We all know that wellness is important… but what is it really?

So many people think of wellness as simply “maintaining a healthy lifestyle”. And while the commonly thought of aspects of wellness (eating well, moving daily, mental wellness) are vitally important, in truth, wellness is about more than how well you eat or how much you move or meditate. It is made up of 8 dimensions: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, vocational, and financial.

Understanding these dimensions, how they work together, and how they work for you, will give you a better understanding of how to achieve optimal wellness for yourself.

Physical

This dimension encompasses both movement and nutrition. Keeping your body healthy and active makes the other areas of your life easier, true. But this dimension also includes other aspects of physical health such as good hygiene, adequate sleep, and rest (which is not the same as sleep).

Emotional

Being able to identify, assess, and process our emotions is a key part of wellness. But beyond this is the ability to appreciate the feelings of others as well. Life can be a bumpy road sometimes. Driving along that road without proper emotional balance can make things more difficult. And impact our ability to feel positive feelings, and remain enthusiastic about life.

**Are you tired setting goals you never reach?**

Imagine finally achieving your wellness goals, and living a life that is aligned with your values and dreams.

The physical dimension

Intellectual

This dimension may also be seen as personal development and/or mindset work. Continuing to challenge yourself and grow intellectually, expanding knowledge and skills, completing the Sunday crossword... These are the things that keep life interesting, but also strengthen and maintain our cognitive acuity as we age.

“When you stop growing you start dying.”

— William S. Burroughs

Social

Contributing to something larger than yourself, and engaging with your community and friends… this is the social dimension. Nurturing healthy relationships and having people that you care about and who care about you all lead to greater health and happiness.

Spiritual

Spiritual wellness is not about being a member of a specific religious organization. This dimension broader is more about finding purpose and meaning in our lives. Knowing who you are as a person and having direction and a vision of your life. Spiritual wellness is about your journey through life. How you approach it, and honoring your values along the way.

Environmental

Is where you are where you want to be? Do you feel safe? How are you impacting your environment, or allowing it to impact you? Answering these questions is the key to environmental wellness. As with the Social dimension, this dimension reminds us to reflect on the fact that we are all connected. We are all one, and having a strong local, and global community, strengthens us individually as well.

Vocational

This dimension is essentially all about following your passions and enjoying your work, or how your choose to contribute to society. Do you find meaning in what you do? Is how you spend your days consistent with your values and personally satisfying? Having an occupation or vocation that aligns with your higher self and allows you to contribute your unique gifts in a rewarding way.

Financial

Earning money is only one aspect of financial wellness. Viewing the whole picture includes living within your means, setting financial goals, saving, preparing for the future, and generally feeling secure financially, whatever your income level. When you find stability in each of these areas, you find financial wellness.

Taking the time to assess how well you are doing in each dimension of wellness very may very well uplevel your life. But it may also simply bring you a bit more peace and ease. Peace and ease may not sound quite as exciting but it may be just what's needed.

Remember, letting any one of these areas fall too far behind may negatively affect your overall wellness and quality of life. Finding the balance that works for you is the key to wholistic wellness.