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8.2: The Six Dimensions of Wellness

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    292837
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    What is Wellness? Vitality! Energy! Ability to adapt to challenges! Wellness can be defined by a state of being, but it is multi-dimensional. There are six dimensions of wellness (Wilmerding & Krasnow, 2017) that include intellectual, physical, occupational, mental, social, and spiritual. Intellectual wellness is having the capacity to embrace challenges, problem solve, learn new things, stimulate creativity, and being open to trying new things in new ways. Occupational wellness speaks to your physical space and emotional climate and indicates that you have satisfaction and enrichment through your work. Occupational wellness implies success and contentment with a chosen occupation.

    Physical wellness is indicated by strength, flexibility, and endurance. Having knowledge to pay attention to fitness technique and safety are also components of how to cultivate physical wellness. This makes it possible for you to take personal responsibility for injuries, including taking care of minor injuries and knowing when to seek professional help. Mental wellness, also known as emotional wellness, is being aware of your feelings, recognizing your feelings, and accepting your feelings. It ALSO means being aware of the feelings of others, recognizing the feelings of others, and accepting the feelings of others.

    Social wellness involves having the capacity to contribute to the positive welfare of your community, being able to think not only about yourself. If the environment where you dance or exercise is too competitive, it can create a culture that has tension. How you interact with others and support them will result in YOU being supported, as well. Spiritual wellness is rooted in understanding what you value, understanding what you believe in, and developing a purpose in your life. Spiritual wellness implies that you will have greater satisfaction if you live in a way that is consistent with your values and beliefs.

    Definition: Wellness

    Wellness is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process that is holistic, positive, and affirming. Encompassing the concepts of self, lifestyle, and environment, there are six dimensions of wellness including intellectual, occupational, physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellness.


    This page titled 8.2: The Six Dimensions of Wellness is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Debra Worth.