What is Wellness?
Understanding The Six Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential. This is a life-long process of moving towards enhancing your physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
These six dimensions highlight important components of wellness. Take time to explore your own level of wellness and see if you have gotten “your dose of wellness” today!
Intellectual Wellness
- Find outlets that are intellectually stimulating
- Set and meet realistic goals academically, personally, and professionally
- Decide on things that help you relax and do them
- Take advantage of opportunities that may offer you different experiences
- Practices deep breathing to help the mind-body connection
- Spoil yourself after completing a goal
Spiritual Wellness
- Nourish yourself through personal beliefs, morals, and/or religion
- Feel connected with yourself and others
- Find purpose in life and meaning in the little things you do everyday
- Develop a philosophy of life that you want to live by
Environmental Wellness
- Appreciate and respect the environment
- Do your part to preserve and improve environmental conditions
- Whether it’s at home or work, have a welcoming space for you and others to feel comfortable
- Reduce noise and pollution
- Keep yourself and others safe – like buckling up
- Have a place that you can go to relax, chill out
Physical Wellness
- Get a physical exam
- Be consistent with self-exams like Breast Self Exam / Testicular Self Exam
- For women, get yearly gynecological exams
- Stay current on immunizations
- Exercise regularly and eat balanced meals
- Get dental and eye exams
- Limit or avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Get a massage to ease tired and worked muscles
Emotional Wellness
- Recognize when your emotions affect your body
- Express your needs, feelings, and opinions appropriately
- Use humor to defuse negative thoughts or situations
- Use journal writing to relieve stress and express your thoughts
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member and vent
- Give and receive lots of hugs
- Be optimistic – believe in yourself and your abilities
- If you are feeling overwhelmed, make an appointment with a professional healthcare provider
Social Wellness
- Develop relationships where both parties feel good
- Interacts well with others in public and private situations
- Maintain values and beliefs without being persuaded by peer pressure
- Feel comfortable adapting to various social settings
- Join clubs to expand your social network, it’s a great way to get involved and meet others with similar interests
- Read the newspaper – you will be amazed with all of the events going on and off campus