How to Define a Health Triangle

The health triangle, with one aspect of health assigned to each of its equilateral sides, is used to define and illustrate the concept of having all aspects of our life and health in balance with each other. Once you've drawn the ideal health triangle, draw another triangle to represent the current state of your own physical, mental and social health. The more attention and effort you give to each aspect of health, the longer that side of the triangle will be. Are the sides of your own triangle equal? If not, you may need to focus on improving the aspects of your own health that are represented by the shorter sides of the triangle.

Instructions

• 1

  Draw an equilateral triangle---that is, all three sides should be of equal length.

• 2

  Label one side of the triangle as "Physical." This represents all aspects of physical health, such as exercising to keep fit and maintain ideal weight, eating a healthy diet, practicing good grooming, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.

• 3

  Label another side of the triangle as "Mental." Some prefer to label this as "Mental/Emotional." This side of the triangle deals with lifelong learning and acquisition of new information, developing critical thinking and decision making skills, and learning how to cope with life's difficulties.

• 4

  Label the final side of the triangle as "Social." This refers to making and keeping healthy friendships and relationships, working well in groups as well as supporting and being supported by others.