WHAT IS WELLNESS?

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.”* The World Health Organization defines wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”**  In other words, one can imply that wellness is a state of peak optimal health and performance in all areas of a person’s life.  Overall health is comprised of multiple dimensions. Depending upon the source, most wellness models include at least 6 dimensions but can include up to 12.  We assist our clients in exploring these eight dimensions of wellness:

Emotional/Mental: Awareness, acceptance, and ability to express feelings while engaging with the world

Spiritual: Finding meaning and purpose for existence

Intellectual: Life-long pursuit of knowledge while fostering critical thinking, expanding worldview, and developing moral reasoning

Physical:  Maintaining a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, and more

Environmental:  Existing in a physical environment free of hazards with an awareness of bettering the environment

Financial:

Occupational:

Social: A healthy interaction with and contribution to other people and communities

Sources:  Global Wellness Institute* & World Health Organization**