Wellness is about more than exercise and healthy eating. True well-being involves several areas of our lives working together, including how we feel physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually, spiritually, and even in our careers.

The Six Dimensions of Wellness provide a framework for looking at the whole person and identifying areas that may need more attention.

1. Occupational Wellness

Occupational wellness focuses on your work and your attitude toward it. Finding contentment in your occupation means having a career that aligns with your personal interests, moral and political beliefs, and values.

2. Physical Wellness

Physical wellness includes nutrition, hydration, and physical activity. A well-balanced diet, meeting at least minimal physical activity requirements, and refraining from consuming toxic substances such as drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and reduce the likelihood of injury and illness.

3. Social Wellness

Social interaction is a necessity for human existence. Positive, healthy relationships can lead to a healthier lifestyle, while making an effort to support not only your own social well-being but the well-being of those around you can create an environment built on trust and harmony. On the other hand, negative relationships built around conflict can have a drastic impact on social wellness.

4. Intellectual Wellness

Education and creativity are keys to development. Intellectual wellness means continuing to challenge your own beliefs, remaining open to new ideas, encouraging creative thinking, and being strategic in problem solving and planning. Just as our bodies need regular physical activity, our minds need constant positive stimulation to maintain intellectual wellness.

5. Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness involves questioning your own existence, values, and beliefs while remaining tolerant and open to the spiritual beliefs of others. Intolerance and a closed-minded perspective can be major detriments to spiritual wellness. Striving to align your actions with your beliefs and values can help create a deeper appreciation for the universe and your place within it.

6. Emotional Wellness

Emotional wellness is the ability to identify and accept your feelings and emotions. Being able to freely express your feelings can lead to more meaningful relationships and help you handle conflict with greater maturity and clarity. It also means being able to accept and understand the feelings of others while recognizing and responding to your own.

Wellness Is More Than One Thing

It’s easy to think of wellness as simply eating well and exercising. But the Six Dimensions of Wellness remind us that our overall well-being is influenced by all areas of our lives.

Taking a moment to consider each dimension—occupational, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional—can help you recognize where you’re thriving and where you may want to create more balance.

Reproduced from Hettler, B. (1976). The six dimensions of wellness. National Wellness Institute.