Six dimensions of wellness

Tired of having illness? Maybe it’s time to have some “wellness.” A current thought is that maybe we emphasize illness too much and should look to wellness as a new model to help us live with the everyday problems and challenges that we face. The typical wellness model of maintaining mental health has six dimensions or categories that are the emotional, spiritual, physical, social, occupational, and intellectual. The path to wellness involves having beliefs and activities across these six dimensions.

The occupational or career dimension realizes that work is an important part of enriching one’s life. Choosing a career that matches one’s values and interests can lead to career wellness, contributing to a satisfying life. Spending time learning skills that can be used in a career can keep one involved and active in a positive way.

The physical dimension involves exercise and good eating habits. Building strength and stamina, and the wise use of what medicine has to offer will help one to maintain a fit body and mind. Good nutrition is an important in this dimension.

The intellectual dimension encourages creative, learning, and cultural activities that may include reading and developing personal interests. Challenging one’s mind and being a productive problem solver are important components of wellness.

The spiritual dimension involves the search for purpose and meaning in life. Developing a sense of harmony between oneself and what one encounters along the wellness path and learning to deal with the negative and positive feelings that arise from this encounter is part of the spiritual dimension. Living in a harmonious way with one’s values and beliefs is the spiritual goal for wellness.

The social dimension encourages one to make positive contributions to one’s community and the overall environment. Recognizing that one is part of nature is one of the tenets of this dimension. Forming good relationships and friendships through the use of good communication skills while maintaining a community conducive to social development is the social goal for wellness.

And lastly, the emotional dimension involves being aware of and accepting one’s own feelings. Managing one’s feelings and behaviors, dealing effectively with stress, understanding one’s limitations, and being autonomous while maintaining meaningful relationships with others are all part of this dimension.

These six dimensions offer a model for developing a life that is wellness directed rather than illness focused. It outlines a plan based upon values and actions that can help to lead one toward a more productive and positive life. Working with a wellness coach or therapist can start and keep one on such a wellness path. Perhaps this is something for you!