Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.
The Six Dimensions of Wellness
OCCUPATIONAL
The occupational dimension recognizes personal satisfaction
and enrichment in one’s life through work. At the center of occupational
wellness is the premise that occupational development is related to one’s
attitude about one’s work.
Occupational wellness follows these tenets:
- It is better to choose a career which is consistent with our personal values, interests, and beliefs than to select one that is unrewarding to us.
- It is better to develop functional, transferable skills through structured involvement opportunities than to remain inactive and uninvolved.
The physical dimension recognizes the need for regular
physical activity. Physical development encourages learning about diet and
nutrition while discouraging the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol
consumption. Optimal wellness is met through the combination of good exercise
and eating habits.
Physical wellness follows these tenets:
- It is better to consume foods and beverages that enhance good health rather than those which impair it.
- It is better to be physically fit than out of shape.
The social dimension encourages contributing to one’s
environment and community. It emphasizes the interdependence between others and
nature.
Social wellness
follows these tenets:
- It is better to contribute to the common welfare of our community than to think only of ourselves.
- It is better to live in harmony with others and our environment than to live in conflict with them.
The intellectual dimension recognizes one’s creative,
stimulating mental activities. A well person expands his or her knowledge and
skills while discovering the potential for sharing his or her gifts with
others. Using intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond
the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available
within the university community and the larger community, a well person
cherishes intellectual growth and stimulation.
Intellectual wellness follows these tenets:
- It is better to stretch and challenge our minds with intellectual and creative pursuits than to become self-satisfied and unproductive.
- It is better to identify potential problems and choose appropriate courses of action based on available information than to wait, worry, and contend with major concerns later.
The spiritual dimension recognizes our search for meaning
and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation
for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the
universe. Your search will be characterized by a peaceful harmony between
internal personal feelings and emotions and the rough and rugged stretches of
your path
Spiritual wellness
follows these tenets:
- It is better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be tolerant of the beliefs of others than to close our minds and become intolerant.
- It is better to live each day in a way that is consistent with our values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to ourselves.
The emotional dimension recognizes awareness and acceptance
of one’s feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels
positive and enthusiastic about one’s self and life. It includes the capacity
to manage one’s feelings and related behaviors including the realistic
assessment of one’s limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope
effectively with stress.
Emotional wellness follows these tenets:
- It is better to be aware of and accept our feelings than to deny them.
- It is better to be optimistic in our approach to life than pessimistic.
An Extract from “The Six Dimensions of Wellness Model “ by Dr. Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute (NWI),
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