What is Wellness?
Wellness means functioning at your best in your current environment. According to the National Wellness Institute, our current environment involves eight key areas: social, emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, financial, and environmental. Together, these dimensions shape our overall wellness and satisfaction in daily life.
Many of us lead busy lives and we often feel burdened by daily responsibilities and demands. As a wellness coach, my hope is to utilize this whole-person approach to help you uncover the key dimensions of wellness you’d like to make progress in so that you find a more fulfilling balance for life’s demands.
For you and me both, it’s important to note that pursuing wellness within the demands of daily life is an ever-evolving process. Often, we may prioritize certain dimensions over others in different seasons of life. However, seeing how all of these dimensions play a role in our wellbeing puts us on track to live toward our potential and to navigate life’s demands with more ease and confidence.
Embracing the Eight Dimensions of Wellness
Let's take a closer look at each dimension:
Social Wellness: Building and maintaining healthy relationships with others. This involves effective communication, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
Emotional Wellness: Understanding and managing your emotions. This includes self-care, stress management, and seeking help when needed.
Physical Wellness: Taking care of your body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. It's about making choices that improve your physical health.
Intellectual Wellness: Engaging in lifelong learning and mental stimulation. This could be through reading, taking up new hobbies, or pursuing educational opportunities.
Occupational Wellness: Finding fulfillment in your work and balancing it with other areas of life. It’s about having a sense of purpose and satisfaction in your career.
Spiritual Wellness: Exploring your beliefs and values to find meaning and purpose in life. This can involve things like meditation, prayer, and being in a community of others who practice your beliefs.
Financial Wellness: Managing your financial resources wisely to achieve your goals, enjoy life in the present, and be aware of other’s needs. This includes budgeting, saving, and using your resources for generosity.
Environmental Wellness: Being in safe environments, conserving resources, and appreciating nature. This involves being aware of how your living and working environments impact your wellbeing and making sustainable choices.
Which dimension might you be most curious to look into further right now?
Sarah Lauren Larkin is a wellness coach who grew up in the East Bay of San Francisco, California. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Communications with a focus on Global Studies from Liberty University and is a Certified Life Coach through Creative Results Management. Sarah has experience coaching individuals in various stages of life and has worked with diverse groups in the athletic wear space, restaurant industry, and ministry field. She is passionate about listening to and valuing people's unique stories, believing that this is key to empowering others. Together with her husband, Sam, a chiropractor, Sarah shares a passion for wellness and inviting others into better living.
