From doctor’s offices to detox diets, the word ‘wellness’ has become commonplace, yet it’s widespread use is riddled with misconceptions and conflicting opinions as to what it truly means. Meanwhile, people continue to experience deteriorating physical and mental health, increasingly stressful living conditions, unrealistic societal expectations, and a growing disconnect from realizing their full potential and innate purpose. The time has come to evolve from simply surviving day-to-day life to truly thriving in all facets of life—physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and socially. And the fact of the matter is, the most current science validates what many thought leaders have long believed to be true—that cultivating the conditions for positive health and high-level wellness is ultimately an inside job. Assistant Professor, Kinesiology & Integrative Wellness, Point Loma Nazarene University

Dr. Jessica Matthews is an innovative educator who has designed and implemented degree and professional certificate programs at several colleges in San Diego, including the Master of Kinesiology in Integrative Wellness program at PLNU. One of the first national board certified health and wellness coaches (NBC-HWC) in the country, Matthews serves on the research team within the UC San Diego Centers for Integrative Health, leading the design and implementation of behavioral interventions within clinical lifestyle medicine studies.

In addition to creating and teaching a variety of graduate courses in areas such as integrative health and mind-body medicine, for more than 10 years Matthews has regularly contributed as a wellness expert to numerous publications and media outlets, including, but not limited to, The New York Times, NPR, Women’s Health, Oprah.com and Doctor Radio. She has also authored and edited several books, including The Professional’s Guide to Health and Wellness Coaching: Empower Transformation Through Lifestyle Behavior Change.

Matthews is genuinely passionate about inspiring others to thrive in their lives—physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially—while simultaneously serving the greater good. As such, she guides donation-based oceanfront yoga classes in which 100% of proceeds from every class are donated to various non-profit organizations which speak to her heart.

For her superior instructional abilities and positive influence within her local community and the global health and fitness industry, Matthews was honored as the 2017 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx