Dimensions of Wellness

Physical Health

The optimal functioning of the body's major physiological systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems).

Intellectual Health

The ability to gather, process, recall, and communicate information; the ability to solve problems effectively and creatively; stretching and challenging the mind with intellectual pursuits instead of becoming self-satisfied and unproductive.

Emotional Health

The possession of a secure self-identity and a positive sense of self-regard. Also the ability to recognize, accept, feel and express the full range of human emotions and manage feelings effectively.

Spiritual Health

The development of a strong personal value system and a meaningful purpose in life. It does not necessarily mean one is religious, but that they ponder the meaning of life and are tolerant of the beliefs of others. Spiritually well people have a clear sense of right and wrong, and act accordingly.

Social Health

The ability to relate well to others; the process of forming and contributing to supportive relationships with family, friends, and associates and within one's environment.

Environmental Health

The capability to live, work, and play in a clean and safe environment that is not detrimental to health. It reflects the fact that personal health depends on the health of the planet.

Wellness

A state of being that enables you to reach your fullest potential; consists of several interrelated dimensions.

Example of physical wellness

Being physically active, eating a well balanced diet, getting enough sleep

Example of emotional wellness

How you're feeling and how you're dealing with it

Example of social wellness

Meaningful connection to another person

Example of environmental wellness

Limiting exposure to toxic chemicals

Example of intellectual wellness

Reading, learning a new language, playing a musical instrument

Example of spiritual wellness

Meditation, clarifying values

Wellness wheel

Primarily used as a tool to evaluate and improve health. As we go through life, the different aspects of wellness will fall in and out of balance and may need more attention than other areas.

Occupational/Career Health

The process of making and maintaining choices related to work including working in a job for which we are well suited and from which we gain satisfaction.

Example of occupational wellness

Contribute your skills that make you happy, working in a way that fits into your personal learning style, finding inspiration and motivation in what you do

Multicultural health

Awareness and understanding of others. Recognizes that each person brings a diverse set of experiences that shapes their view of health and well-being. Recognizes the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and justice. All individuals deserve access to health and health services.

Financial health

The role of money and finances in the ability to access and maintain good health. Includes financial goals, access to credit, available income, budgeting, and savings in order to achieve realistic goals and live within one's means.

Example of multicultural wellness

Awareness of your own cultural identity, taking the initiative to learn about the cultural identities of your peers

Example of financial wellness

Budgeting effectively, tracking spending, limiting overspending

Sexual health

The relationship of our mental, physical, and emotional health as it relates to our sexuality and intimate partner relationships. Includes sexual identity, healthy intimate partner relationships free of violence and coercion, testing for STIs, use of contraception, discussion of limits within relationships, and delay and abstinence.

Example of sexual wellness

Effective communication with intimate partner about boundaries, accessing reproductive health services