One can be considered well, sound and healthy if he or she possesses different kinds of dimensions of wellness. A person has different dimensions of wellness namely, Emotional Wellness which promotes an awareness and acceptance of one’s feelings. It reflects the degree to which an individual feels positive and enthusiastic about one’s self and life. This dimension involves the capacity to manage feelings and behaviors, self- acceptance, and coping with stress and life’s challenges. He/she has the ability to give and receive love. and to understand and express feelings/emotions.
Another is the intellectual wellness whichpromotes the use of one’s mind to create a greater understanding and appreciation of one’s self and others. It involves one’s ability to think creatively and rationally. This dimension encourages an individual to expand his/her knowledge and skills-base through a variety of resources and activities. Intellectual wellness of a person includes developing and expressing creativity and processing information effectively.
Next is the Physical Wellness: which deals with participation in personal safety and activities for cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance and flexibility. This multi-faceted dimension is relative to each person’s abilities and disabilities. It promotes healthy lifestyle habits and discourages negative and excessive behavior.. This dimension of wellness promotes physical activity and fitness, .Immune system function .and body composition.
Still another one is the Social Wellness. This: promotes creating and maintaining healthy relationships. It enhances interdependence with others and nature, and encourages the pursuit of harmony and feelings of connectedness. This dimension includesquality and quantity of relationships andfostering a social network through personal relationships.
An important dimension of wellness is the Spiritual Wellness. This dimension promotes seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It involves developing a strong sense of personal values and ethics. This dimension emphasizes the development of an appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe. Most important feature of this is feeling connected to someone or something beyond oneself.
Last of the dimensions of Wellness is the Vocational/Occupational Wellness whichpromotes the process of determining and achieving positive personal and occupational goals and interests. This dimension is linked to discovering an individual’s “calling” in life, and encourages one to be a good giver and receiver of life’s gifts. This dimension promotes a feeling good about one’s contributions to the world.
By: Nerissa Valenzuela
