Growing up, I used to have some sort of perception that being 'healthy' or 'well' was defined by a simple routine of eating a nutritious diet and getting in a regular amount of exercise each day. As I matured, I eventually realized that there is so much more to achieving wellness from within. It took me a while, but it was a huge turning point for me when I finally understood that I was the one in control of my health.
We all only get one body, and because of that I want to make sure that I can do everything in my power to ensure that mine is at its peak performance in all aspects of wellness. Below is a list of the components that impact overall well-being.
Wellness is comprised of six dimensions, which I will explain in further detail below. These are:
- Occupational
- Physical
- Social
- Intellectual
- Spiritual
- Emotional
The Occupational dimension of wellness acknowledges how satisfied a person may be in their field of work. Having a job that fulfils an individual's career goals and personal performance will greatly impact how they view their success in that particular field of work, as well as making a difference in their attitude. A person that has a positive attitude and enjoys what they do in their occupation will consequently perform better by presenting their own special skills and talents to their work.
For me, occupational wellness means that I am a part of a rewarding career that I love and believe in. I truly feel that being involved in a profession that I am interested in and that reflects my own values, I will be able to fulfill my desire to help others. In addition, by doing something that I enjoy and am talented at, I know that I will have an attitude of confidence and eagerness to achieve more in my career, while pursuing a higher level of performance.
The Physical dimension of wellness maintains that the human body is designed for physical activity. It also ensures that a person knows more about what nutrition and a healthy diet is and how it should be implemented. Tobacco, drug use, and alcohol consumption are all highly discouraged, while the tenets of optimal health include a proper balance of regular exercise and good eating habits. Another part of physical wellness is personal responsibility when it comes to medical illnesses. Learning how the body gives off different signs and how to interpret them is important, especially when it comes to seeking professional medical attention. Physical well-being entails that an individual will look and feel their best, which in turn results in more self-control, confidence, and personal satisfaction.
In my own life, physical wellness means that I eat a balanced plant-based diet, while taking time out of my week to plan ahead for grocery hauls and meal plans. Additionally, I make sure to keep my body moving by going to the gym five times a week and also ensure that I am properly hydrated by drinking plenty of water. I never touch any kind of drug because I know how harmful they are to the body. Another part of my own physical wellness includes regular doctor/dentist appointments and making sure to listen to my body when something seems off. By taking care of my physical wellness, I feel so much better from the inside out and have much higher self esteem.
The Social dimension of wellness recognizes the importance of healthy interactions and contributions to the environment and community. By seeking to develop new and existing friendships and relationships, individuals contribute to a better and healthier environment. Not only is it important to preserve and improve human interactions, but it is also vital that the earth and nature are conserved and even enhanced along the way. Taking into consideration these implications of social wellness, relationships and communities all around are strengthened.
Social wellness for me includes striving for stronger and improved relationships with my family members, friends, and neighbors. It also means that I try my best to do my part for the environment in the surrounding area that I live by being aware of how I can help to preserve the earth and care for nature. By focusing on more than just myself, I am able to live in a beautiful and safe community, while living in harmony with others and being open to new and valuable relationships.
The Intellectual dimension of wellness supports that a person is constantly expanding their knowledge and is open to their own unique creativity and how it can be shared with others. The mind enjoys being challenged, and with the development of intellectual curiosity comes the desire to learn and grow more. It is not healthy for our minds to be unproductive and not gaining new information, and that is why it is crucial to be open to learning about new ideas and current issues. Having a variety of learning resources and activities allows for a deeper appreciation of intellectual growth.
For me, intellectual wellness means that I am always reading, researching, and watching videos that talk about subjects that interest me and that I want to know more about. It excites me when I learn something new. That is why I keep an open mind towards new ideas and current issues cultivating in the world today, because there is so much more I can grasp. Another part of intellectual wellness for me is having the opportunity to talk with or listen to others (particularly professionals in their field) to reap the knowledge that they have to offer. Having curiosity is what makes me want to explore and constantly gain insight into new things.
The Spiritual dimension of wellness acknowledges the need for meaning and purpose in life. The search for finding what spirituality may mean to someone encompasses how they see the world and universe and the appreciation that comes from it. Becoming spiritually sound is a journey characterized by many different experiences and emotions. When an individual finds that their actions are beginning to line up with their values, there is a sense of discovery and peace. In addition, being true to one's self and beliefs while also being tolerant of the beliefs of others are both signs that spiritual wellness is present.
My spiritual wellness is dependent on a meditation routine and connect with nature. Taking quiet time for myself daily to examine myself and my innermost thoughts and feelings is one of the ways that I find peace within. I also find that reading while spending time in nature really allows me to find a sense of connection and direction with the universe and even a Higher Being.
The Emotional dimension of wellness recognizes the acceptance of one's feelings and the freedom to express them. Not only is it essential to accept one's own feelings, but is also of emotional wellness to be aware of and accept the feelings of others. Additionally, being able to manage feelings, thoughts, and behaviors successfully puts a person on the right track to making personal choices and decisions. Furthermore it is important to find a balance between being independent in life and work, while realizing the need for the support of others. Having a hopeful view in life and being accepting of one's self and their circumstances makes for sound emotional wellness.
Emotional wellness for me ensures that I take the proper time for myself in order to assess how I'm feeling inside and what I can do to properly manage those feelings. Another step I take to make sure I am emotionally stable is practicing expressing how I feel aloud. Personally it helps when I talk to myself or write a note to myself and explain how I am feeling and why I am feeling that particular way. Spending time with people who I trust and who make me feel happy allows me to appreciate life on a deeper level and be more emotionally well.
These six dimensions all work together in harmony to achieve what is called optimal Wellness.
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