Use the Dimensions of Wellness to Guide Self Improvement in the New Year

Written by Jennifer Korneski, Somerset County Healthy Living Program Coordinator.

Have you ever heard the phrase “a new year, a new you”? People often say this at the start of a new year but that can add a lot of pressure trying to reinvent and change who you are. Instead, think about and appreciate who you are! Reflect on your strengths and look at areas you can grow to be a better, healthier version of who you are. The best way to do that is to look at the dimensions of wellness and how they apply to you.

The 8 Dimensions of Wellness is currently the most recognized and used model that addresses total wellness. It was created by Dr. Peggy Swarbrick in 2006 and is used by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as well as many institutes and universities. The 8 Dimensions of Wellness include emotional, physical, environmental, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial, and occupational components of wellness. This model was adapted from earlier concepts created by wellness pioneers Halbert Dunn and Bill Hettler.

Regardless of which dimensions model you follow, the focus is the same - for individuals to maintain a personal balance among all components, to live in a state of well-being, and to have a positive quality of life. These components of wellness overlap and have a direct influence on each other. For example, if you feel stressed and do not have a positive coping method to deal with a challenge, your physical health may be negatively affected by headaches, lack of sleep, or change in eating habits.

Emotional wellness involves identifying personal feelings and having the ability to cope with those emotions. To improve emotional wellness, recognize feelings you experience during different situations and learn healthy strategies to manage them.

Physical wellness encompasses areas of health related to physical aspects of the body. This can include nutrition, exercise, weight management, sleep patterns, hygiene, tobacco or drug use, safety, and disease.

Environmental wellness pertains to how the environment can impact human health and how humans impact the world around them. Environmental wellness can include eco-friendly choices, participation in recycling and repurposing activities, water and energy conservation, and the use of sustainable products.

Social wellness refers to social connections and relationships. This includes how you interact with family, friends, classmates, neighbors, co-workers, and even strangers as well as the quality of your relationships.

Spiritual wellness is about reflecting on your purpose and meaning in life. This may include the belief in a higher power, but spiritual wellness does not have to be aligned with a religion. What are your core values?

Intellectual wellness relates to brain health and mental sharpness. How are you growing knowledge and expanding cognitive thinking?

Occupational wellness involves personal fulfilment in your job or career. Are you following your passion? Are you working to your best ability? Are you developing new skills to enhance your role?

Financial wellness includes knowledge and skills of managing money and financial planning.

Here are a few ideas of things you can incorporate in your life to improve your dimensions of wellness:

· Keep a journal

· Send thoughtful cards or thank you notes

· Be present and have meaningful conversations

· Go for a daily walk

· Drink more water

· Join a new club or attend a workshop

· Read or listen to podcasts

· Solve puzzles and word games

· Know your numbers and schedule regular exams

· Volunteer

SAMHSA publishes a Step-By-Step Guide to Wellness called Creating a Healthier Life, which has helpful resources to help you break down the dimensions of wellness and apply them to your lifestyle.

Use the worksheets to set goals and an action plan for creating lifestyle habits that will strengthen your 8 Dimensions of Wellness.

Happy 2023!

-Jennifer