What is Wellness?

“Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.”

- National Wellness Institute

"...a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

- The World Health Organization

Wellness is more than being free from illness. Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth. There are many interrelated dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, environmental, occupational, and financial. Wellness is ongoing, not something you attain and check off your to-do list. Each dimension contributes to your feelings of wellness. Here is a brief description of the eight dimensions.

Physical Wellness relates to maintaining a healthy body and seeking care when needed.

Intellectual Wellness involves having an open mind when you encounter new ideas and continuing to expand your knowledge.

Emotional Wellness  relates to understanding your feelings and coping effectively with stress.

Social Wellness helps you perform social roles effectively and comfortably, and create a support network.

Occupational Wellness is about enjoying your occupational endeavors and appreciating your contributions.

Spiritual Wellness allows you to develop a set of values that help you seek meaning and purpose.

Environmental Wellness encourages you to respect the delicate balance between the environment and ourselves.

Financial Wellness helps you be prepared for all expenses, including short-term, long-term, and emergencies.