Nine Dimensions of Wellness

A financially well person is fully aware of their current financial state. They set long and short-term goals regarding finances that will allow them to reach their personal goals and achieve self-defined financial success.

A culturally well person is aware of their own cultural background, as well as the diversity and richness present in other cultural backgrounds. Cultural wellness implies understanding, awareness and intrinsic respect for aspects of diversity. A culturally well person acknowledges and accepts the impact of these aspects of diversity on sexual orientation, religion, gender, racial and ethnic backgrounds, age groups, and disabilities.

An occupationally well person enjoys the pursuit of a career they believe to be fulfilling on a variety of levels. This person finds satisfaction an enrichment in work, while always in pursuit of opportunities to reach their professional goals.

A physically well person actively makes healthy decisions on a daily basis. They eat a nutritionally balanced diet, try to get an adequate amount of sleep and visits the doctor on a routine basis. They make a habit of exercising three to five times per week, has the ability to identify their personal needs and is aware of their body’s limitations. They maintain positive interpersonal relationships and make healthy sexual decisions that are consistent with their personal values and beliefs.

An emotionally well person successfully expresses and manages an entire range of feelings. These feelings may include anger, doubt, hope, joy, as well as many others. An emotionally well person maintains a high self-esteem, positive body-image, and knows how to regulate their feelings. They know where to seek support and help regarding their mental health, not limited to seeking counseling service.

An intellectually well person engages in lifelong learning. They seek knowledge and activities that further develop their critical thinking and global awareness. They engage in activities associate with the arts, philosophy, and reasoning.

A spiritually well person has identified a core set of beliefs, which guide their decision making, and other faith based endeavors. While firm in their spiritual beliefs, they understand others may have a distinctly different guiding set of principles. They recognize the relationship between spirituality and identity in all individuals.

A socially well person builds healthy relationships based on interdependence, trust, and respect. A socially well person is aware of the feelings of others. They develop a network of friends and co-workers who share in common purpose, who provide support and validation.

An environmentally well person appreciates the external cues and stimuli that an environment can provide. They recognize the limits to controlling an environment and seek to understand the role an individual plays in the environment.