- Saskatoon, SK
June 27, 2024
Exploring the Dimensions of Wellness: A Holistic Approach
What is Wellness?
The desire to long healthy lives is motivating people to start exploring the interrelated Dimensions of Wellness aimed at improving one’s quality and enjoyment of life. Wellness is being in good physical and mental health. I believe there is a mindbody connection so improving your physical health can improve your mental health and vice versa. As such, it is critical to make healthy choices for both your mind and body to achieve wellness.
The pressures and demands of daily life can exacerbate feelings of worry, anxiety, fear and self-doubt. During these times of emotional disruption, it is important to our health and wellbeing to be able to “quiet the mind” by staying centered and focused on the present moment by allowing our thoughts and feelings to pass without attaching to them.
“Wellness is the complete integration of mind, body, spirit – the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of wellbeing.” – Greg Anderson
To me, wellness is a holistic concept where one is feeling grounded stable, and relaxed while at the same time feeling physically strong and flexible. Also, one may be on a spiritual path seeking knowledge, insight, and wisdom by connecting to a higher power – whatever that means for you. Doing self-directed inner work through reflection, meditation, and journaling allows one to gain insight and stop blaming others by taking responsibility for one’s actions. Being well involves dealing with past emotional issues and trauma in a compassionate, authentic, and focused manner.
Wellness can involve being socially connected to others and having a variety of hobbies, interests, and self care practices. Sleep is the process by which we repair and rejuvenate so sufficient and quality rest is an important element in any wellness plan. Having a job or career that is fulfilling and satisfying as well as practicing good financial habits will reduce anxiety and increase your quality of life. We have a greater sense of satisfaction when we are not worrying about money and stressing over every financial decision.
Being intellectually well means being a critical thinker who reasons, problem solves and makes decisions. Intellectual wellness is marked by having a healthy curiosity and being a lifelong learner who pursues educational, professional, and personal goals and milestones. Environmental wellness involves understanding your relationship to your social environment which then shapes and influences your perceptions and opinions about the world.
Haiku Poem on Wellness
Haiku poems were Japanese in origin and tradition. Traditionally, they were written about nature and the change of seasons. They are unrhymed poems consisting of 17 syllables arranged in three lines of 5, 7, 5 syllables with an emphasis on simplicity, intensity and directness of expression.
Calm and relaxed
Meditate and self-reflect
One with universe
“Wellness encompasses a healthy body, a sound mind, and a tranquil spirit. Enjoy the journey as you strive for wellness”.
– Laurette Gagnon Beaulieu
What is Health?
To me, health is our overall feeling of satisfaction and contentment in many areas of our life – physical, emotional, social, spiritual, financial, occupational, intellectual, and environmental. Good health means the mind, body, and spirit are in balance and we are free from disease and mental anguish. We are resilient and can deal with current issues and past trauma in a healthy beneficial manner.
I believe that healthy people tend to be clear minded, compassionate, loving, nonjudgmental, patient and generous with their time, knowledge and money. Healthy people are often good communicators and can set appropriate boundaries by being assertive and setting limits, when necessary, without feeling guilty and/or obligated to “fix” the issue. Most healthy people believe in a higher power – something in the universe that is directing or influencing the direction of our lives – that entity could be “God” or any other label one chooses. For me, I believe in an omnipotent universal force or Creator, but I am unable to explain or put into words what I exactly think and feel on the subject. Instead, I chose to put my trust, intellect, and faith into the belief that acceptance of reality “as is” will greatly reduce my suffering and increase my satisfaction with life.
Haiku Poem on Health
Mind and body align
Free from disease and anguish
Blissful state of being
“Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being”. – J. Stanford
The Interconnected Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness isn’t merely the absence of illness, it is a holistic approach to life that encompasses various interconnected dimensions and by understanding and nurturing these dimensions one can lead a more balanced, fulfilling, and happy life.
1. Physical Wellness
Physical wellness involves maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep and preventative healthcare. Being physically well means recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep.
Tips to enhance Physical Wellness:
- Aim to exercise for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity
- Eat a balance diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day
- Try for 7 – 9 hours of sleep each night
- Get regular checkups and screenings with your healthcare provider
2. Emotional Wellness
Emotional wellness involves understanding and managing your emotions, as well as maintaining an optimistic attitude and positive self esteem. Being emotionally well means you are aware of your feelings, managing the stress in your life and building supportive relationships. You create a positive self-concept by dealing with feelings constructively and tapping into positive qualities such as optimism, trust, self confidence, determination and resiliency.
