You count grams of fat and fiber. You add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and drink green tea. You make sure to jog at least 4 times a week. Then, you spend most of your time at a high stress job. You have few close relationships and feel that your life lacks meaning. A healthy body may help you resist stress and illness, but they are only part of a much larger picture.
Health is more than having a body that works well. It includes six other factors or dimensions. When these dimensions are all cared for, you can build a true sense of well-being.
The Six Dimensional Model of Wellness
How do you take care of your whole self? The National Wellness Institute embraces the Six Dimensional Model of Wellness. The chart below explains the six parts of the model.
Dimension | Steps to Meet |
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Physical —Fitness and health goals through food choices, physical activity, safety, and self-care. |
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Emotional —Good mental health, a positive attitude, and high self-esteem. Also, respond with resiliency to problems and everyday life |
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Spiritual —Get in touch with your deeper self and the spiritual life. Developing faith in something larger than yourself and finding meaning and purpose. |
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Intellectual —Having curiosity and a strong desire to learn. Solve problems; think independently, be creative and critical. |
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Occupational/vocational —Engage in or prepare for work in which you will find satisfaction. |
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Social —being part of the world around you. |
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Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World
It may seem like a hard task to meet all 6 but many overlap. One step may help you meet more than one goal. Examples may include:
Find Ways To Meet Multiple Wellness Needs
Make Your Values and Priorities Clear
Find Areas Where You Want More Balance
Being Realistic and Flexible
RESOURCES
Mental Health America http://www.nmha.org
National Wellness Institute http://www.nationalwellness.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Mental Health Association http://ontario.cmha.ca
Mental Health Canada http://www.mentalhealthcanada.com
References
Physical activity guidelines for Americans. Health.gov—Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion website. Available at: https://health.gov/paguidelines/. Accessed June 8, 2020.
Six dimensions of wellness. National Wellness Institute website. Available at: https://www.nationalwellness.org/page/six%5Fdimensions#:~:text=The National Wellness Institute promotes,sense of wellness and fulfillment. Accessed June 8, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
- Review Date: 06/2020
- Update Date: 06/08/2020