You count grams of fat and fiber. You add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and drink green tea. You make sure to jog at least 4 times a week. Then, you spend most of your time at a high stress job. You have few close relationships and feel that your life lacks meaning. A healthy body may help you resist stress and illness, but they are only part of a much larger picture.
Health is more than having a body that works well. It includes six other factors or dimensions. When these dimensions are all cared for, you can build a true sense of well-being.
How do you take care of your whole self? The National Wellness Institute embraces the Six Dimensional Model of Wellness. The chart below explains the six parts of the model.
Dimension | Steps to Meet |
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Physical —Fitness and health goals through food choices, physical activity, safety, and self-care. |
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Emotional —Good mental health, a positive attitude, and high self-esteem. Also, respond with resiliency to problems and everyday life |
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Spiritual —Get in touch with your deeper self and the spiritual life. Developing faith in something larger than yourself and finding meaning and purpose. |
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Intellectual —Having curiosity and a strong desire to learn. Solve problems; think independently, be creative and critical. |
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Occupational/vocational —Engage in or prepare for work in which you will find satisfaction. |
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Social —being part of the world around you. |
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It may seem like a hard task to meet all 6 but many overlap. One step may help you meet more than one goal. Examples may include:
For example, taking a daily walk with your spouse and children can fulfill needs for physical activity and emotional bonding. If you use the time to discuss ideas and career aspirations, your family walk could also contribute to intellectual and occupational needs.
Take time to know the deepest purposes for which you live. Use them to set goals and make choices. For example, you may find that you want more time with your family than a bigger paycheck. Do not wait for a crisis to show what really matters to you.
Look for gaps in your overall wellness using your values and the model above. Make goals that will help you find more balance.
Perfect balance in all dimensions is not possible. There will be times when you are overextended, lonely, angry, and tired. You will need to make changes over the year. Adjust your goals and plans until you find a balance.
Mental Health America
http://www.nmha.org
National Wellness Institute
http://www.nationalwellness.org
Canadian Mental Health Association
http://ontario.cmha.ca
Mental Health Canada
http://www.mentalhealthcanada.com
Physical activity guidelines for Americans. Health.gov—Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion website. Available at: https://health.gov/paguidelines/. Accessed June 8, 2020.
Six dimensions of wellness. National Wellness Institute website. Available at: https://www.nationalwellness.org/page/six_dimensions#:~:text=The National Wellness Institute promotes,sense of wellness and fulfillment. Accessed June 8, 2020.
Last reviewed June 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP