The Wellness Wheel: A 360-Degree Approach to Feel Incredible

If we think about our approach to fitness during our 20s and 30s, we might recall the ingrained belief that doing more cardio and eating fewer carbs was the ultimate (and frankly, only) formula for success. More often than not, though, this formula proves inadequate as we age, leaving us on an unfulfilling wellness rollercoaster ride that yields only temporary results.

Over the years, I've witnessed countless individuals embark on wellness journeys that led to frustrating cycles of highs and lows. These journeys typically involved a narrow focus on intense exercise and strict dietary restrictions. They also tended to vacillate in diet and exercise routines. Many would get in shape for specific events, like weddings or reunions, only to backslide afterward. The critical components of stress resilience and calendar management were often overlooked, and sleep was relegated to the status of a chore rather than a vital part of wellness. Additionally, persistent unhelpful habits and negative self-talk often undermine progress.

Throughout my coaching career, I've also witnessed sustainable wellness SUCCESS stories. These stories manifest when a holistic approach that considers the entire individual—not just isolated aspects like fitness—is the center of focus. Studying these success stories over the span of two decades, I identified five facets of a sustainable wellness practice that support us as a whole person instead of the number on the scale—these facets are the spokes to my Wellness Wheel.

  •          Sleep

  •          Stress Resilience

  •          Movement

  •          Food as Fuel

  •          Calendar Management

My Wellness Wheel was created to address the struggles of countless women seeking improved wellness. While the foods we choose and our movement are undoubtedly essential components of our healthiest existence, they are just pieces of a larger and more-complex puzzle. As you can see, the Wellness Wheel depicts the concept that wellness encompasses various ‘spokes,’ each equally important and interconnected to give us the lasting wellness we deserve.

When we adopt a holistic approach, incorporating strategies from the Wellness Wheel, we experience a total revolution in our lives, along with a departure from the cycle of fad diets, medications, and exercise programs that keep us feeling perpetually worse about ourselves.

Regrettably, the fitness industry often overlooks this holistic perspective in favor of a more exercise-centric approach due to its widespread appeal and accessibility; but the time has come for wellness programs that address the whole individual, not just physical fitness. This is the motivation behind my Small Group Concierge Wellness program, a comprehensive 360-degree wellness initiative for those who want to consciously shift away from a victim mentality, and opt for a victorious lifestyle instead. Together, we choose a path of wellness beyond diet and fitness, commit to incremental and consistent habit changes, and continually cultivate a growth mindset.

This journey isn't effortless. It requires making a conscious decision to prioritize yourself, each and every day, using the Wellness Wheel as our guide. This journey is worth it, though—a path we are all deserving of to travel together.

To help you master these practices, I've also created an online program that delves into each wheel spoke in great detail, providing strategies to develop new habits. These practices align closely with the keys to mastering menopause.

My Master Menopause NOW! course, built upon the Wellness Wheel principles, underscores the interrelated nature of the wellness components sleep, stress, movement, nutrition, and calendar management. In this course, we:

  • Measure success differently: We prioritize overall wellness over the number on the scale.

  • Overcome old habits: We focus on replacing ineffective habits with achievable new ones.

  • Address deep-rooted issues: We delve into what's holding you back from making lasting changes.

  • Prioritize strength: We emphasize physical and emotional health over being ‘skinny.’

If you're ready to embark on a transformative wellness journey like the many inspiring women who are part of my ever-growing community, please explore our Small Group Concierge Wellness program and Master Menopause NOW! course, both launching this fall.

Adrien Cotton

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ADRIEN COTTON believes the greatest gift you can give to yourself is the gift of wellness.

After serving in high-leverage professional roles, including being one of the youngest Communications Directors in the US House of Representatives, Adrien pivoted her career focus to helping clients capture their strength in all areas of life. An accomplished speaker, entrepreneur, corporate wellness educator, menopause expert, and wellness coach, Adrien has proven success in designing and implementing innovative wellness programs. 

With a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University, Adrien sharpened her professional skills by working with individuals from all walks of life. This unique background allows her to tailor her services for each and every client, with optimization and long-lasting success as the goal. Her effectiveness is rooted in a solid foundation of growth-oriented principles, a proven history of helping clients transform their lives, and a deep level of relatability gained from her personal wellness journey.

Since founding her wellness enterprise, Adrien leverages her fitness and wellness background to guide people from a state of giving up to a place of proactive self-care. Her work extends beyond nutrition and exercise, emphasizing lifestyle and high-impact areas of focus visually represented in her Wellness Wheel. Incorporating strategies in stress resilience, sleep, calendar management, mindfulness, and menopause, she’s helped transform hundreds of lives.

Adrien is living her mission to support clients in shifting their mindsets and helping them leverage small habits that yield lasting results.

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