The 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Hey everyone! This blog is going to cover the different dimensions to consider while striving for holistic living. I believe that if we work at trying to improve every aspect of our lives to some degree then we are consistently growing and moving forward. There is not one who is more important than the other. And yes that’s a whole lot to work on at one time. So I suggest grabbing a couple that serves as a high priority to you. You can also try a theme, like January is Health and Fitness month and February is Relationship Building month.
-Emotional
-Spiritual
-Intellectual
-Physical
-Environmental
-Occupational
-Financial
-Social
Emotional Wellness – Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times. This is a slow and steady process as you begin to trust that your feelings are accurate and for some that they are there. As some people abuse substances in order to numb their emotions.
Spiritual Wellness – Spiritual wellness is defined as expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life, including one’s morals and ethics. It may or may not involve religious activities. This is important because most have spun so far down that they have little to no feeling of purpose left. With having a purpose you have something to continue for. In the beginning, this is so hard. You still do not feel as confident so seeing a purpose may be difficult. But rest assured WE ALL HAVE A PURPOSE!!!
Intellectual Wellness – Intellectual wellness recognizes creative abilities and encourages us to find ways to expand our knowledge and skills. Intellectual wellness can be developed through personal and professional development, cultural involvement, community involvement, and personal hobbies. Find what you like to do/ are good at doing and dig into it. Find out as much as you can. I truly believe as you expand your knowledge and use your big beautiful brain, it helps some of the destruction addiction may bring and help correct some of the misfires going on up there.
Physical Wellness – Physical wellness is the ability to maintain a healthy quality of life that allows us to get through our daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress. Moving around is so good for the brain and the body. Get out some extra steam by going to the gym, or step outside for some clean air and to clear your mind with a walk. What you put in your body matters too. Make sure you are eating healthy foods that support the body and brain well especially as you go through all these changes.
Environmental Wellness – Environmental wellness is having good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being. It promotes interaction with nature and also creates an enjoyable personal environment (both in and out of your workspace). For me, the biggest in this was my home. Declutter your space to have free and moving thoughts. (I know weird but works). Make sure you are in a safe and supportive place also. You can also find community programs, church programs, groups, etc. If you need a change of scene.
Occupational Wellness – Occupational wellness allows you to explore various career options and encourages you to pursue the opportunities you enjoy the most. This dimension of wellness recognizes the importance of satisfaction, enrichment, and meaning through work. This to me is the best way to stay on purpose. If you go to work every day and hate your job QUIT if possible. Life is just too short to do something you hate every day. Also, the type of stress that comes with hating your job is not good for growth.
Financial Wellness – Financial wellness is a state of being in which you can fully meet your current and future financial obligations while feeling secure in your financial future and making choices that allow you to enjoy life, according to the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This is a more difficult one as making as much as you would like and what you need are 2 very different things. Learn to slowly improve your income and look for higher paying and quality positions.
Social Wellness – Social Wellness is having positive connections with friends, family, professors, coaches, supervisors, and anyone else. You can build new friends if needed at a multitude of different events that will be based around sobriety. This also means having quality relationships with current family, friends, etc.
Now I would suggest putting different rankings on each, like a 1-5 star rating. 1 star is the least important to you and 5 stars are the most or vice versa. You can even number them 1-8 and start with the dimension you are most concerned about. Create goals based on where you would like to be. Do long-term and short-term goals that will get you to the big goal. Knock out the small goals and watch your esteem flourish! Get to making your goals!!!!
NikkiBanner
