they are in their wellbeing journey, where they want to improve, and what strategies they can use to maintain or achieve optimal health.

The OHP emphasizes the importance of understanding personal strengths and vulnerabilities, recognizing early warning signs of stress or illness, and using tailored strategies to manage and maintain health. It incorporates the use of collaborative partnerships, practical tools such as the Optimal Health Wheel, and individualized health plans.

Here are four core concepts of the OHP:

1. The Optimal Health Wheel

The Optimal Health Wheel is a key tool in the OHP, encouraging participants to assess their wellbeing across six areas: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, values, and engagement. This holistic view allows individuals to see where they are flourishing and where they may need improvement. The Wheel serves as a foundation for developing personalized health plans that evolve as life circumstances change.

2. I-Can-Do Model

The I-Can-Do Model is another core element of the program, helping participants understand how their strengths, vulnerabilities, stressors, and strategies interact. This model empowers individuals to manage stress by focusing on what they can control and using their strengths to navigate challenges. It serves as a framework for problem-solving and resilience-building.

3. Collaborative Partnerships

Recognizing the importance of social support, OHP emphasizes building collaborative partnerships. These partnerships can include family, friends, healthcare providers, or other supportive individuals who play a role in maintaining the participant’s wellbeing. The program encourages participants to engage these partners in their health journey, particularly when implementing strategies from their health plans.

4. Personalized Health Plans

The OHP provides participants with three personalized health plans designed to address different stages of wellbeing:

• Health Plan 1: Used when participants are feeling well and want to maintain optimal health.

• Health Plan 2: Activated when participants experience sub-optimal health, such as prolonged stress or early warning signs of illness.

• Health Plan 3: Used during episodes of illness or trauma, helping individuals regain control with the support of their collaborative partners and healthcare providers.

5. Stress Management and Resilience Building

A significant focus of the program is on managing stress before it becomes overwhelming. The OHP teaches participants to identify early warning signs of stress or ill health and offers strategies to manage these signs effectively. By integrating stress management into daily life, individuals can prevent health issues from escalating and develop greater resilience over time.

Congratulations on completing the Optimal Health Program! You've made an incredible commitment to your mental and physical wellbeing, and the tools you've gained throughout this journey will serve you for the rest of your life. Remember, health is not static—it changes as we grow, face new challenges, and achieve new milestones. But now, you’re equipped to navigate those changes with confidence.

As you move forward, trust in the strengths you've identified, lean on the strategies you’ve developed, and don’t hesitate to call on your collaborative partners when needed. The Health Plans you’ve crafted are there to guide you, but more than anything, know that you have the power and resilience to maintain and enhance your wellbeing, no matter what comes your way.

Keep checking in with yourself, listen to your body and mind, and celebrate the progress you’ve made. You've already taken major steps toward living a life of optimal health—keep going, because your journey has only just begun!