Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness is a concept that has evolved and diversified across cultures and time. It is more than just the absence of illness. It’s a dynamic and holistic process of achieving one’s full potential, encompassing various dimensions that contribute to an individual’s overall wellbeing.

The dimensions of wellness are dynamic and evolve over time, much like living entities. They are influenced by personal experiences, cultural shifts, societal changes, and technological advancements. As we go through different stages of life, our priorities and focus within these dimensions naturally shift. For instance, during a global crisis like a pandemic, the importance of social wellness might become more pronounced, highlighting the need for connection despite physical distancing.

In order to understand wellness, we need to know the dimensions of wellness and what information is setting the definition.

If you research the dimensions of wellness, you will find a variety of versions of the definition, non-conflicting, however some adding to.

According to the National Wellness Institute (NWI), there are six dimensions of wellness (created in 1976)¹:

Intellectual Wellness
Occupational Wellness
Spiritual Wellness
Social Wellness
Emotional Wellness
Physical Wellness

In 2018 the Mission of the NWI Multicultural Competency Committee created the Multicultural Wellness Wheel to address the need for a broader, more inclusive concept of wellness.1

The Multicultural Wellness Wheel focuses on three pillars for optimal and lifelong well-being:

Personal & Family Wellness
Community Wellness
Worksite Wellness

Currently, results for social wellness definitions pop up on university campus Student Health & Wellness center websites, The Ohio State University (OSU) being an example, defining Ten Dimensions of Wellness:

Career Wellness
Creative Wellness
Digital Wellness
Environmental Wellness
Intellectual Wellness
Occupational Wellness
Spiritual Wellness
Social Wellness
Emotional Wellness
Physical Wellness

Let’s dive into the dimensions…

Emotional Wellness

Central to our daily lives, emotional wellness involves coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships. It’s about being aware of and accepting our feelings, rather than denying them. This dimension encourages us to understand and respect our feelings and those of others.

Physical Wellness

This dimension underscores the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and adequate rest. It’s about taking care of our bodies for optimal health and functioning. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest all contribute to good health, which in turn affects our emotional wellness.

Intellectual Wellness

Intellectual wellness involves engaging in creative and stimulating mental activities. Our minds need to be continually inspired and exercised just as our bodies do. People who possess a high level of intellectual wellness have an active mind and continue to learn. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand knowledge, improve skills, and create potential for sharing with others.

Occupational Wellness

This aspect relates to deriving personal satisfaction and fulfillment from our jobs or our chosen career fields while still maintaining balance in our lives. Our attitude about our work can play a significant role in our overall well-being.

Spiritual Wellness

This dimension involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe. Your religious faith, values, beliefs, principles, and morals define your spirituality.

Social Wellness

This dimension emphasizes the interdependence between others and nature. It encourages us to live harmoniously with others, respect the diversity of people in our community, and connect with others. The quality of our relationships with friends, family, and the community at large plays a significant role in our overall well-being.

These six dimensions of wellness should not be considered as independent or isolated from each other. They are interconnected, contributing to our own sense of fulfillment or wellness. The National Wellness Institute’s model of wellness focuses on the Whole Person, Environment, Lifestyle, and Learning, and how these factors are interwoven in our journey towards optimal living.

Financial Wellness

This dimension addresses the importance of financial stability and security. Financial wellness involves being informed about and managing your financial expenses, savings, and investments in a way that is in harmony with your personal values and life goals. It’s about creating a sense of satisfaction with your financial situation, minimizing financial stress, and making informed choices that support your overall well-being.

Environmental Wellness

This aspect focuses on living a lifestyle that is respectful of our environment. This involves understanding how our daily habits affect the environment, and acting in ways that contribute to a sustainable, environmentally healthy world. This dimension encourages us to engage with our community, appreciate our natural surroundings, and make choices that positively impact the health of our planet.

SOCIAL WELLNESS is profoundly interconnected with other wellness dimensions…

Social wellness is an integral part of overall well-being, deeply interconnected with the other dimensions of wellness. It refers to the relationships we have and how we interact with others. Our social networks — family, friends, colleagues, and community members — play a crucial role in our health and happiness.

Imagine this…

Carmen’s life is a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of various wellness dimensions, all interconnected through their social experiences. Their days are filled with moments that subtly yet significantly influence their overall wellbeing.

At work, Carmen finds joy and fulfillment not just in the tasks they perform but in the laughter shared with colleagues over lunch breaks and the collaborative spirit of team projects. These interactions at the office contribute to a sense of belonging and accomplishment, enhancing both their job satisfaction, sense of community, and feeling of belonging.

Their weekends are often spent in the outdoors and nature, hiking with friends or participating in community clean-up drives. These activities not only nourish Carmen’s love for the environment but also keep them physically active and mentally rejuvenated. The conversations during these outings, ranging from light-hearted banter to deep discussions about life, add to their emotional and intellectual richness.

Back home, Carmen often reflects on these experiences, finding that their social interactions deeply align with their personal values and beliefs. Whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or joining a book club, these activities reinforce their sense of purpose and belonging, enriching their spiritual journey.

Even in moments of solitude, Carmen feels the impact of their social connections. They find comfort in the memories of shared experiences and the anticipation of future gatherings. This sense of connectedness, transcending physical presence, is a testament to the depth and strength of their relationships.

Carmen’s story is a reminder of how our social world is intricately linked to various aspects of our wellness. It’s not just about the physical presence or the conversations we have; it’s about the shared experiences, the collective growth, and the emotional bonds that form the foundation of our well-being. Through Carmen, we see how social wellness is not a standalone aspect but a vibrant thread interwoven through the fabric of our lives, influencing and enhancing every other dimension of wellness.

In conclusion, the interconnectivity and evolving nature of the dimensions of wellness highlight the complexity of our well-being. It’s a reminder that maintaining balance and harmony across these dimensions requires an adaptable and holistic approach, one that evolves as we navigate through different phases of life and as society changes.

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