Wellness for Life: Looking at the 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness is a hot topic these days. Different than health, which can be good or poor, wellness is the state of being in good health and actively pursuing it. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there are 8 dimensions of wellness which reflect different key areas of our lives.
These dimensions are:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Intellectual
- Spiritual
- Environmental
- Financial
- Social and
- Occupational
The dimensions are interconnected and build upon one another. For example, when someone experiences an injury (physical) and then misses out on work (occupational), they then may experience a decline in income (financial) and time spent around others (social). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) uses these initiatives to connect behavioral health and improved quality of life, helping people live longer, happier and more fulfilled lives.
Check Your Status
When approaching the 8 dimensions of wellness, there are some techniques for success. One is to look at the system as a wheel, with 8 sections. Grab a piece of scrap paper and sketch this out. In each eighth of the circle, write the 8 dimensions of wellness (physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, financial, occupational, and social). Then, add a corresponding number, 1-10 that represents your own level of wellness in each category. (1=poor, 10= excellent).
Without judgment, look over your numbers. In what categories are you thriving? What sections need some attention? By exploring each dimension of wellness and evaluating where we’re at, we can make step-by-step plans for what to do next. Over the next few weeks, I will publish posts looking at the 8 dimensions of wellness. These posts may help you do just that.
By identifying the tools we need for success; for example, better time management, more support, etc., we can be sure to set in motion some positive changes in all aspects of our lives and well-being.
Resource:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Wellness Guide (https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma16-4958.pdf).
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
9 Comments
Jeanine+Byers
I am digging your graphics lately!! And I will be looking forward to your series.
Angie
Good exercise! Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Jaime Brainerd
Hi Dominique, this information is so important. I didn’t realize there were 8 dimensions, I only hear about half those with mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. However, all of them do make sense as being part of our whole health. I have been working on the four and without realizing it, all the other dimensions start to come together. It’s been a mission, but well worth the healthy rewards. Thank you for sharing your insights. Looking fowrard to learning more about all these dimensions.
Sending lots of love and gratitude,
Jaime
Kuntala
I really love this! Wellness isn’t just one thing or even two. A lot goes into it, and I’m so glad you reminded us of that.
Martha
What a great exercise to do by folding paper in 8 sections. I’m going to have my granddaughter do this as she is trying to turn (and doing a great job) her life around from past abuse.
Heather
I’ve not heard of the 8 dimensions of wellness before. This is so fascinating.
Ivan M. Jose
I only know 3 dimensions of wellness – physical, mental, and emotional. i didn’t realize that there were 8 it’s good to learn that.
Maysz
Better time management, more support, it could more help for save our day and great wellness thanks for this wonderful idea.
Emman+Damian
I learned a lot from this post. This is so informative! There’s so much more in wellness.