Wellness is a state which is more than being free from illness and a dynamic process of change and growth. It is an active process of becoming aware of making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life. When our body and mind is in a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, it is when wellness is successfully achieved. At the stage of wellness, we experience a good and satisfactory condition of existence, which is being characterized by happiness, health, prosperity and welfare.
Irrespective of one’s age, status or physical appearance, wellness will always be the cornerstone of an individual’s quality of life. Wellness determines how we thrive in live, how we look, feel and interact with others and ultimately how we give meaning to our existence in this society.
There is a continuous and conscious development of the whole self that is needed to achieve wellness. To embark on a wellness journey, we need to go on a process of searching the appropriate tools to make ourselves healthier and happier. This will involve the different aspects of life, hence, there are countless ways to cultivate ourselves on an ever-changing path leading to wellness.
There are different dimensions of wellness which are interrelated with each other. But remember, that each dimension is equally vital in the pursuit of optimum health.
Emotional Wellness – This defines how we cope in life and build satisfying relationships. It relates to understanding your feelings and being able to deal with stress. One must pay attention to self-care, stress management, relaxation and development of your inner feelings that you choose to learn and grow from life’s experiences.
Environmental Wellness – It is being able to stimulate the environment that supports our well-being. It inspires us to live a lifestyle that is mindful of the surroundings, considering and taking actions to protect it. This realm promotes interaction with nature and your personal environment.
Financial Wellness – It is a state when one is satisfied with his current and future financial situation. This involves the process of learning how to successfully manage financial expenses. As money plays a critical role in our lives, being able to manage and affirm to oneself its stability, it will then contribute to one’s wellness and health.
Intellectual Wellness – This is when an individual is able to recognize his creative abilities and being able to find ways to expand and enhance his knowledge and skills. It involves having an open mind and encourages self to actively participate in cultural, scholastic and community activities.
Physical Wellness – This relates to maintaining a fit and healthy body and seeking care as needed. Physical health can be attained through exercise, proper diet and getting enough sleep.
Occupational Wellness – It is a state where you have personal satisfaction on your occupational endeavors and you are leaning towards enriching your life through work.
Social Wellness – It helps an individual perform social roles effectively and develops a sense of connection and belongingness. This creates a support network. This dimension of wellness enables a person to not only develop encouraging relationships with peers, but also intimate relationships with romantic partners.
Spiritual Wellness – This allows a person to expand a sense of purpose and meaning in life. It develops a set of values which help us find our purpose. When one is spiritually well, he is able to know which resources to use to enable himself to cope up in everyday life.
We must learn to pay sufficient attention to each of the dimension of wellness. Discover your own effective method to use to continuously grow and develop as a well-rounded individual. Wellness will give you the opportunity to enjoy, fulfill and maximize your role in this society. Nurture yourself and be a better you.
