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
