Closing

 BALANCING THE DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness model can go a long way toward helping you find fulfillment in life.

 

Wellness isn’t a destination — it’s a lifestyle. It takes effort to determine what practices will be helpful and which are harmful. Also, it is normal for wellness strategies to evolve over the course of life.  Re-evaluate where you are in each dimension regularly and make changes as needed.

Thank you for investing your time and energy into the information provided.  I truly wish you the best as you find your own path toward improved wellness!

Financial Wellness

I mentioned in a previous post that Physical Wellness may be considered the most well-known dimension of wellness.  It is also my favorite since I am obsessed with fitness and healthy lifestyle habits.  If you were to venture to the complete opposite end of that spectrum, I would choose Financial Wellness as the least notable and most definitely my least favorite. 

Many people have anxiety about money, especially if they do not have the amount required to fund the type of lifestyle they would prefer to live.  Personally, I just don't like to budget my money.  In the words of singer/actress Ariana Grande, 💵 "I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it." 💵I know that it may come across as very superficial considering the state of the economy at the time of this writing.  I would challenge you to consider how Financial Wellness is linked to the other dimensions of wellness as it relates to your personal journey with your own money.  

In my journey, I had very limited access to money for the things I wanted as a child and into my young adulthood.  As my income grew, so did my desire to purchase things that made me feel successful.  For me, I know that Financial Wellness is linked very closely to Physical, Emotional and Social Wellness.  Physical as it relates to fitness and health, Emotional as it relates to my feelings about money and Social as it relates to how I interact with others.  I believe I could throw in Spiritual as well due to cultural practices around finances and Occupational as it relates to how I earn income.  

What about you?  As you are developing strategies to maintain or enhance your Financial Wellness, consider how money plays a role in all the Wellness Dimensions.  By doing this, you can determine if your current budget is adequate enough to allow you to succeed in your wellness journey.  You may need to consider ways to earn more income or reduce your current spending to fund the changes you are planning to make.       

Financial Wellness refers to how well a person manages their finances. Improving one's Financial Wellness involves practicing responsible habits around spending and saving money.  It also requires one to set S.M.A.R.T. financial goals and take the steps needed to achieve those goals.  

Practicing financial wellness is essential to improving your overall quality of life as it impacts many of your day-to-day activities such as affording basic necessities.  It also involves long-term projects like retirement. 

Financial wellness may include:

·       Maintaining consistent employment

·       Taking responsibility for your financial obligations

·       Use debt wisely toward a mortgage or car loan and reduce/eliminate credit card debt

·       Following a budget

·       Saving/investing money for the future

·       Building an emergency fund

Financial Wellness is an important part of building and maintaining a solid foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Financial Wellness may be a significant barrier for some people who struggle to develop wellness in other areas.  Seeking guidance from a financial expert is helpful for people with unhealthy attitudes or habits surrounding money.

Spiritual Wellness

Have you ever wondered, "What is my purpose in life?" or "What is the meaning of life?"  It is possible that you have considered, "What makes my life significant?"

Spiritual Wellness explores these concepts by offering insight into the parts of you that guide your morals, values and beliefs.  Human beings are capable of imagining far beyond what is tangible in this life.  We all need something to keep us grounded in what is real, what is possible and what makes us feel like we matter in this great, big, wonderful world we live in.    

Spiritual Wellness can include religious/spiritual beliefs and practices.  Commonly, people believe in a "higher power" that is unseen.  It is not mandatory to be involved in an organized religion to establish Spiritual Wellness.  It is possible to appreciate life and all its' complexities without aligning yourself with a particular faith-based practice.  Regardless of your stance on religion, it is important to be respectful and accepting of those who have different beliefs.  By practicing a growth mindset, we open ourselves to living in peace with each other and potentially learning techniques that can help improve our own Spiritual Wellness.         

Spiritual wellness can include:

·       Having a code of ethics and standards to live by

·       Understanding your own identity, heritage, traditions and culture

·       Showing respect for life and concern for the well-being of others

·       Appreciating the significance of one’s role in the world

·       Developing a personal mission, vision and values statement 

Spiritual Wellness is a crucial part of overall well-being.  It includes how you choose to live, your awareness of your experience, and your perception of your role within humanity.  There are times when we may recognize flaws within our spiritual practices.  It is okay to acknowledge those flaws and replace them with practices that are uplifting and encouraging to your wellness goals.  

