An Introduction: The Dimensions of Wellness
The word wellness has been used frequently in the past few years. It is used in business names and product lines. What does this word really mean? Why is it so important for mothers?
One frequent definition is wellness is health beyond the absence of sickness. When you have a sickness, you are treated for it. When the sickness is gone, you have achieved the absence of sickness. To achieve wellness, you move further towards health and wellbeing by finding balance in the six dimensions of wellness.
The six dimensions of wellness are:
Intellectual – This dimension is focused on expanding a person’s mind
Physical – This dimension includes all physical aspects including sleep, nutrition and exercise
Emotional – This dimension consists of one’s ability to cope with stress and emotions
Occupational – This dimension relates to a person’s purpose in life
Spiritual – This dimension encompasses the idea of embracing existence and higher powers
Social – This dimension emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships
This handout created by the National Wellness Institute gives a further explanation of these dimensions.
On the journey to wellness, balance in all areas is equally important. For example, if your goal is to “get back in shape” and you focus solely on the physical dimension of exercise and nutrition, you may find your motivation level lacking over time. However, if you create a balanced wellness plan, your motivation may remain much higher.
In the following mini-series about wellness, I will discuss each dimension separately, then put them back together again at the end.
Wellness for Mothers Series
Mother Bear Care 