A Detailed Description of Wellness and its Dimensions

Wellness is a concept that is associated with the context of health. It differs from person to person. Unfortunately, people do not have complete awareness about wellness, and they often consider wellness as the physical well-being of a person. However, it is essential to understand that wellness shouldn’t be taken only in terms of physical health. 

This blog discusses wellness and its top 8 dimensions. Read further to learn more about the topic.

What is Wellness?

According to the National Library of Medicine resource, wellness is a holistic integration of a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It further includes fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit. 

It simply states that if a person is physically, mentally and spiritually well, only then he will be considered as completely well. 

Why is Wellness Necessary?

Wellness is crucial for the complete well-being of a person. Generally, a person’s life revolves around eight major segments, i.e., physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, occupational, intellectual, and financial. Neglection of one can adversely affect the other and, ultimately, one’s health, well-being, and life. Thus, it is essential to maintain harmony and balance between them to lead a healthy and happy life.

What are the Different Dimensions of Wellness?

There are top 8 dimensions of wellness that a person should know and take necessary steps towards achieving a higher level of harmony between them. 

1. Physical Dimension

The first and the primary dimension of wellness is physical wellness. It refers to caring for your body to stay healthy now & forever. It is attained by following a regular exercise routine, eating well, getting enough sleep, focusing on the symptoms of illness, and getting help when needed. In other words, it relates to maintaining a healthy body and seeking care when needed.

Strategies to improve your physical wellness

● Eat a healthy diet

● Build healthy habits

● Follow a daily workout routine

● Mind your metabolism

● Stay hydrated

● Maintain a healthy weight

● Stay active

2. Emotional Dimension

The emotional dimension of wellness refers to understanding and constructively managing your emotions. Along with the management of self emotions, it also includes appreciating the feeling of others, effectively coping with stress and feeling positive & enthusiastic about life. It is essential to pay attention to self-care, relaxation, stress reduction and the development of inner resources to achieve desired emotional dimension. Emotional wellness helps in learning and growing from experiences. 

Strategies to improve your emotional wellness

● Brighten your outlook

● Manage stress by practicing relaxing activities such as yoga.

● Get quality sleep 

● Strengthen your social connections

● Practice mindful eating

● Exercise daily

● Limit the use of electronic gadgets before bedtime

● Avoid alcohol and large meals before bedtime

● Consult with a healthcare professional wherever required

3. Intellectual Dimension

The intellectual dimension refers to growing intellectually, maintaining curiosity about life, valuing lifelong learning and responding positively to intellectual challenges. It generally involves expanding knowledge and having an open mind when encountering new ideas. The intellectual dimension encourages active participation in scholastic, cultural and community activities. 

Strategies to improve the Intellectual wellness

● Read good books

● Pick a new hobby and spare some time daily on it

● Exercise daily

● Spend time with intellectual people

● Follow a good diet

● Practice self-reflection

● Meditate everyday

● Stay hydrated

4. Social Dimension 

The fourth dimension of wellness emphasizes maintaining healthy relationships, enjoying being with others, developing friendships and intimate relations and caring for others. It lets you contribute to your community and helps you perform social roles effectively and comfortably. This dimension allows you to develop encouraging relationships with peers and intimate relationships with romantic partners.

Strategies to improve the Social wellness

● Stick to a healthy routine

● Surround yourself with good people 

● Practice self-care

● Engage in hobbies and extracurriculars

● Develop effective communication skills

● Read good books

5. Spiritual Dimension

The spiritual dimension of wellness involves participating in activities consistent with your beliefs and values. It allows you to find purpose, value, and meaning in your life with or without organized religion. It can be presented in many ways, for example, through relaxation or religious activities. Being spiritually well means awareness about the resources to cope with issues that come in everyday life. 

Strategies to improve the Spiritual dimension

● Practice yoga 

● Meditate daily

● Spend time in nature

● Engage in spiritual sessions

● Maintain a journal

● Join any spiritual community to learn from trained spiritual advocates

6. Vocational Dimension

The vocational dimension encourages personal satisfaction and enrichment in one’s life through work. It involves preparing for & participating in work that provides personal fulfillment and life enrichment that is consistent with your values, goals & lifestyle. It also includes contributing your unique gifts, skills, and talents to work that is personally meaningful and rewarding. In other words, it is about enjoying your occupational endeavors and appreciating your contributions.

Strategies to improve the vocational dimension

● Increase awareness about vast career opportunities

● Explore your skills, interests, values, and needs for the desired option

● Develop effective job-related skills in assertiveness, confrontation, feedback, time management, active listening, and motivation

● Learn to maintain the work-life balance

● Choose a significant career direction that reflects your values, preferences, interests, and skills

7. Financial Dimension

Money is significant in our lives and not having enough of it impacts health and academic performance. Hence, it is crucial to take care of financial wellness effectively. The financial dimension of wellness refers to the process of learning successful management of financial expenses. It involves managing your resources to live within your means, making informed financial decisions & investments, setting realistic goals, and preparing for short-term & long-term needs or emergencies. 

Strategies to improve the Financial dimension

● Create a budget that works for you

● Make an emergency fund account

● Be open to talking about money with your close people

● Educate yourself about money matters

● Don’t hesitate to seek financial assistance

8. Environmental Dimension

 The environmental dimension of wellness demonstrates the commitment to a healthy planet and inspires us to live a respectful lifestyle of our surroundings. It generally focuses on understanding how your social, natural, and built environments affect your health and well-being. This realm stimulates us to live in harmony with the earth by taking necessary action and promotes interaction with nature and our personal environment. So, everyone should have a strong environmental consciousness and awareness of the unstable state of the earth & the consequences of their daily habits on the physical environment.

Strategies to improve Environmental wellness

● Create a happy, healthy living space for yourself and everyone

● Find little space for tranquility

● Make a positive impact on the environment

● Nurture happy relationships

● Make your community a better place

● Protect the environment from unnecessary exploitation by following essential measures

Closing Thoughts

Health is our most enormous wealth. If a person is physically, mentally, and spiritually well, he will be considered entirely well. Focusing only on one segment can not consider ourselves completely well. Not only physical but emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, vocational, financial, and environmental wellness is equally important to maintain the complete well-being of a person. All dimensions of wellness require absolute attention to truly flourish ourselves. Hence, it is essential to focus on all the dimensions mentioned above. Also, don’t forget to follow all the mentioned tips to maintain your wellness. 

Visit our health journal section if you are looking for a regular source of health updates. And do not forget to share this blog with the people who need to know everything about complete wellness.