Understanding the Wellness Wheel: 7 Dimensions of Wellness
The wellness wheel is a visual tool that shows each category of wellness on a wheel. It gives people the opportunity to hone in on their wellness by identifying areas in their life they may have neglected and seek to improve. As defined by the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The wellness wheel is a tool for self exploration that promotes the concept that balance is the key to wellbeing.
The Seven Dimensions of Wellness
While the exact number is not important, the message is: health is not just a lack of illness or disease. Today, the dimensions on the wellness wheel include: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social, and occupational wellness. These are all separate yet interconnected categories that contribute to reaching a balanced life.
- Physical Wellness: Balancing physical activity, nutrition and mental well-being to keep your body in top condition, as well as having access to affordable, timely healthcare.
- Emotional Wellness: Understanding your own feelings and expressing emotions in a constructive way. Having the ability to deal with stress and cope with life's challenges.
- Occupational Wellness: Getting personal and financial fulfillment from your job or academic pursuits and contributing to knowledge and skills while maintaining a work-life balance.
- Spiritual Wellness: The ability to practice openly the values and beliefs that provide a purpose in one's life.
- Intellectual Wellness: Engaging in creative and mentally stimulating activities that expand your knowledge through cultural, artistic or skill-based learning.
- Environmental Wellness: Having a safe, healthy living environment in which to live, learn, and play.
- Social Wellness: Building and maintaining a diversity of supportive relationships and dealing effectively with interpersonal conflict.
Wellness Dimensions Summary
| Dimension | Core Focus |
|---|---|
| Physical | Physical activities, nutrition, sleep, and medical care. |
| Emotional | Feelings, stress management, and life challenges. |
| Occupational | Work-life balance and financial fulfillment. |
| Spiritual | Values, beliefs, and purpose. |
| Intellectual | Mentally stimulating and creative activities. |
| Environmental | Safe and healthy living environments. |
| Social | Supportive relationships and conflict resolution. |
Practical Tips for Physical Wellness
The physical dimension of the wellness wheel refers to the physical health of your body. It involves all types of physical activities, nutrition and balanced diets, sleep, strength, and tending to your health with medical care when necessary. To improve this area, you can follow these tips:
- Write down your goals — It’s easier to follow through when we have visual reminders.
- Find a workout buddy — Not only will it encourage you to exercise, but you’ll catch up with a friend as an added bonus.
- Find an incentive — Having a goal can eliminate ambivalence and help increase motivation.
Addressing Imbalances and Mental Health
Since all of the dimensions are interconnected, an imbalance in one area of the wellness wheel might restrict you from reaching peak wellbeing. It is important to monitor your health and seek treatment for conditions such as anxiety, social anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, insomnia, PTSD, and postpartum depression. Accessing medication management can be a part of physical and mental wellness, including medications like:
- Abilify (Aripiprazole)
- Buspar (Buspirone)
- Cymbalta (Duloxetine)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Lithium
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
By honing in on each area, you will be able to improve the overall quality of your life, better your health, and work towards your full potential. Remember: “Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”