Physical

The physical dimension recognizes your need for regular physical monitoring and activity. Learning in this dimension focuses on diet and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive use of alcohol. Health and wellness are possible when adequate exercise and sound eating habits are combined. Safely and efficiently building or maintaining your physical strength, flexibility and endurance are also important.

This dimension also includes personal responsibility for medical self-care of minor illness, and the appropriate use of medical services. By monitoring your own health and understanding the warning signs, the relationship between nutrition, exercise, and performance is easier to understand and appreciate. Looking and feeling well most often lead to the mental benefits of enhanced self-esteem, self-control, determination and a sense of direction.

Intellectual

The intellectual dimension recognizes your participation in creative and mind-stimulating activities. Intellectual and cultural learning activities at work and in the community are motivating and important to overall wellness.

In this dimension, you explore issues related to problem solving, creativity, and learning. You’ll cherish the time you spend staying well-informed, pursuing personal interests and reading books, magazines, and newspapers. As you expands your knowledge and skills, you discover how to share your priceless gifts with others.

Occupational/Financial

The occupational/financial dimension recognizes the satisfaction you feel in your life through work and your sense of wellness centers on your attitude while at work and your sense of personal enrichment.

In this dimension, you contribute your unique gifts, skills and talents to your work. Work becomes both personally meaningful and rewarding. You’ll convey your values through your involvement in activities that are gratifying for you.

Social/Environmental

The social/environmental dimension encourages you to contribute to your environment and community. It emphasizes the interdependence between others and nature. With wellness in this dimension, you increase your awareness of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on multiple environments.

In this dimension, you personally take an active part in improving our world by encouraging healthier living and initiating better communication with those around you. You actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature as you discover the power to make willful choices to enhance personal relationships and important friendships. Wellness in this dimension builds better living spaces and community.

Mental/Emotional

The mental/emotional dimension recognizes awareness and acceptance of your feelings. Emotional wellness is the degree to which you feel positive and enthusiastic about yourself and life. It includes the capacity to manage your feelings and behaviors including a realistic assessment of your limitations, autonomy, and your ability to cope effectively with stress.

In this dimension, as a well person, you maintain satisfying relationships with others. Acceptance and awareness of a wide range of feelings in yourself and others is essential. Expressing feelings freely and managing these feelings effectively is vital as you arrive at your personal choices and decisions.

Emotional wellness is based upon a synthesis of your feelings, thoughts, philosophies, and behavior. A well person lives and works independently while realizing the importance of seeking and appreciating the support and assistance of others. You’ll be able to form interdependent relationships with others based upon a foundation of mutual commitment, trust, and respect. You’ll take on challenges, take risks, and recognize conflict as being potentially healthy.

Spiritual

The spiritual dimension recognizes your search for meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe.

This dimension’s wellness is characterized by a peaceful harmony between your internal feelings and emotions, and the rough or rugged stretches you experience in your life. Often you may experience feelings of doubt, despair, fear, disappointment and dislocation. There is also pleasure, joy, happiness and discovery. These are all important parts of your search, displayed in the value system that you adopt to bring meaning to your existence.

Source: National Wellness Institute, http://www.nationalwellness.org/