Tips to Enhance Emotional Wellness:
- Engage in mindfulness or meditation practices to stay present and manage stress
- Seek support and guidance from family, friends, or a mental health professional
- Find healthy ways to express your emotions, such as journaling or confiding in someone you trust
- Practice self-compassion by being kind to yourself when faced with difficult times
3. Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual wellness involves having a sense of purpose and meaning in life. You explore and activate your beliefs, values, and ethics that guide your actions and give your life a sense of purpose. Being spiritually well means you enhance the connection to self, nature and others to bring balance and peace to your life.
Tips to Enhance Spiritual Wellness:
- Regularly spend time reflecting on life and personal circumstances, as well as meditating to explore your inner self
- Find meaning and engage in activities that align with your values and beliefs.
- Practice gratitude by keeping a journal to remind yourself of the positives in your life
- Join a spiritual community or religious group that supports your beliefs
4. Social Wellness
Social wellness involves developing and maintaining healthy relationships. Being socially well means connecting with others, building strong support networks, creating healthy friendships and work relationships, and contributing to your community.
Tips to Enhance Social Wellness:
- Spend quality time with family and friends
- Participate in community groups, clubs, or volunteer activities
- Practice effective listening and open communication in your relationships
- Expand your network by meeting new people and building diverse relationships
5. Occupational Wellness
Occupational wellness involves finding personal satisfaction and enrichment through work. Being occupationally well means balancing, work, home and leisure, and finding fulfillment in your career or daily activities.
Tips to Enhance Occupational Wellness:
- Engage in meaningful work that you are passionate about
- Balance work and life priorities and set boundaries to ensure a healthy work-life balance
- Continue learning by seeking opportunities for professional development and career growth
- Foster positive relationships by building a supportive network of colleagues and mentors
6. Financial Wellness
Financial wellness involves managing your finances effectively to reduce stress and increase security. Being financially well means understanding your financial situation, establishing good financial habits, making informed decisions and being satisfied with current and future financial situations.
Tips to Enhance Financial Wellness:
- Create and stick to a budget to manage your expenses
- Save regularly and set aside savings for emergencies and future goals
- Develop a plan to pay off debts and avoid unnecessary borrowing
- Educate yourself and learn about personal finances and make informed financial decisions
7. Intellectual Wellness
Intellectual wellness involves engaging in creative and mentally stimulating activities. Being intellectually well means expanding your knowledge, skills and creativity through continuous learning and exploration. You become a lifelong learner open to new ideas, insights and wisdoms.
Tips to Enhance Intellectual Wellness:
- Continue lifelong learning by taking up new hobbies, attending workshops or pursuing further education
- Explore and engage in creative activities like writing, painting, or playing a musical instrument
- Engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as puzzles, crosswords, or strategic games
8. Environmental Wellness
Environmental wellness involves living in harmony with your surroundings and protecting the planet. Being environmentally well means making choices that respect the environment and contribute to a sustainable future.
Tips to Enhance Environmental Wellness:
- Reduce waste by practicing recycling, composting and reducing garbage
- Choose sustainable products and practices in your daily life
- Connect with nature by spending time in green spaces
- Create a healthy space by ensuring that you’re living and working environments are safe and healthy
Integrating Wellness Dimensions
The Dimensions of Wellness are interconnected, interdependent, and influence each other contributing to a holistic sense of and approach to health and wellness. If any one of the dimensions is neglected or out of balance, over time it will adversely affect your health, wellbeing and quality of life. Similarly, positive choices and behavior like improving your physical health through regular exercise and nutritious diet can boost mind and energy, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, enhance intellectual function, and foster social connections.
“A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step”
– Lao Tzu
Here are some steps to integrate these dimensions into your life:
1. Assess Your Wellness: Review and determine your current level of wellness in each dimension. Identify areas where you are in a healthy routine and areas that need improvement.
2. Set Goals: Create realistic, attainable, and achievable goals for each dimension. Further break down the goals into manageable steps to increase your chances of success.
3. Create a Plan: Develop a plan to incorporate wellness activities into your daily routine. Ensure that your plan includes a balance of activities that address each dimension adequately.
4. Seek Support: If you are struggling to begin or continue your chosen activities don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals, friends, and family.
5. Monitor Progress: Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Celebrate your successes and learn from your setbacks. Your state of wellbeing has been years in the making so remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you work toward a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
Exploring and unlocking your Dimensions of Wellness is a continuous journey toward a balanced and fulfilling life. What dimensions do you feel you are the strongest? What areas would you like to work on? Setting goals for yourself and working toward achieving them can help you feel more fulfilled and optimize your health. By nurturing each dimension, you can enhance your overall wellbeing and achieve a higher quality of life. You may ask yourself, what would my life be like if I optimized and enhanced all eight dimensions? It will be exciting to find out the answer.
For more personalized guidance and support, feel free to reach out and schedule a session. Here saluting your wellness journey and a brighter, healthier future.