What Security Systems Taught Me About Health and Wellness

You ever hear of security circles? It’s a concept used in home and business security planning—basically, it means setting up multiple layers of protection around what matters most. The farther out you go, the more general and preventive the protection. The closer in you get, the more focused and critical it becomes.

Now, here’s the thing: that same idea works perfectly when you’re thinking about your health and wellness. In fact, I’d argue that creating “wellness circles” around your life is one of the smartest, most sustainable ways to take care of yourself.

Let me break it down:

1. Outer Circle: Your Environment and Lifestyle

This is the stuff that’s around you every day—your habits, your home, your relationships, your rhythms.

Are you eating well? Moving your body? Sleeping enough?

Do you spend time with people who energize you—or drain you?

Is your home a place of peace or chaos?

Are you drinking enough water? Staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support your body.

Are you choosing fresh, whole foods over processed options? Adding more vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins can make a world of difference in how you feel.

This circle is all about prevention. You’re creating a healthy environment that discourages illness and stress from even getting close.

2. Second Circle: Early Detection and Daily Check-Ins

This is where you start tuning in a little more closely.

Do you notice when your energy dips or your mood shifts?

Are you checking in with yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally?

Are you going to your annual checkups or ignoring that ache that’s been bugging you?

In this circle, simple herbal remedies can also play a role. When you feel a scratchy throat or fatigue creeping in, consider immune-supporting herbs like echinacea, elderberry, or ginger. These can help your body fend off illness before it fully takes hold.

Here, you’re not just preventing problems—you’re catching them early, before they become something bigger. You’re paying attention and adjusting as needed.

3. Third Circle: Resilience and Recovery

Sometimes life still gets through the first two layers. A virus sneaks in. A heartbreak hits. Burnout creeps up. This is when your inner defenses matter most.

Do you have tools to cope? A therapist to talk to? A quiet space to rest?

Do you know how to take care of yourself when you're feeling overwhelmed or broken down?

Do you lean on soothing herbal teas like chamomile or ashwagandha when your nerves feel frayed?

This layer is about bouncing back. It’s your emotional and physical support system when life doesn’t go as planned.

4. Core Circle: Your Purpose and Vitality

At the very center is you—your life force, your values, your why.

What gives your life meaning?

What brings you joy, even on a hard day?

Are you living in alignment with who you really are?

Protecting this core is everything. Because when you’re connected to your purpose, your energy flows differently. You make better choices. You recover faster. You’re stronger—not just physically, but spiritually.

Layered Wellness = Real Resilience

Just like in security, no single layer is enough on its own. You need them all working together. If your outer habits slip, your awareness can catch it. If stress breaks through, your recovery tools can hold you up. And your purpose—the thing that fuels your soul—keeps you moving forward.

So maybe it’s time to think of your health less like a to-do list and more like a system of protection. One that keeps you safe, steady, and strong—starting from the inside out.