As with many concepts that are present around us, “wellness” is one that has several definitions. This is ironic when you consider the fact that the term was barely used in the same way as recently as twenty years ago.
As of today, the wellness industry is growing by leaps and bounds. Unfortunately, that means that the term “wellness” has become overused and is often abused, or at the very least used without the proper context.
Wellness implies an always-evolving and self-directed course of striving to reach one’s full potential. It has seven different dimensions (namely: social, occupational, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, and bodily), and it is only when all of these are met that an individual is considered to have reached their full potential.
Wellness, therefore, is much more than added merchandise that helps us look or feel good.
The following are the seven dimensions of wellness, along with their meaning and importance:
1. Social Wellness
Social wellness refers to the ways in which an individual contributes to his or her neighborhood and surroundings, and how he or she builds their social networks and their relationships. People are always encouraged to contribute (or at least make an effort to do so) to their immediate community and surroundings.
2. Occupational Wellness
Occupational wellness refers to how an individual approaches their work, and how he or she uses it to acknowledge satisfaction and enrichment in their life. Vital to this dimension, therefore, is the career selected by the individual, the level of satisfaction, the individual's ambitions, and their level of efficiency.
In order to be occupationally fulfilled, a person must be in tandem with their future plans and must continue to go on the path that gets them there.
3. Spiritual Wellness
This dimension encourages us to explore our roots and find out the meaning of our existence.
Based on the belief that intellectual propriety is as much required as anything else, it implies that we go above the shackles of implicit belief in our own religion, try to ponder the meaning of life and of our place in it, exercise tolerance of others' beliefs, and foster peace and harmony with them rather than shutting off our minds and cutting out individuals who are different form ourselves.
Those who have a developed sense of spirituality always take a day (or at least a part of a day) and spend it on religious studying and development. They act according to a moral sense that they have so carefully developed.
4. Mental Wellness
As the name implies, this dimension of wellness acknowledges an individual's artistic skills and the ability to stimulate psychological actions, and encourages them to spread their expertise by sharing their knowledge and experiences with others.
Any individual who is intellectually sound will always be open to new concepts, has the ability to think objectively, and is always on the lookout for new challenges. They like to expand the horizon of their minds through inventive and creative ways and despise anything that makes them even remotely unproductive.
5. Emotional Wellness
This dimension implies an individual's ability to handle their emotions and related behaviors, along with the capacity to evaluate their limitations and growth of autonomy, and successfully combat the ills of stress. Those who are emotionally sound can both express and handle emotions freely and successfully. Furthermore, they are both conscious of and can understand emotions both in themselves and in others.
6. Environmental Wellness
This dimension of wellness entails the capacity to promote the various wellness measures which can enhance quality of life and daily well-being. Those who are environmentally sound are in tune with the pure assets of the earth, always strives to conserve power, buy merchandise and meals that are natural, and love to bide their time amidst nature.
7. Bodily Wellness
One of the foundational dimensions of wellness, bodily wellness is achieved with the right combination of training, dietary habits, taking self-care precautions, and getting screened at regular intervals throughout our lives.
It also means keeping track of when our bodies fail (we are, after all, not infallible), identifying and taking care of minor diseases, and identifying when we need skilled medical attention.
Those who have a sound body can perceive and appreciate the connection between what they consume and how their physique performs. Being physically fit and agile has several psychological advantages, such as an elevated level of confidence and self-esteem.
How To Integrate Wellness In Your Life
Each dimension of wellness serves its own purpose, and all of them are important if you wish to lead a well-balanced life.
The biggest mistake made by those who seek wellness is to focus too much on only one dimension. These individuals usually focus primarily on their physical wellness, sometimes also paying minor attentions to their spiritual or emotional wellness as well. If you wish to truly integrate wellness into every aspect of your life, you need to focus on the importance of keeping a balance between all seven areas.
To promote social wellness, it can often help to find a community or activity that you can actively pursue. It is important that your presence can make a meaningful contribution to the community and that your participation also makes you happy.
To promote occupational wellness, the most important (and most often overlooked) aspect is to find a career that you truly enjoy and which you believe makes the world a better place. When you have found a way to sustain your desired lifestyle that also fulfills you and helps others, then you have truly found your purpose in life.
To promote spiritual wellness, what matters most is that you find harmony with those around you regardless of their beliefs, as long as those beliefs do not hurt others. You may be surprised to hear that what you actually believe matters little to your spiritual wellness, and that this dimension does not necessarily relate to religious beliefs, though it can.
To promote mental wellness, seek knowledge and indulge in creative or artistic interests. Try to understand those who have differing opinions from you, and learn from them.
To promote emotional wellness, take time for self-care. Recognize your own worth and do not be afraid to embrace your feelings, even those which you do not particularly enjoy.
To promote environmental wellness, spend time in nature and do not focus too much on material possessions. Avoid clutter and try to create an environment that brings you comfort.
To promote bodily wellness, seek fitness and reach out to your medical professionals to ensure that any adjustments you make are the best for your personal needs.
