8 Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness isn’t just about not being sick—it’s about living a full, meaningful life. It’s something we build by being aware, staying true to ourselves, and making intentional choices. Wellness touches every part of our lives—our bodies, minds, and hearts. Our culture and past experiences also shape how we think about wellness.
All the areas of wellness matter if we want to truly thrive, but you don’t have to have everything perfectly balanced. What matters most is finding what feels right and real for you. Wellness takes effort—it means being aware of what you need, accepting where you’re at, and making small, everyday choices to support yourself.
Physical Wellness
This isn’t just about not getting sick—it’s about feeling good and living well. It includes things like going to the doctor regularly, getting enough sleep, eating well, moving your body, and avoiding things that could harm you, like smoking or too much alcohol. Most of all, it’s about finding healthy habits that work for you.
Social Wellness
This is all about connecting with other people and being part of a community. It means understanding where you come from and appreciating where others come from, too. It also involves building strong relationships, helping your community, and creating spaces where everyone feels safe and included.
Emotional Wellness
Feeling good emotionally doesn’t mean always being happy—it means knowing how to handle your feelings, take care of yourself, and bounce back from tough times. It’s about knowing when to take a break, ask for help, or just be kind to yourself.
Intellectual Wellness
Keeping your mind active and curious is just as important as taking care of your body. This means learning new things, asking questions, thinking for yourself, and being open to different ideas. It’s not just about school—it’s about lifelong learning and staying mentally engaged.
Vocational Wellness
This is about doing work or activities that you care about and that fit with your values and goals. It’s about finding meaning in what you do, whether it’s a job, school, volunteering, or other responsibilities, and making thoughtful choices about your career path.
Environmental Wellness
This means taking care of the world around you and noticing how your surroundings affect your health. It includes everything from the air and water to the social environment you're in. Things like bullying, racism, or poor living conditions are part of this too. A healthy environment supports a healthy you.
Spiritual Wellness
This is about having a sense of purpose and staying connected to your values. It might include religion, but it doesn’t have to. It’s about finding peace, practicing gratitude, being kind, and reflecting on your life. It’s what helps you feel centered and connected.
Financial Wellness
This means having a healthy relationship with money. It’s about learning how to manage your resources, make smart choices, set goals, and plan for both the expected and the unexpected. Everyone’s financial life looks different, and that’s okay—what matters is knowing what works for you.
Kathleen Byrne, MA, EdS, MEd, PCLC
Reference
https://umwellness.wordpress.com/8-dimensions-of-wellness/