By Elle Ryan, Resident in Counseling
As the days grow shorter, many of us already feel the changing effects of the seasons. These changes may prompt an opportunity to reflect on our current wellbeing. In 1976, Dr. William Hettler, a co-founder of the National Wellness Institute, developed and defined Seven Dimensions of Wellness. These dimensions are widely used by health practitioners, serving as a tool for people to maintain a balanced life. Dr. Hettler identifies the Seven Dimensions of Wellness as:
● Physical Wellbeing
● Emotional Wellbeing
● Social Wellbeing
● Spiritual Wellbeing
● Occupational Wellbeing
● Intellectual Wellbeing
● Environmental Wellbeing
The idea of wellness is a conscious, self-directed and ever evolving process that works towards achieving one’s potential. Mindfully focusing on the dimensions of wellness in our lives helps build resilience and thrive amidst life’s challenges as a preventative tool. With seven defined dimensions to keep in balance, it can feel overwhelming. Coming up with a self-care plan to define each aspect of wellbeing can be instrumental in mindfully keeping in- check with ourselves. Ways in which we may achieve this goal is through journaling, taking time to spend outdoors, reaching out to social supports, taking time for ourselves, and setting up a sleep routine amongst other outlets. Overall, wellness is personal, with each individual having a unique set of needs and achieving wellness in their own personalized way.
The Mentorship Network has a free PDF available online that outlines the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, acting as a guide to provide users with prompts, activities and resources for each dimension.
7 Dimensions of Wellness PDF:
https://carleton.ca/mentoring/wp-content/uploads/7-Dimensions-of-Wellness-1.pdf
References:
https://nationalwellness.org/resources/six-dimensions-of-wellness