As we have developed a better understanding of the various Dimensions of Wellness, how do you see Spiritual Wellness show up in the course of your day among the other dimensions?  

Have you considered the feeling of being "one with nature" when you explore the great outdoors?  This could be Spiritual and Environmental working together!  If you attend church regularly, this could be the mighty powers of Spiritual and Social combined!  Perhaps you practice meditation or keep a gratitude journal?  This could be a product of Spiritual and Emotional! 

What other ways do you see Spiritual Wellness show up in your life?

Social Wellness

Social Wellness concentrates on how we relate with others.  Whether those relationships are extremely close or a distant acquaintance, our connection with others has a huge impact.  

Imagine a mother with a newborn baby or a married couple.  In those relationships, both parties depend on each other to have a strong bond and deep connection.  Imagine two strangers passing on a public road.  They also depend on each other to behave in accordance with local laws and cultural norms.  Our feelings of connection in various relationships will dictate our Social Wellness.     

Social Wellness can include:

• Building a support system
• Engaging in community events
• Seeking mentorship based on mutual respect and growth
• Schedule quality time with family and friends 
• Approach others with a mindset of curiosity and assume positive intent      

Humans are social creatures by nature.  To achieve optimal Social Wellness, you will need to establish ways to interact with others that enhance your quality of life.  Cooperating with others and managing conflict in a healthy manner are things we learn through trial and error throughout life.  If you struggle with this, seek out resources that can help you to maintain peace in challenging situations.  

How can Social Wellness help enhance other Dimensions of Wellness?  Comment some of your ideas!

Emotional Wellness

Emotional Wellness has a significant impact on one's physical and mental health.  Emotional Wellness can also impact other Dimensions of Wellness as it generally refers to the ability to cope with life using healthy behaviors. Healthy coping skills are the foundation of effective, long-term emotional regulation.  

Emotional Wellness has many elements. It can include the ability to:

• Identify and understand emotions 🤔
• Communicate feelings to others effectively 🗣️
• Develop a sense of self-respect and self-esteem 🥰
• Manage stress appropriately 😎
• Maintain positive, fulfilling relationships 💏

Understanding and expressing your emotions is essential when building a toolkit of strategies for Emotional Wellness.  The ability to "read the room" is not something we are born with.  It is a learned skill that develops through practicing social interactions with others.  Cultivating self-awareness and an understanding of how your audience perceives you are skills that can be mastered through consistent participation in Toastmasters!  This has proven to be an effective strategy for me as I work toward becoming a better communicator.  My fellow club members provide constructive feedback, helping me to identify and correct poor habits while also recognizing and encouraging my strengths. 

It is important to note that feelings aren't "good" or "bad".  For example, we often associate "happiness" with positivity and "anger" with negativity.  Your feelings are actually internal cues about the status of your Emotional Wellness. Consider a time when you were driving and noticed your gas gauge was low.  Did you interpret that as a bad thing?  It is possible that your answer is "YES" if you had no money or were a long way from a gas station 😰 The more productive way to interpret a low gas gauge is to view it as a call to action.  The car is communicating, "If you do not replenish the gas tank, you might be walking to your destination soon."   

We can have this same mindset when we consider our emotions.  When you are happy, this is a signal that whatever is happening in this moment is contributing to optimal Emotional Wellness.  Whatever you are experiencing in that moment is something you may consider doing more often to keep your Emotional Gas Gauge full.  When you are angry, this is a signal that your Emotional Gas Gauge is low and needs to be addressed soon.  While being angry may not result in an unexpected walk to your destination, you may be in an undesirable predicament if something does not change.    

What are your practices regarding self-care, managing stress, and being mindful of your feelings?  Are those practices adding value to your overall well-being?  Do you have knowledge of or access to resources that can help you improve your Emotional Wellness?  Take some time to think about your answers to these questions.  This could be a great way to connect with a loved one by having a discussion about Emotional Wellness and brainstorm ideas together regarding best practices.

Physical Wellness

Physical Wellness is arguably the most recognized dimension of wellness. Many people often associate the term "wellness" with physical health. The physical body serves as the foundation for our thoughts, emotions, and actions. By actively nurturing your Physical Wellness, you set the stage for achieving balance across all dimensions of wellness.

