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Ever feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing — working, helping others, exercising — yet you still feel drained, disconnected or just…off? Maybe your body’s tired, your emotions are on edge or your spark feels dim. 

Welcome to the concept of the eight wellness dimensions — a holistic framework that empowers you to create balance, resilience and radiance from the inside out. Here’s a guide to assessing your wellness dimensions so that you can reclaim your energy, purpose and joy.

What Are Wellness Dimensions?

There are commonly believed to be eight wellness dimensions. The original model, proposed by wellness pioneer Bill Hettler in 1976, identified six, but in recent years, a further two have become widely accepted. The dimensions are:

• Emotional wellness
• Physical wellness
• Social wellness
• Occupational wellness
• Spiritual wellness
• Intellectual wellness
• Environmental wellness
• Financial wellness

Wellness isn’t just about managing stress or staying physically fit. It’s about how all aspects of your life connect and influence one another. When one area is out of alignment, it can throw everything else off, too.

Think about it. If you’re emotionally overwhelmed (emotional), you might skip the gym (physical), avoid social gatherings (social) and feel unmotivated at work (occupational). One imbalance spirals into many. But when you nurture all eight dimensions of wellness, you create a strong, resilient foundation. 

It probably sounds like a lot. After all, isn’t this effectively asking you to just get your whole life in order? Well, yes — but no. The key is progress over perfection. You don’t have to have everything figured out, you just need a willingness to grow and to show up for yourself. 

Exploring the 8 Wellness Dimensions

Start by considering each of the dimensions in turn. Where do you have an imbalance? What might you do to fix that?

1. Emotional Wellness

Emotional wellness is the ability to understand, express and manage your feelings effectively. It helps you accept your own feelings and express a wide range of emotions, from humor and joy to anger and fear. 

• Signs of imbalance: Mood swings, emotional numbness, chronic stress, difficulty coping with change
• Suggestions to improve balance: Start a gratitude journal. Learn to use relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing. Talk to a trusted friend or therapist regularly. Identify and set healthy emotional boundaries. 

2. Physical Wellness

Physical wellness relates to caring for your body through nutrition, movement, rest and preventive health practices. It allows you to make informed choices and feel confident in your body.

• Signs of imbalance: Low energy, frequent illness, poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits
• Suggestions to improve balance: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Move your body daily, even for just 10 minutes. Stay hydrated and choose nutritious foods. Schedule regular checkups. 

3. Social Wellness

Social wellness is about building healthy, supportive and meaningful connections with others. It gives you a sense of belonging and a well-developed support system.

• Signs of imbalance: Feeling isolated, frequent social conflict, resentment, lack of support
• Suggestions to improve balance: Reach out to friends or loved ones weekly. Join a club, group or online community with shared interests. Practice active listening and open communication. Set boundaries on energy-draining relationships.

4. Occupational Wellness

Occupational wellness is about finding personal satisfaction and enrichment through your work or daily purpose. It helps you enjoy what you do for a living and lets you feel that you are making a difference in the world.

• Signs of imbalance: Dreading work, lack of motivation, burnout, feeling unfulfilled
• Suggestions to improve balance: Set clear work-life boundaries. Explore new skills that excite you. Consider new opportunities where your passions lie. Reflect on your values and align your work with them. 

5. Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness is having a sense of meaning and purpose in life. It may or may not involve organized religion, but it does involve spirituality, morals, ethics and a sense of something greater than oneself. 

• Signs of imbalance: Feeling lost, hopelessness, questioning your purpose
• Suggestions to improve balance: Practice mindfulness, meditation or prayer. Develop some short and meaningful mantras to empower your soul. Volunteer, or engage in acts of kindness. Explore spiritual and philosophical teachings that resonate with you.

6. Intellectual Wellness 

Intellectual wellness is about engaging your mind, expanding your knowledge and embracing creativity and curiosity. It keeps your mind stimulated and your brain active.

• Signs of imbalance: Feeling mentally stagnant, bored, uninspired or resistant to learning
• Suggestions to improve balance: Read a new book or listen to educational podcasts. Take up a hobby or skill you’ve always wanted to learn. Try puzzles or problem-solving activities. Have deep conversations.

7. Environmental Wellness

Environmental wellness involves creating safe, nourishing spaces that support you now and in the long term.

• Signs of imbalance: Cluttered or chaotic surroundings, sensitivity to noise or pollution, feeling unsafe
• Suggestions to improve balance: Declutter one area of your home each week. Add plants and natural elements to your home. Use non-toxic products and reduce waste. Enjoy time in nature regularly. 

8. Financial Wellness

Financial wellness means feeling in control of your finances and having a sustainable relationship with money — it doesn’t mean being rich!

• Signs of imbalance: Chronic worry over money, overspending, avoiding financial responsibilities or decisions
• Suggestions to improve balance: Create a simple monthly budget and track expenses. Set small savings goals, because even %10 a week adds up. Educate yourself through financial literacy books or workshops. Practice gratitude for what you do have while planning for what you need.

Creating a Personalized Wellness Dimensions Plan

You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to feel better. You just need to start somewhere with one small step — other steps will follow. Begin by honestly assessing where you feel strong and where you feel depleted across these eight dimensions.

Then pick just one or two dimensions to focus on. Set realistic, achievable goals. Maybe that’s 45 minutes of walking twice a week, calling a friend every Sunday or finally organizing that junk cupboard. Track your progress in a journal or app and celebrate small wins. 

Consider teaming up with a friend or joining a supportive wellness group. Accountability and encouragement can go a long way. Most importantly, remember that prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish — it’s essential.

Living a Radiant Life

A truly radiant life isn’t built overnight. It’s shaped by small, daily intentional choices that nourish every part of you. By embracing a holistic approach and tending to these eight wellness dimensions, you’ll discover more balance, more harmony and more joy. You already have what it takes. Why not start exploring your wellness dimensions today?