When we talk about wellness, it does not just mean our physical wellbeing. It involves many factors including physical, emotional, and even our spiritual wellbeing. These factors are spread out in seven categories which contributes to the quality of our lives as well as the things that have an affect on it. The dimensions of wellness includes physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environment, and vocational. By working on these at once or one a time can lead to a healthier future as well as a higher sense of happiness!
Let’s begin with the physical dimension. This focuses on having proper nutrition and enough exercise. Without healthy habits, our bodies can not respond in a normal way. If we do not eat when we get hungry, our stomachs literally feel like they will explode (or that is just me). It sends an alarm all throughout the body, especially if you do not drink enough water. I promise you the affects of not having enough water is not worth it, especially when you literally live in one of the hottest climates. Every day starts of with a meal so make it one that will support how you want to be that day!
Next off, there is the emotional dimension which is how we are able to express our emotions to ourselves and others. This dimension is also a great way to develop self-esteem and finding your worth. Learning more about ourselves and what we think is important in our lives, help us understand what we want in live, and how we can get there in a healthy way. A great step to truly do this is to listen to yourself. If you do not feel comfortable in a situation, listen to your gut. Never second guess yourself because some part of yourself always knows what path you are supposed to be on.
Intellectual dimension is where our creativity and imagination is encouraged. If you love to learn and are always creating different things, you have an high intellectual level! This one has to be my favorite ones because I feel close to it. I have a higher passion and skill in art and literature rather than math and science. I love filling my life with great adventures because it is a way for me to work on myself and learn new things. I went to Europe a few years ago and I found a whole other side of me there. I wanted to talk to everyone and that is definitely not normal for me. Within my own family it is hard for me to open up and express myself. Someone recently said to me the cheesy saying “Reach for the stars”, and I never have loved it like I do right now. I am at a part of my life where everything is changing and it is terrifying but exciting at the same time. My point of all of this is to not be afraid of going a little bit out of your comfort level because you never know what is out there! I have found more peace with myself as well as love. I have went through many things that showed me what I truly want in my life and I know now how to work in getting there. It never hurts to try something that will bring you great things!
Social dimension is the dimension where we contribute to ourselves and our community. Through this, we are able to develop the characteristics that will help you in social settings. These can include communication, reflection to others and ourselves, as well as being able to create relationships. As I mentioned earlier, I am terrified of talking to people. It is the most complicated thing for me because it isn’t easy for me to go out in public and introduce myself to others like I wish I could. People do not often get the right image of me because they see me as a snob or standoffish because I do not talk a lot. The truth is far from that because I love to meet new people but opening up to others terrifies me. I am so scared of others judgments but I give them the perfect opportunity too. During Covid, I have really pushed myself to work on communicating with others. I learned that they can not know the right side of me until I show them myself. I challenge you to communicate with others your thoughts and feelings. It isn’t easy but I promise you that this will help create healthy relationships with others, as well as help you gain confidence to open up!
Spiritual dimension does not necessarily focus on your religion but rather than your own values and beliefs. This dimension is another great way to self-reflect because it is all about finding inner peace as well as purpose. By having those two things, it is more likely to reach our full potentials in life. If you ever have a moment in life, think to yourself “What is holding me back?” and “Is there anything I can do to help fix this situation?” Life is full of opportunities for you to grow as a person and the important step in doing so, is to be open minded with it! Be present with yourself, everyone, and everything because all these moments combine together to create your journey in life.
Environment dimension consists of the affects actions have on Earth. This dimension is a way to create harmony between your life and the environment. We can not have a healthy life if our environment is not thriving either! Nature is one of the best gifts to have as humans and it needs as much wellness as we do. Reducing waste and recycling is an important way to connect with the Earth. If we do not protect it, what will? See what is around you in the world and if their is anything you can do to help it, please try!
Vocational dimension is the ultimate way to develop growth in life. Personal development is an important step to create a positive attitude in life. This dimension is a way to create a positive vision for your future. It allows you to build skills and a positive mindset to create the steady commitments needed in certain occupations. A certain tool is needed to do this, which involves being open to change! This is the hardest skill for me to have and is always being worked on. I do have to say, that is the most helpful skill to have because it creates lower stress for me in many situations. I always believed if things didn’t go a certain way, everything would fall apart. So if one little thing did not go as plan, I thought my whole life was falling apart (It is dramatic but true!) I built so many fears from this until I allowed myself to believe in a plan B, C, and even D if I needed one! No matter what, everything will fit into place because there is a special time and place for it.