Wellness is a lifelong, active process where an individual becomes aware of lifestyle choices and makes decisions toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. This process can involve improving different aspects of one's lifestyle including: physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental, occupational, and financial well-being. It can also be considered an accumulation of positive choices directed toward achieving and maximizing an individual's potential.
Physical Wellness
- Involves making informed choices aimed at improving/maintaining your physical health. To remain physically well, one typically strives for:
a) a healthy Body Composition (healthy level of body fat) as well as sensory acuity;
b) lower susceptibility to disorders and/or diseases;
c) enhances body functioning as well as recuperative ability
Emotional Wellness
- Refers to how someone feels. To become emotionally well, one should try to express and display emotions effectively and in a healthy manner. Included in this dimension are the feelings (emotional reactions or responses) of self-confidence, self-esteem, trust, and love.
Multicultural Wellness
- Awareness of your own cultural background and becoming knowledgeable about, respectful of, and sensitive to the culture of others. A person could attend a diversity lecture or event; or become an active member in a club that promotes multiculturalism; and they would take the initiative to learn about the cultures of peers.
Spiritual Wellness
- Involves the practice of integrating your beliefs and values with action toward bettering both ourselves and the world around us. This Dimension could be related to one's religion, but it does not have to be religiously based at all. A person who is Spiritually Well examines his/her personal beliefs and searches for a deeper meaning of life; reflects and meditates (could include prayer); and finds joy in everyday life.
Intellectual Wellness
- A person who is intellectually well seeks to expand his/her knowledge and/or skill through engaging in creative and stimulating mental activities. A person would explore new ideas or understandings and would cherish the opportunity to participate in stimulating activities to enhance mental growth.
Social Wellness
- Relates to how well a person interacts with those around themselves. To become Socially Well one must have good communication skills (speaking, listening, providing feedback); meaningful relationships, respects him/herself and others, as well as creates a support system that involves family members and/or friends.
Environmental Wellness
- Those who practice Environmentally Wellness understand the impact of their interaction with nature and their own personal environment while at the same time taking action to protect the world around them.
Occupational Wellness
- Involves achieving a balance between work and leisure time, addressing workplace stress, and building relationships with co-workers. This dimension focuses on a person's search for a calling, involves exploring various career options, and finding where that person fits within society.
Financial Wellness
- The ability to live within one's means. A financially well person is fully aware of his/her financial state. This person will budget, save, and manage his/her finances in order to achieve realistic goals.
We will be discussing all of these dimensions at various times during this semester.