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Dimensions of Wellness
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Emotional Wellness
The awareness and acceptance of your feelings and emotions.
Symbol:
Heart: The heart is traditionally held to be the source of emotions (vs. the mind/brain, which is typically associated with rational thought).
Wellness indicators:
- Participating in relationships with peers and/or family
- Balancing work and family responsibilities
- Laughing and crying
- Getting sound and adequate sleep
- Managing stress successfully through exercise and/or other healthful activities
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Social Wellness
Performing social roles comfortably, effectively and without causing harm to others.
Symbol:
Three People with Linked Hands: This symbolizes harmony, friendship and networking.
Wellness indicators:
- Establishing and maintaining friendships
- Showing awareness of and respect for people who are culturally or physically different from you
- Engaging in social and community events and activities
- Participating in group fitness classes or other group activities
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Physical Wellness
Having and maintaining a healthy body and mind by regularly getting good nutrition, exercise and rest and by avoiding and/or eliminating harmful habits.
Symbol:
Person in a Circle: This person with arms outstretched inside a circle represents the human body — one’s physical being.
Wellness indicators:
- Eating a healthy diet with adequate water
- Engaging in regular physical exercise and stretching
- Getting sound and adequate sleep
- Maintaining good personal hygiene
- Getting regular medical and dental exams
- Staying apprised of blood pressure and cholesterol and blood sugar levels
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Environmental Wellness
The recognition that there is an interdependence between human beings, collectively and individually, and the natural world.
Symbol:
Tree: This easy-to-identify symbol represents the natural realm.
Wellness indicators:
- Limiting consumption of natural resources, such as water and fuel
- Reusing and recycling materials
- Spending time in nature
- Appreciating and showing respect for clean air, water, outdoor spaces and living things
- Practicing a leave-no-trace policy
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Intellectual Wellness
An openness to new concepts, ideas and information.
Symbol:
Light Bulb: This symbol represents fresh thinking, innovation and creativity.
Wellness indicators:
- Reading and learning for fun
- Participating in classes and/or organizations
- Being open to people and ideas of all cultures
- Engaging in travel and/or hobbies
- Exhibiting curiosity
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Occupational Wellness
Enjoying one’s chosen career, volunteer activities and/or other activities that contribute to society.
Symbol:
Gear with Cogs: This toothed machine part represents a unit of labor or effort.
Wellness indicators:
- Engaging in a satisfying career, profession and/or volunteer activities
- Observing workplace safety
- Maintaining a positive, open-minded and respectful attitude
- Continuing to improve performance via classes and/or professional development
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Spiritual Wellness
Having a sense of meaning and purpose in one’s life.
Symbol:
Sun: The sun has a variety of meanings in religion and also represents the source of growth and vitality in the universe and the beginning and end of each day.
Wellness indicators:
- Meditating and/or praying
- Having a meaningful religious affiliation and/or practice
- Providing service to others
- Living with moral integrity and respect for others
- Drawing strength, peace and/or rejuvenation from time spent in nature
