The 9 Dimensions of Wellness

What do you think of when you hear the word “wellness”? Most people hear “wellness” and think of only their physical and emotional health. However, there are actually 9 dimensions of wellness for you to consider. Originating from The Ohio State University, the 9 dimensions of wellness acknowledge that wellness is interconnected and multifaceted. These dimensions include: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, career, creative, financial, and environmental.

Let’s look at each dimension more closely.

Physical Wellness: A physically-well person seeks to keep their body functioning properly though healthy habits. Healthy habits can include getting an adequate amount of sleep, engaging in regular exercise/movement, eating well, getting routine medical check-ups, and minimizing risk of injuries and harm.

Emotional Wellness: An emotionally well person is aware of their mental needs. This person can identify, express, and manage a range of emotions. This person can also practice self-care, reduce stress, and build resiliency. An emotionally well person can ask for help to address areas of concern.

Social Wellness: The socially well person seeks to form healthy relationships with their support systems through communication skills, mutual trust, and respect. This person may also feel empowered to contribute to the community around them. It is important to also remember how your virtual presence impacts your social self when considering social wellness.

Spiritual Wellness: A spiritually well person explores and understands the values and beliefs that guide their actions within the world. This person seeks harmony and balance in their life by exploring the meaning and depth of human purpose.

Intellectual Wellness: An intellectually well person values learning and critical thinking. This person wants to learn through both informal and formal training. This person wants to expand worldviews, knowledge, skills, and creativity through different opportunities and experiences.

Career Wellness: A professionally well person feels a sense of satisfaction and enrichment through work. This person seeks opportunities to grow professionally and learn new skills. This person also maintains a healthy work-life balance.
  
Creative Wellness: A creatively well person takes time to appreciate experiences of the world through art and culture. This person will act on different forms of creation. This person may also want to understand the human experience through the creative contributions of others.

Financial Wellness: A financially well person feels like they have the ability to make confident financial decisions. This person is able to budget, save, and manage their finances in order to reach realistic financial goals. This person will have satisfaction with current and future financial situations.

Environmental Wellness: An environmentally well person is aware of the space they share with others, including nature and their living space. This person works to preserve, protect, and improve their daily surroundings.

The 9 dimensions of wellness allow a person to look at themselves from a holistic point-of-view and feel more connected to themselves.

Be sure to follow us on social media to find resources and tips to address each dimension of wellness throughout the Spring 2024 semester!