August 2, 2021
- Hope you’re well.
- How have you been, well?
- I hope you’re doing well.
- Hope all is well with you.
- Stay safe and well.
- I’m well, thanks.
Such common phrases. But “to be well,” what does that really mean? It’s such a loaded, multi-dimensional concept – “to be well.” It’s usually just asking if someone’s doing ok in general terms, but wellness as a whole, includes eight different dimensions that are intricately linked. And sometimes, we can be really well in one area, but not so well in another. The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as ‘an active process toward a more successful existence.’
- Physical Health – maintaining a healthy body and seeking care when needed (sleep, self-care, eating habits, exercise)
- Emotional/Mental Health – having an open mind when you encounter new ideas and continuing to expand your knowledge (the quality of your thoughts, level of positivity, attitude toward the world)
- Finances – the process of learning how to successfully manage financial expenses (sticking to a budget, savings, tendency to overspend)
- Relationships/Social – perform social roles effectively and comfortably, and create a support network (interactions with family, friends, partners, colleagues, etc.)
- Career/Occupation – enjoying your occupational endeavors and appreciating your contributions (productivity levels, attitude toward work, fulfillment with position)
- Home/Environment – live a lifestyle that is respectful of our surroundings (the level of comfort in your living space, cleanliness/tidiness, organization)
- Intellectual – recognize your unique talents to be creative and you seek out ways to use your knowledge and skills (Reading, doing challenging puzzles such as crosswords or Sudoku, debating issues with others who have opposing viewpoints)
- Spiritual/Personal Growth – develop a set of values that help you seek meaning and purpose (connecting with yourself or a higher power, learning new skills)
Take stock of how well you feel in each dimension. Using the blank wellness wheel, rank the different areas of your life on a scale of 1-10 based on how satisfied you feel with them. Are there steps you can take to help you feel more fulfilled in one area or another?
Check out these tips and resources for improving or addressing each area:
- https://www.oberlin.edu/health-promotion/eight-dimensions
- https://www.lifeofwellness.ca/8-dimensions-of-wellness/
- https://lifestylefacts.org/
- https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma16-4958.pdf
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