The 7 Dimensions of Wellness… how ‘well’ are you?
We often think about our physical and mental wellbeing, but wellness experts suggest there are many aspects that contribute to our overall health and quality of life. In 1976, Dr Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute in the US, developed a model of wellness that included six dimensions of health; physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational and social. Since then, researchers have added environmental wellness.
If you are looking to move towards more balance in these areas to achieve a holistic version of your wellness, consider some of these practical tips.
Physical Wellbeing – eat well, move more
Add more whole foods to your diet- start with eating 5-7 fruit and veg a day
Aim to do some physical activity every day – start with a walk
Prioritise getting enough sleep
Manage stress by introducing some deep breathing exercises into your day
Intellectual Wellbeing - boost your brain
Challenge your mind through learning something new
Find a creative activity you enjoy – writing, painting, listening to music, photography, crafts
Visit a museum, gallery or theatre or read whatever you can, and expand your mind!
Environmental Wellbeing – respect the Earth
Be more mindful of your consumption – consider if you really need it
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Spend time outdoors – have a picnic, do some gardening, go for a walk
Social Wellbeing – connect with others
Plan and spend time with family and friends
Join a community group, volunteer and get involved
Emotional Wellbeing – take control of your emotions
Talk to a friend
Ask for help when you start to feel overwhelmed
Try to gain perspective when faced with everyday challenges – remind yourself that if it doesn’t interfere with the bigger picture, you may be able to let it go more easily
Spiritual Wellbeing – Find purpose and meaning in your life
Spend time in nature – look, listen, smell and appreciate what’s around you
Find 5 minutes of quiet time each day to think and reflect
Include a mindful exercise such as yoga, tai chi or meditation into your week
Financial Wellbeing – feel more secure
Spend wisely and within your means
Have an emergency fund
Seek out tools and information to make beneficial financial decisions
Take the pressure off yourself to try to do it all. Focus on one area and set some small, realistic goals that resonate with you. If you think you’d benefit with some support in creating more balance in your life, contact me for a chat about how I can help you to achieve your nutrition and lifestyle goals.