Wellness is the active approach towards achieving optimal well-being. This process strives to improve an individual’s potential by becoming aware and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. It is not just about being free from illness, but it is a continuous and dynamic process of change and growth. Maintaining wellness is crucial in reaching a higher quality of life, specifically by subduing stress, reducing the risk of illness, and ensuring positive interactions.

Elements of Wellness and Examples

Emotional: The awareness and acceptance of feelings and emotions.

• Relationships with friends and family
• Balancing work and family
• Laughing and crying
• Adequate sleeping patterns
• Personal contact

Environmental: The recognition of interdependence with nature.

• Reduce, reuse, recycle
• Adopting leave-no-trace methods
• Spend time outside

Intellectual: The openness to new concepts and ideas.

• Finding things to read and learn for fun
• Adopting a new hobby
• Traveling
• Adequate sleeping patterns
• Seeking self-help information

Occupational: The ability to enjoy a chosen career and/or contribute to society through volunteer activities.

• Continuing education
• Volunteering
• Workplace safety
• Satisfying career/profession

Physical: The maintenance of a healthy body through good nutrition, regular exercise, and avoidance of harmful habits.

• Fitness and exercise
• Personal hygiene
• Know your numbers: cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure
• Good nutrition
• Regular medical/dental exams

Social: The ability to perform social roles effectively, comfortably, and without harming others.

• Establish and maintain personal friendships
• Community involvement
• Attending social settings
• Group fitness classes

Spiritual: The meaning and purpose of human existence.

• Meditation; prayer
• Religious affiliation
• Take notice of the little things