SIX DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential. This is a life-long process of moving toward enhancing your physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being. These six dimensions highlight important components of wellness and ways to explore your own level of wellness!

Physical

  • Get a physical exam
  • Be consistent with self-exams like BSE/TSE
  • For women: gynecological exam
  • Current immunizations
  • Regular exercise and eat balanced meals
  • Dental and eye exams
  • Limit or avoid alcohol and tobacco
  • Get a massage to ease tired and worked muscles

Social

  • Develop relationships where both parties feel good
  • Able to interact with others in public and private situations
  • Comfortable adapting to various social settings
  • Can stick to values and beliefs without being persuaded by peer pressure
  • Join clubs to expand your social network, it’s a great way to get involved and meet others with similar interests
  • Read the newspaper — you will be amazed with all of the events going on and off campus

Emotional

  • Recognize when your emotions affect your body
  • Express your needs, feelings, and opinions appropriately
  • Use humor to defuse negative thoughts or situations
  • Use journal writing to relieve stress and express your thoughts
  • Talk to a trusted friend or family member and vent
  • Give and receive lots of hugs
  • Be optimistic — believe in yourself and your abilities
  • If you are feeling overwhelmed make an appointment with a professional healthcare provider

Intellectual

  • Find outlets that are intellectually stimulating
  • Set and meet realistic goals academically, personally, and professionally
  • Take advantage of opportunities that may offer you different experiences
  • Decide on things that help you relax and do them
  • Deep breathing can help the mind-body connection
  • Spoil yourself after completing a goal

Spiritual

  • Nourish yourself through personal beliefs, morals, and/or religion
  • Feel connected with ones self and others
  • Find purpose in life and meaning in the little things you do everyday
  • Develop a philosophy of life that you want to live by

Environmental

  • Appreciate and respect the environment
  • Do your part to preserve and improve environmental conditions
  • Have a place that you can go to relax, chill out
  • Whether it’s at home or work, have a welcoming space for you and others to feel comfortable in
  • Colors can be a great way to spice up an area — decide which ones light your fire!
  • Reduce noise and pollution
  • Keep yourself and others safe — like buckling up