Wellness is a term that encompasses many components. In our lives, we face various aspects of wellness at different stages.
There are eight dimensions of wellness in our lives. A total set of dynamic elements sets the mark for flourishing human life. Wellness goes beyond physical and mental criteria. Typically, we only consider these two elements.
However, here we will discuss all aspects of wellness and their ultimate goals. It is essential to understand all the elements to live a meaningful life. Also, each element is interdependent; one element may change if another does. Although we may not fully satisfy all these elements, our goal should be to balance our lives. This balance will bring us harmony.
1. Physical Wellness: Physical wellness is the foundational criterion of wellness. Our physical wellness determines the essence of our overall wellness. The ability to perform day-to-day tasks and stay healthy now and in the future defines physical wellness.
The ultimate objective of physical wellness:
- Understanding how the body works and feels
- Being competent in physical activity
- Maintaining healthy food habits
- Feeling at ease with one’s body and sexual health
- Being comfortable with dietary choices
- Focusing on issues like sleep, anxiety, and stress
- Improving movement flexibility and strength
- Developing leisure and pleasure activities
2. Emotional Wellness: Emotional wellness is the aspiration to have a fulfilling, mindful life and meaningful relationships with loved ones.
The objective of emotional wellness:
- Recognizing one’s own and others’ emotions and feelings
- Addressing the need for love, care, affection, and attraction from and to loved ones
- Maintaining healthy relationships with close, trusted people in our daily lives
- Understanding emotional breakdowns and seeking necessary help and support from family or close individuals
- Seeking professional support when needed
- Maintaining meaningful and healthy social existence
- Accepting fear, anger, sorrow, joy, happiness, and frustration naturally
- Preventing excessive emotional breakdowns in the long run
- Developing an affirmative, positive mindset to handle difficult situations like depression, frustration, and suffering
- Building resilience to cope with life’s challenges
- Developing skills to manage stress and anxiety
- Recognizing the need for emotional connection, relationships, and sexual intimacy
3. Intellectual Wellness: Intellectual wellness is a crucial element of overall wellness. It signifies being sound in knowledge and continuously growing expertise and adaptability. Intellectual wellness involves gradually developing thinking power and decision-making ability over one’s lifespan. Throughout life, we acquire knowledge over time. This knowledge forms the basis of our thought process, guiding us to make decisions that benefit our well-being.
The end goal of intellectual wellness:
- Continually acquiring various knowledge over time
- Developing our thinking capacity
- Achieving mental agility
- Enhancing critical thinking
- Cultivating a growth mindset
- Practicing creative visualization
4. Spiritual Wellness: Spiritual wellness refers to values that are morally essential for leading a fulfilling life. It fosters a strong link between happiness and harmony in life through trust, faith, beliefs, values, and ethics. These practices grow within our minds and become a showcase of our spiritual wellness.
Goals of spiritual wellness:
- Defining strong values
- Cultivating positive morals and ethics
- Self-guidance to be a better version of oneself
- Finding inner meaning and purpose in life
- Developing an optimistic outlook
- Finding peace and happiness through good habits and practices
- Understanding that forgiveness and forgetfulness release negativity
- Striving to be good and creating a positive environment for others
5. Environmental Wellness: Environmental wellness involves the places surrounding us that impact our well-being. We occupy various spaces at different life stages according to our needs. Environmental wellness includes elements like air, water, soil, weather, natural resources, and food. The smooth availability and responsible use of these elements promote environmental well-being. Additionally, energy conservation, eco-friendly practices, and a clean environment contribute to a healthier atmosphere.
Goals for environmental wellness:
- Making optimal use of environmental elements
- Managing natural resources effectively for future conservation
- Learning to recycle and practice waste management
- Reducing pollution to keep the environment clean
- Maintaining cleanliness at home and in other spaces
- Allocating natural resources for appropriate distribution and functionality
- Participating in climate change initiatives for future safety
6. Financial Wellness: Financial wellness is crucial for overall wellness, impacting daily expenses and personal needs. It reflects the activities related to income and expenditures, encompassing the economic stability necessary for both present and future satisfaction.
Goals for financial wellness:
- Achieving financial independence and peace over time
- Being mindful of income, expenses, savings, loans, debts, investments, assets, and credit cards
- Developing an understanding of money management
- Avoiding financial engagements that disrupt physical and mental well-being
- Planning and preparing for retirement
- Avoiding unnecessary expenses and commitments that could impact wellness in the long run
- Understanding how to handle financial losses, damages, and insecurities
- Differentiating between wants and needs
7. Social Wellness: Social wellness is a vital component of wellness, as we live within a society and develop relationships over time. This network of connections provides support, enhancing our overall well-being.
The objective of social wellness:
- Creating and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and loved ones
- Engaging comfortably in interactions with groups and individuals
- Understanding various social responsibilities
- Gaining awareness of diverse cultures, religions, races, sexes, and societies
- Learning to appreciate different cultures and adapt to them
- Contributing to others’ lives by caring and allowing oneself to be cared for
- Cultivating a positive social ecosystem for the world
8. Vocational Wellness: Vocational wellness involves realizing one’s potential and finding satisfaction and joy through work or career pursuits. This type of wellness allows individuals to find meaning in their professional lives, ensuring that work brings fulfillment. It recognizes the need to flourish in a career that aligns with one’s talents and interests.
Goals of vocational wellness:
- Exploring new opportunities, skills, values, and interests related to career development
- Pursuing training and workshops for professional growth
- Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life for optimal social wellness
- Experiencing a meaningful, joyful life through an enjoyable job or study area
- Achieving fulfillment by engaging in personally meaningful tasks
These are the various dimensions of wellness. As mentioned earlier, each individual item on this list impacts the others. A balanced support system is essential for overall well-being.