Seven Dimensions of Wellness

 WELLNESS - WHAT IS IT?

Wellness is more than just the absence of disease or weakness. It is a dynamic and conscious evolution of the entire self, rather than a passive or static condition. Wellness is connected with intentions, choices, and behaviors that lead to an optimal state of well-being, so that you thrive rather than survive. Wellness is widely thought to have seven dimensions: mental, physical, social, financial, spiritual, environmental, and vocational.

These dimensions are interconnected and influence one another. When one dimension of our well-being is out of balance, the others suffer. Striving for wellbeing is taking a proactive approach by understanding how to be well in each dimension and taking action to develop wellness-affirming habits, routines, and coping techniques.

you may learn more about each dimension below including definitions and strategies

- Mental Wellness:

Mental wellness encompasses all aspects of mental health, emotional well-being, and how they interact. In turn, your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life. Mental wellness affects each dimension in turn and includes coping with life's normal difficulties.

Tips for Improving Your Mental Wellness:

• Practice mindfulness: the mental state achieved by focusing your awareness on the present moment rather than mentally rehashing the past or imagining the future.
• Use relaxation and self-care techniques that work for you.
• Seek help from family, friends, the community, and/or a professional.
• Exercise on a regular basis, eat well, and get enough sleep.
• Effectively express feelings and emotions, and engage in positive self-talk.
• Attend any of the weekly mental health workshops to learn about various aspects of mental health and how to cope with stress and adversity.
• Know where to go in times of crisis.

- Physical Wellness:

Physical wellness encompasses a wide range of healthy behaviors such as exercise, proper nutrition, restful sleep, sexual health, and substance use. Physical wellness entails learning about disease prevention and the development of healthy habits that will allow you to live a longer, happier life.

Physical wellness strategies include:

• Make regular exercise a habit, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.
• Consume more fresh foods rather than processed foods, including 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Take a short walk during your study break.
• Learn about the dangers of all substances, including alcohol and cannabis.
• Get enough sleep (7-8 hours per night).
• To promote good sleep habits, prevent fatigue, and improve mental functioning, practice waking up at the same time every day.
• Avoid all forms of smoking, including tobacco and vaping.
• Water should be used instead of sugary drinks such as juices and sports drinks.

- Social Wellness:

The way we interact with our community and those around us is defined as social wellness. Healthy relationships, consent, communication skills, and support systems are all part of it. It is also about establishing a network of support from family, friends, peers, and professionals.

Strategies for improving your social wellness:

• Maintain a healthy balance of social and personal time.
• Be willing to try new things and meet new people.
• To gain a better understanding of unfamiliar cultures and customs, observe others and ask questions.
• Seek out opportunities and be open to meeting new people and trying new things (e.g. join a club or organization, play a team sport, volunteers, etc.).
• Understand how consent affects all aspects of your life.
• Participate in on-campus or community service.

- Financial Wellness:

Financial wellness is the contribution of our finances to our overall health. It is the harmonious relationship between your objectives and your financial obligations. When someone is in financial difficulty, it affects all aspects of their wellness.

Strategies for improving your financial wellness:

• Use cash instead of debit or credit to avoid spending more than you anticipate.
• Self-care that is inexpensive is recommended (hiking, potlucks, games nights, etc.).
• Cooking your own meals instead of eating out will help you save money.
• Make a weekly budget for things like food, entertainment, and savings.
• Utilize scholarship and grant applications.
• When making a purchase, use sale flyers or online coupon mobile applications.

- Spiritual Wellness: 

Spiritual wellness refers to our set of beliefs, principles, and values that guide our lives. It is the search for meaning and purpose in our daily lives that ultimately promotes wellness.

Strategies to enhance your spiritual wellness:

• Spending quality time with loved ones will help you to strengthen your relationships with others.
• Connect with nature by going for a walk in the woods and practicing mindfulness.
• Set aside some time for quiet reflection or prayer.
• Investigate faith-based services in your area.
• Discuss values openly with friends, partners, or family members.
• Choose hobbies or activities that allow you to delve into the meaning and purpose of life.

- Vocational wellness:

Vocational wellness entails developing and applying our skills and talents in order to find meaning, happiness, and fulfillment in our lives. Vocational wellness focuses on self-development and self-discovery while expanding knowledge. It also entails looking for opportunities that are personally meaningful and rewarding for you, based on your values, interests, and beliefs.

Strategies for improving your vocational wellness:

• Get a variety of experiences to broaden your knowledge.
• Maintain your wellness and life balance by managing your time.
• Learn which strategies work best for you and where you require assistance.
• Access academic resources such as Academic Advising and the Writing Centre to help you achieve your academic goals.
• Volunteer for new experiences to help you narrow down your interests and the type of work you want to do.
• Try not to compare your path to that of others; everyone's path is unique.

- Environmental Wellness:

Environmental wellness refers to how your surroundings influence your well-being. It entails incorporating nature into your life in order to feel at peace and well-being.

Environmental wellness strategies include:

• Instead of driving a car, walk, ride a bike, or take the bus whenever possible.
• Consume locally produced food.
• When possible, engage in healthy physical activity in nature by walking in parks, going on hikes, studying outside, and so on.
• Avoid environmental hazards like loud noise, pollution, secondhand smoke, and ultraviolet radiation.
• Instead of using a treadmill, walk or run in a park or on nature trails.
• Keep your living space clean and organized.