Physical Wellness includes:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet 🥗
• Getting adequate sleep 😴
• Engaging in physical movement or regular exercise 🏋🏽‍♀️
• Practicing personal hygiene 🛀🏽
• Responding proactively when health issues arise 🏥

Physical Wellness can be more complex than just eating healthy foods and exercising from time to time.  Individuals with genetic predispositions to certain health conditions may require more intensive interventions.  Those lifestyle adjustments could mean increased consultations with medical professionals, taking prescribed medications or even investing in specialized medical equipment.  Open communication about family health history is very important as you discuss concerns with your health provider.  It is also very important to inform your loved ones about potential health complications.  This empowers future generations to be on the lookout for specific symptoms and obtain testing for serious conditions such as cancer.  It also allows your community to support you in meaningful ways as needed.     

As you care for your body, it's important to recognize factors that may interfere with your physical health. Achieving this involves steering clear of situations and activities that place unnecessary strain on your body. These strategies can range from simple actions, such as consulting with a health coach, to more complex efforts, like seeking help to overcome substance addiction. Your body is priceless!  You show respect for your body by treating it well to ensure it lasts a long time.  Taking an active role in maintaining your physical health is vital for achieving optimal Physical Wellness.

Many of you who know me are already aware that I dedicate a significant amount of my free time to physical fitness.  Practicing yoga and weight training in my home gym has greatly contributed to improving my physical health. These activities not only keep my body strong and flexible but also help me relax and feel a sense of inner peace. Additionally, I enjoy running 5Ks and participating in group fitness classes. Similar to my involvement in Toastmasters, group fitness classes fulfill my need for social interaction and allow me to share meaningful experiences with others.

Are there any new strategies you're interested in exploring for your own physical wellness? Personally, I’d like to focus on being more consistent with my personal grooming. Spending more time on styling my hair and thoughtfully selecting outfits each day would boost my confidence and positively impact my daily routine. What about you?  I’d ❤️love ❤️ to hear your physical wellness strategies in the comments!

Occupational Wellness

 Now the moment you have all been waiting for...🥁

Occupational Wellness!

Occupational Wellness involves one's active pursuit to experience purpose and satisfaction at work.  A job should not exclusively be a means of surviving in a capitalist society.  The work you perform should be aligned with your personal values and interests.  

Some of the main components of Occupational Wellness include:

      ·       Exploring opportunities for growth and advancement
·       Effectively managing work related stress to avoid burnout
·       Doing work that is consistent with your values and beliefs
·       Communicating and collaborating with others
·       Having a sense of accomplishment at the end of the workday

 

Many of us spend the bulk of our waking hours preparing for work, engaging in work and decompressing from work.  It is important to have things to look forward to outside of work such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and enjoying quality rest and relaxation. 

Achieving balance between work and leisure can contribute to optimal Occupational Wellness.  There are many ways to achieve this.  Many employers offer incentives to promote wellness of their workforce.  Such incentives may include:

·       Health screenings

·       Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

·       Volunteer opportunities

·       Flexible work hours and telework options

·       Career development resources

 

I consider my participation in All In The Family Toastmasters Club as a great example of how I achieve Occupational Wellness!  My employer pays my membership fees and in return, I am permitted to participate in club meetings during my workday.  This club has been beneficial to my growth in both communication and leadership skills.  These skills enhance other areas of my life; they are not exclusive to my job performance.  I have also formed relationships with club members that extend beyond the club environment.  I find this beneficial to meet my need for regular human contact and connection.   

Increasing Occupational Wellness can mean leaving a work environment that is unsatisfying to pursuit a different field.  As you work on your own strategies to achieve Occupational Wellness, I encourage you to put thought into how content you are with the work you currently do.  It is never too late to explore other opportunities of interest! 

It could also mean developing stronger skills in your current field of work.  If you love the work you do, seek opportunities for professional development to be recognized as an expert in your field.  Consider opportunities for promotion and mentorship so that you can offer guidance to others.  Even if those goals seem lofty now, keep in mind that "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - LaoTzu

Finding a sense of meaning from your occupation and feeling like an asset to your team brings you closer to building a life that inspires you to increase wellness in all dimensions of life.

What workplace incentives to you find most beneficial at your current place of employment?  Drop them in the comments so we can compare notes! 📝