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**




