In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of wellness has taken on new importance. But what exactly is wellness? Is it a destination, or is it a journey that evolves over time? Many of us have heard the term “wellness” used to describe everything from fitness routines to mindfulness practices, but wellness encompasses so much more.
Wellness isn’t about reaching an endpoint but rather about discovering what brings you meaning, balance, and fulfillment. So, what does wellness look like for you? This article explores eight dimensions of wellness that can serve as examples of areas to consider when reflecting on your own well-being.
The essence of wellness: more than just health
Wellness is often misunderstood as simply being free of illness, but it’s really about making choices that help you feel good physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s an active process, where each decision you make adds up over time. The World Health Organization (WHO) speaks to this idea of wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” reminding us that wellness touches on many areas of life, not just our health.
As Dr. Prasad noted in his 2024 Wellness Academy lecture, “Wellness is a dynamic process that never ends. It’s more like tending a garden than finishing a puzzle.” This idea shifts our focus away from perfection and encourages us to embrace the ongoing nature of wellness. Each small step or improvement is progress, and that’s where true wellness lies.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is personal and unique to each individual. It’s about asking yourself what feels meaningful and important, recognizing that what wellness looks like for you may be different from someone else’s experience. As Dr. Prasad puts it, “it’s important for you to determine what constitutes your own wellness. That’s not somebody else’s decision to make for you.”
The dimensions of wellness we explore below are just one way to look at your well-being. They serve as a framework, not an exhaustive list, to help you reflect on different areas of your life and how they contribute to your overall health. Let’s dive into these dimensions and how they can guide you on your wellness journey.
The 8 dimensions of wellness
1. Emotional wellness: tending to your inner world
Emotional wellness involves becoming aware of your emotions and learning how to manage them in a healthy way. It’s not about always feeling happy all the time, but rather recognizing your emotions and finding healthy ways to express them.
How to explore emotional wellness:
- Reflect on your emotions regularly through journaling or meditation.
- Practice self-compassion when things don’t go as planned.
- Build a support system of friends or family members you can turn to.
- Seek support from a professional when needed.
2. Occupational wellness: finding fulfillment in work
Occupational wellness is about finding satisfaction and meaning in your work, whether it’s through your career or volunteer efforts. It’s important to reflect on how your job or daily activities align with your values and bring you a sense of purpose.
Ways to explore occupational wellness:
- Reflect on what brings you joy in your daily work.
- Seek balance by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life.
- Pursue new learning opportunities that align with your passions.
3. Intellectual wellness: staying curious and engaged
Intellectual wellness is about nurturing your mind. It encourages you to stay curious, engage in creative activities, and continue learning throughout life.
Ideas to explore intellectual wellness:
- Take up a new hobby or learn a skill outside your comfort zone.
- Read books or take online courses to expand your knowledge.
- Engage in conversations that challenge your thinking and inspire creativity.
4. Environmental wellness: creating healthy spaces
Environmental wellness is about recognizing the impact of your surroundings on your well-being. It’s not just about nature; it includes your immediate environments, such as your home or workplace. How we care for these spaces can affect our mental and physical health.
Ways to explore environmental wellness:
- Declutter your living space to create a sense of calm and order.
- Spend time outdoors, even if it’s just for a walk during a break.
- Make small changes to reduce waste, like using reusable bags or recycling.
5. Financial wellness: building stability and reducing stress
Financial wellness is about managing your financial life in a way that reduces stress and creates a sense of security. It’s less about how much you make and more about how you handle your finances.
How to explore financial wellness:
- Set small, achievable financial goals, like saving a little each month.
- Create a budget that reflects your current needs and future plans.
- Seek out financial resources like student discounts or financial aid programs.
6. Physical wellness: listening to your body
Physical wellness involves taking care of your body through movement, nutrition, and rest. It’s about finding a routine that feels good for you and supports your overall health, rather than pushing yourself to meet unrealistic goals.
Ways to explore physical wellness:
- Add simple, enjoyable movement into your day, such as walking or stretching.
- Prioritize balanced eating and nourishing your body with foods that make you feel energized.
- Ensure you’re getting enough sleep to allow your body to rest and recover.
7. Social wellness: building healthy connections
Social wellness is about cultivating meaningful relationships and feeling connected to others. It’s about finding balance in your social interactions and building a support network.
How to explore social wellness:
- Reach out to a friend or family member for a meaningful conversation.
- Join social groups or activities that align with your interests.
- Practice active listening and empathy in your interactions with others.
8. Spiritual wellness: connecting to your purpose
Spiritual wellness involves seeking purpose and meaning in life. It could be through religion, but it also includes personal reflection, values, and the search for inner peace.
Ways to explore spiritual wellness:
- Reflect on your personal values and how they guide your decisions.
- Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other spiritual activities that bring you peace.
- Engage in activities that help you connect with something larger than yourself.
Using a wellness wheel: a tool for self-reflection
A helpful way to begin exploring your own wellness is by using a wellness wheel. This tool allows you to visually assess how balanced you feel across different dimensions of your life. Imagine a wheel divided into sections—each representing a dimension of wellness. You can rate how satisfied you feel in each area on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.
For example, you might rate your emotional wellness at a 7, but your financial wellness at a 4. This doesn’t mean something is wrong—it’s just an indication that you might want to focus more attention on your finances for a while.
Once you’ve rated yourself, ask reflective questions like:
- Why did I rate this area a 6 and not a 4?
- What actions have I been taking that make this area feel stronger?
- How can I apply strengths from my higher-rated areas to the lower-rated ones?
As Dr. Prasad says, “we have the power to influence how external stressors impact us—even if we can’t control the circumstances, we can control how we respond.” The wellness wheel can help you identify where to start and empower you to make small, positive changes.
Embracing wellness as a lifelong process
“Wellness is something that’s individualized, something that gives us meaning and quality of life,” says Dr. Prasad.
The dimensions of wellness are simply examples of areas to explore, and your journey will be uniquely yours. Just like a garden, your wellness will continuously grow and evolve over time. As you tend to it, you’ll discover what works for you, and over time, small steps will lead to meaningful progress.
Resources for wellness
Discover more insights and practical tips from leading experts by exploring more Wellness Academy sessions, curated to support you wherever you are in your wellness journey.
Watch more Wellness Academy videos
Empower yourself with knowledge and take the next step in your wellness journey—one session at a time.
References:
1. Ardell, D. B. (1999). Definition of wellness. Ardell Wellness Report, 18(1), 1-5.
About the Author
Sky Hanka, MS, NBC-HWC
Sky Hanka is an integrative chef, culinary nutritionist, and content creator trained in the culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America and holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Integrative Health. She is also a national board-certified health and wellness coach. With over a decade of experience in farm-to-table restaurants, cooking school management, culinary education, content creation, and nutrition curriculum development, she brings a unique blend of expertise to the field of wellness. Chef Sky is dedicated to fostering a conscious, functional, restorative approach to food and wellness. She is currently a consultant at The Culinary Institute of America, Napa.