Wellness Definition
Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.
- Process means that improvement is always possible
- Aware means that we are continuously seeking more information about how we can improve.
- Choices means that we consider a variety of options and select those in our best interest.
- Success is determined by each individual to be their collection of life accomplishments
DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS
Social Wellness
The social dimension of wellness encourages contributing to one’s human and physical environment to the common welfare of one’s community. Social Wellness emphasizes the interdependence with others and nature. It includes the pursuit of harmony in one’s family.’ As you travel a wellness path, you’ll become more aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on nature and your community. You’ll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging a healthy living environment and initiating better communication with those around you. You’ll actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature along the pathway.
As you travel the wellness path, you’ll begin to believe that – socially…
- It’s better to contribute to the common welfare of our community than to think only of ourselves.
- It’s better to live in harmony with others and our environment than to live in conflict with them.
Occupational Wellness
The occupational dimension of wellness is involved in preparing for work in which one will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment in one’s life through work. Occupational development is related to one’s attitude about one’s work.’ Traveling a path toward your occupational wellness, you’ll contribute your unique gifts, skills and talents to work that is personally meaningful and rewarding. You’ll convey your values through your involvement in both paid and unpaid volunteer activities that are gratifying for you. You’ll know when you’re on the correct path for career wellness, when your work and hobbies become exciting.
As you travel the wellness path, you’ll begin to believe that – occupationally.
- It’s better to choose a career which is consistent with our personal values interests and beliefs than to select one that is unrewarding to us.
- It’s better to develop functional, transferable skills through structured involvement opportunities than to remain inactive and uninvolved.
Spiritual Wellness
The spiritual dimension of wellness involves seeking 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.
As you begin to develop the spiritual wellness dimension of your life, taking the Wellness path, spiritually, you’ll start asking the question, who am I and what is meaningful in my life.
As you travel the wellness path, you’ll begin to believe that – spiritually.
- It’s better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be tolerant of the beliefs of others than to close our minds and become intolerant.
- It’s better to live each day in a way that is consistent with our values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to ourselves.
Physical Wellness
The physical dimension of wellness encourages cardiovascular flexibility and strength and also encourages regular, physical activity. Physical development encourages knowledge about food and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Physical Wellness encourages consumption and activities which contribute to high level wellness, including medical self-care and appropriate use of the medical system.
By traveling the wellness path, physically, you’ll be able to monitor your own vital signs and understand your body’s warning signs. You’ll understand and appreciate the relationship between sound nutrition and how your body performs. The physical dimension of wellness provides almost immediate beneficial results-both physical and psychological. The physical benefits of looking good and feeling terrific most often lead to the psychological benefits of enhanced self-esteem, self control determination and a sense of direction.
As you travel the wellness path, you’ll begin to believe that – physically.
- It’s better to consume foods and beverages that enhance good health rather than those which impair it.
- It’s better to be physically fit than out of shape.
Intellectual Wellness
The intellectual dimension of wellness encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one’s knowledge in improved skills along with expanding potential for sharing with others. An intellectually well person uses the intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available within the university community and the larger community.
As you travel the wellness path, you’ll begin to believe that – intellectually.
- It’s better to stretch and challenge our minds with intellectual and creative pursuits than to become self-satisfied and unproductive.
- It’s better to identify potential problems and choose appropriate courses of action based on available information than to wait, worry and contend with major concerns later.
Emotional Wellness
The emotional dimension of wellness emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one’s feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one’s feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one’s limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The emotionally well person maintains satisfying relationships with others.
On the wellness path, you’ll live and work 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. Managing your life in personally rewarding ways, and taking responsibility for your actions, will help you see life as an exciting, hopeful adventure.
As you travel the wellness path, you’ll begin to believe that – emotionally.
- It’s better to be aware of and accept our feelings than to deny them.
- It’s better to be optimistic in our approach to life than pessimistic.
Environmental Wellness
It is important to lead a lifestyle that is respectful of our environment. This includes respecting nature and those species living in it. Also, respect for others living in our environment is just as necessary as respect for the physical environment itself. While today’s climate is one of increased environmental awareness, the average person may still be unconcerned or simply uninformed about what he or she can do to help the environment. You don’t have to be a member of an organization to help; an individual can help by simply leading an environmentally conscious life.
Signs of Good Environmental Wellness
- You are aware of the limits of the earth’s natural resources
- You conserve energy (i.e., Shutting off unused lights)
- You recycle paper, cans, and glass as much as possible
- You enjoy, appreciate, and spend time outside in natural settings
- You do not pollute the air, water or earth if you can avoid doing so
- You avoid second-hand smoke
Financial Wellness
Financial wellness is an intricate balance of the mental, spiritual and physical aspects of money. This unique combination is an ideal to strive towards in our dealings with money. Financial wellness is having an understanding of your financial situation and taking care of it in such a way that you are prepared for financial changes. Maintaining that balance consists of being comfortable with where your money comes from and where it is going.
