7 Dimensions of Wellness

1. Physical Dimension

Physical wellness is key to a healthier lifestyle overall. Doing any physical activities for even just 30 minutes a day can improve your mind and keep your body active. I play soccer and when I am playing everything in my life is blocked out, and soccer is the only thing on my mind. Or when I workout at the gym, I take everything that has been on my mind and push it to the side. Physical activity allows me to relieve stress while keeping my body in shape.

2. Intellectual Dimension

Intellectual wellness is acquiring new knowledge continuously and opening your mind to new ideas. Being open to new things, finding acceptance in others, and creating space for mental activities can improve your intellectual wellbeing. I have taken a variety of different courses in school to learn about different subjects/topics/cultures, not just things in my program. It has opened my mind to things I never knew about before and it has taught me to understand things in different perspectives, not just my own.

3. Emotional Dimension

I have always been one to keep everything inside and hold back my feelings. Recently I have been becoming a lot more comfortable with talking about how I feel and what makes me feel that way. I find it really important how beneficial it is to express how you feel in a healthy way, in order to move forward and grow as a person. Another thing I have found to be important is listening to others and accepting that they may have a different opinion than me.

4. Social Dimension

Interacting with others and choosing who you socialize/spend your time with helps build effective communication skills with others. I try to set a time to socialize and spend time with others rather than isolating myself all day long. Another piece of social wellness is being able to effectively interact with others in the community. Being able to do this not only helps you with the jobs and social activities, but helps when talking to people in the future.

5. Spiritual Dimension

Over the last year or so I have found more time for self reflection and it has allowed me to think deeper about my life and dive into my thoughts. I think this is super important for everyone. You want to be able to understand that your life has a purpose whatever that may be. Out of all the wellness dimensions I found this one to be the most challenging for me, but it is something I have been working on and improving every day.

6. Environmental Dimension

As a whole we need to do better respecting and taking care of the Earth we live on. This can be as easy as making sure you recycle, not littering, etc.. This also goes along with respecting the wildlife and leaving them to live in the habitat they belong.

7. Occupational Dimension

At a young age it can be hard finding a job you actually enjoy going to, but you do anyway to make money. As you get older, you realize how important it is to work in a safe and healthy environment because an unsafe and unhealthy one can ruin your mental health. Currently I am a physical education and health teacher. It is important for me to not only ensure I am motivated, but that I am motivating and encouraging my students to be the best they can every single day. I have also formed relationships with many other teachers and staff in my district. Building relationships with your coworkers and building rapport is essential for a successful future.