Wellness goes beyond physical fitness to include emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual health. Optimal wellbeing includes all of these dimensions and requires self-reflection to find what works best for each individual.
GWI’s research shows that people are prioritizing wellness more than ever post-Covid-19, especially younger generations such as Gen Z and millennials. Health consciousness is a psychographic variable that predicts individuals’ comprehensive orientations toward their health and wellbeing.
Physical
Physical wellness is a holistic approach to health that promotes self-care. It encompasses healthy eating and movement, proper sleep and rest, stress management, sexual wellness and making responsible choices regarding alcohol and drug use.
Maintaining an optimal level of physical wellness is essential to achieving the other dimensions of well-being. When you’re not feeling your best physically, it can take a toll on your mental and emotional wellness.
When you’re physically well, you may have a stronger sense of control over your life. For instance, you might be able to work more efficiently because you don’t feel as tired during the day. This can boost your occupational wellness, which in turn can positively impact your financial and environmental wellbeing. This interdependency is reflected in the Six Dimensions of Wellness model, an influential framework used by the wellness movement. The Six Dimensions of Wellness model resources are available to Wellness Alliance Members and Nonmembers. Click on the images to access them.
Mental
A large portion of mental wellness is rooted in nourishing the mind and emotions. This is a broad concept that can include meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and exercise. It can also be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition and regular sleep.
Consciousness studies are a rapidly developing field in neuroscience and psychology. Many books, journals and conferences are devoted to the topic. There are several competing theories of consciousness, ranging from physicalism to more esoteric approaches.
Having an active mental wellness consciousness means cultivating the ability to experience joy, happiness and meaning in life. It involves being able to express your thoughts and feelings, especially with those you trust. It can be achieved through a variety of ways, such as eating well and sleeping regularly, engaging in hobbies, getting regular exercise, and maintaining strong social connections. It can also be a product of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire itself in response to positive experiences and learning.
Social
Social wellness is about cultivating healthy relationships, enjoying regular social interactions and feeling connected to the people around us. It’s also about being able to offer and receive emotional support to others, as well as having the ability to empathize.
Having strong social connections and a sense of belonging contributes to greater happiness, fulfillment and self-esteem. People with good social wellness are often skilled communicators and are able to develop and sustain genuine relationships. They are also able to empathize with others and have a compassionate outlook on life.
Getting together with friends and family in person can help improve social wellness, as can engaging in social activities like group exercise or volunteering. It’s important to set aside time for these activities so they don’t get pushed aside by other daily responsibilities and distractions. Studies have shown that isolation increases the risk of heart disease and mental illness, while people with a high level of social wellness have lower stress levels, healthier endocrine systems and more effective immune responses.
Spiritual
Spiritual wellness involves an expanding sense of meaning and purpose in life, along with personal beliefs and morals. This may involve religious practices, but it can also be achieved through meditation, yoga, mindfulness and personal introspection.
People who enjoy spiritual wellness typically have hope, positive outlook, forgiveness/self-acceptance and commitment to their values and principles. They often have a sense of meaning and purpose, are connected to nature and art, perform acts of kindness for others and feel a connection with humanity as a whole.
To maintain a spiritual state of wellness, we recommend practising daily relaxation techniques like breathing exercises and meditation or mindful practice. It’s also important to spend time in nature and express gratitude for the blessings you have in your life. Lastly, we encourage you to consider the value of community and belonging and to explore a religion or faith that resonates with you. If you are struggling to find balance among the different dimensions of wellness, it’s helpful to seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
