8 Dimensions of Well-Being

The National Wellness Institute defines well-being as “an active process through which we become more aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence”.  Well-being is multidimensional and addresses all areas of life, including:

Wellness-Wheel-Graphic
.
WellnessWheel-Social-Icon
.

Social Well-Being

Developing a sense of connection and a well-developed support system:

  • Reconnect with an old friend or meet someone new.
  • Enjoy family dinners at the table or eat lunch with coworkers in the break room.
  • Share your talent and skills by volunteering in the community.
  • Join a club or organization.
  • Say thank you and compliment others.
WellnessWheel-Financial-Icon
.

Financial Well-Being

Satisfaction with current and future financial situations:

  • Attend the Financial Literacy class.
  • Bring your lunch instead of eating out.
  • Track your spending habits and reflect on how/where you spend money.
  • Set a goal to save money for the future.
  • Talk with a financial advisor.
WellnessWheel-Emotional-Icon
.

Emotional Well-Being

Developing skills and strategies to cope with stress:

  • Establish a routine.
  • Laugh! Don’t take life so seriously.
  • Seek support from a family member, friend or counselor.
  • Practice formal and informal mindfulness activities.
  • Make a gratitude list.
WellnessWheel-Intellectual-Icon
.

Intellectual Well-Being

Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills:

  • Do crossword puzzles or play brain games.
  • Tap into culture – attend a play, sporting event, museum, or live concert.
  • Learn how to play an instrument or speak another language.
  • Read for pleasure.
  • Attend a community class or workshop.
WellnessWheel-Physical-Icon
.

Physical Well-Being

Recognizing the need for medical care, physical activity, nutrition, and sleep:

  • Replace a sugary snack with a piece of fruit.
  • Join a recreation league or team sport.
  • Get a good night’s sleep by turning off electronics.
  • Have a medical home and get regular check-ups.
  • Use a standing workstation or yoga ball at your desk.
WellnessWheel-Environmental-Icon
.

Environmental Well-Being

Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being:

  • Connect with nature (walk barefoot, play outside).
  • Participate in a clean-up event.
  • Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce – ask for paper bags at the grocery store instead of plastic, donate unwanted clothing.
  • Walk or bike to work a couple of times a week if possible.
  • Go to the farmer’s market and choose locally sourced foods.
  • Adjust the lighting in your home & office or rely on natural sunlight when possible.
WellnessWheel-Occupational-Icon
.

Occupational Well-Being

Personal satisfaction and enrichment derived from one’s work (paid and unpaid):

  • Focus on the things you like about your job – Why do you work, why did you choose your job, and how do you connect those together.
  • Write out your career goals.
  • Take breaks away from your workspace.
  • Connect with your coworkers.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities.
WellnessWheel-Spiritual-Icon
.

Spiritual Well-Being

Search for meaning and purpose in the human experience:

  • Engage in a religious practice, such as attending a religious service.
  • Use prayer and meditation.
  • Practice mindfulness and yoga.
  • Commit a random act of kindness.
  • Connect with nature.
  • Keep a journal and reflect on personal growth.

For more information contact Jenny L Workman, Community Wellness Manager - 573.815.3263