In some ways individuals should address these kinds of issues before hitting the workplace. An employer wants everything focused on the job. But it is not always that simple. It is often the pressure of the job itself that causes emotional stress, physical fatigue, a dull mind and strained relationships. That being the case, it is essential for every company to provide ways for their people to address these issues, even in the workplace. In fact, any organization that wants to be successful over the long term will deal aggressively with these matters.

The Nature of Human Systems

      So, just what are the things that have to be handled? They fit into four categories - the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual. These are the essential elements of our humanity. These are the things that make up who we are as human beings and that we can actually manipulate in order to generate personal growth. They are also the things that, if we neglect, will cause our personal decline. Let’s look at each area individually to see what is involved.

Emotional Elements

      Emotions relate to how we feel. While most people don’t like to admit that their lives are controlled by emotions, the fact is, the large majority of people basically live their lives based on how they feel. It is mostly an “autopilot” response. We react more than act.

      This does not mean, though, that we are doomed to a reactive life. We have the capacity to override emotion. All it requires is deliberate intention. Doing this at one moment or for a short period of time is the common experience of most everyone. Long term emotional control, however, takes more effort. It is a set of skills that takes knowledge and practice. Anyone who wants to move powerfully forward in life must learn and practice these skills as part of a daily routine.

Physical Elements

      We exist in a physical environment and are hosted in a physical body. Our mind can operate in ways that allow us to transcend the body with our thoughts, and this mental ability is a wonderful thing. But there is no way to actually leave the body. While we cannot escape its limitations, we can expand them.

      The limitations we experience with the body relate to nutrition, rest and exercise. To the degree we work on these things we become more able to develop the stamina which allows us to maintain control over our emotions, mind and spirit. If we neglect our physical part, we become weak and unable to sustain that control.

Mental Elements

      The mental part of our personhood relates to what goes on with our brain. This involves the chemical and electrical impulses of brain activity. Just as it is possible to do physical exercise that strengthens our muscles, there are mental exercises that can improve the ability of our brain to function effectively. We can work on things like adding content, developing concentration, expanding our focus and enhancing brain flexibility.

      All of this activity occurs automatically in every person. It is part of the normal course of living life. But the everyday use of our brains does not tend to expand our abilities, only to keep them at the level of our normal daily operation.