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!