The idea of total wellness suggests wellness of mind, body, and spirit.
In this earthly realm, we find our mortal existence to be subject to laws of entropy. Entropy plays a fascinating role in both physics and our understanding of well-being. Entropy relates to the natural tendency of systems to evolve toward equilibrium.
In physics, entropy is a fundamental concept related to disorder and energy dispersal. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that in a closed system, the total entropy always increases over time.
As energy spreads out and becomes more evenly distributed, entropy increases. When a cup of hot coffee cools down, the heat energy disperses, and the "system" becomes more disordered.
Our bodies are open systems, interacting with the environment. As such is the case, energy from our bodies will, over time, dissipate into the environment, just as the heat from a cup of coffee. Entropy affects processes like digestion, metabolism, and heat exchange.
Maintaining homeostasis (internal balance) requires energy expenditure to counteract entropy (the dissipation of energy from the body into the environment). Our bodies strive to maintain equilibrium (low entropy) for optimal functioning. The human body constantly exchanges heat energy with its surroundings.
Homeostatic mechanisms regulate temperature, blood pressure, and other vital parameters.
Successful thermoregulation during exercise relies on both physical dissipation of heat to the external environment and physiological mechanisms. These mechanisms facilitate heat transfer from muscles and internal organs to the skin surface.
Regular physical activity helps manage entropy. Exercise increases energy expenditure, promoting overall well-being.
Proper nutrition provides energy and nutrients to counteract entropy. Balanced diets support cellular processes and maintain health.
We cannot escape or ignore the reality of entropy and its impact on our body. What affects our body also affects our mind and spirit. This understanding and the exercise of intelligently directed volitional energy (will power) is essential for our well-being. We must apply our minds to understand entropy and our bodies, and we must apply our spirits (muster the will) to work to counteract the impact of entropy on our bodies to survive and thrive.
The survival and vitality of our bodies requires (depends on) the wellness of our minds and spirits. We must have both properly functioning understanding and will power sufficient to apply that understanding appropriately to the objective of survival, at least, or whatever measure of vitality we may hope to achieve.
continue
home |
contents |
return |
continue |
logout