Yes, there are 8 types of wellness: The eight dimensions explained
The traditional view of health often focuses solely on the physical body—diet, exercise, and the absence of disease. However, a more comprehensive approach has emerged, championed by organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This model identifies eight interdependent dimensions of wellness, emphasizing that a person's well-being is a complex, multi-faceted tapestry. Neglecting any single dimension can adversely affect a person’s overall health and quality of life.
1. Emotional wellness
Emotional wellness is the ability to understand, manage, and express one's feelings effectively, as well as to cope with life's stresses. This dimension involves building resilience and recognizing when to seek help. Someone who is emotionally well can navigate life's inevitable ups and downs with a sense of stability and self-awareness.
How to improve emotional wellness:
- Practice mindfulness or meditation.
- Journal to process thoughts and feelings.
- Engage in enjoyable and relaxing activities.
- Seek support from friends, family, or a counselor.
2. Physical wellness
This dimension covers the care of your physical body through healthy habits. It includes exercise, nutrition, sleep, and managing stress in ways that reduce physical harm. Physical wellness is foundational, as a healthy body provides the energy and strength needed to pursue other areas of life.
How to improve physical wellness:
- Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly.
- Practice proper hygiene and attend regular health check-ups.
3. Intellectual wellness
Intellectual wellness involves expanding your knowledge and skills through creative and stimulating activities. This encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual growth throughout a person's life. A healthy, active mind is a vital component of overall well-being.
How to improve intellectual wellness:
- Read books or listen to podcasts on new subjects.
- Learn a new language or skill.
- Engage in stimulating debates or puzzles, like crosswords.
- Attend lectures or classes in areas of personal interest.
4. Spiritual wellness
This dimension is about a person's values, morals, and beliefs that provide a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Spiritual wellness is highly personal and can come from many sources, including religion, nature, art, or service to others.
How to improve spiritual wellness:
- Spend time in nature for reflection.
- Practice meditation or prayer.
- Volunteer for a cause you believe in.
- Reflect on your personal values and how you can live in alignment with them.
5. Environmental wellness
Environmental wellness relates to the surroundings you occupy, including both your immediate physical environment and the broader world. It is about creating a safe, pleasant, and stimulating environment that supports your well-being, while also respecting the planet.
How to improve environmental wellness:
- Minimize clutter in your home or workspace.
- Spend time outdoors in natural settings.
- Contribute to recycling or conservation efforts.
- Ensure your personal space feels safe and comfortable.
6. Financial wellness
Financial wellness refers to a person's relationship with money and their financial situation. This dimension is about managing economic life effectively, reducing financial stress, and planning for a stable future.
How to improve financial wellness:
- Create and stick to a budget.
- Start an emergency savings fund.
- Avoid unnecessary debt and track spending.
- Seek financial counseling if needed.
7. Occupational wellness
Occupational wellness focuses on finding personal satisfaction and enrichment from one's work or daily activities. This involves balancing work and leisure, managing workplace stress, and aligning your career with your values and interests.
How to improve occupational wellness:
- Find a sense of purpose in your work.
- Manage stress through healthy breaks and boundaries.
- Maintain positive relationships with colleagues.
- Explore volunteer opportunities if your job lacks fulfillment.
8. Social wellness
Social wellness is about fostering a sense of connection and building a healthy, dependable support network. It involves having meaningful relationships with friends, family, and community members, and practicing healthy communication.
How to improve social wellness:
- Join a club or organization based on your interests.
- Connect regularly with supportive loved ones.
- Volunteer in your community to build new connections.
- Practice active listening and assertive communication.
Holistic versus traditional health: A comparison
| Aspect | Traditional View of Health | Holistic View of Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Primarily physical health and absence of illness | Broad, multi-dimensional well-being |
| Scope | Often reactive; addressing problems as they arise | Proactive; optimizing health across all dimensions |
| Body & Mind | Views them as separate entities | Sees them as deeply interconnected |
| Goal | To be free of sickness | To achieve personal harmony and fulfillment |
| Life Aspect | Neglects social, financial, and environmental impacts | Recognizes that all aspects of life impact overall health |
Conclusion
While a physical diagnosis is certainly a part of the wellness picture, the holistic eight-dimensional model provides a far more complete guide to thriving. By understanding and intentionally nurturing each of the eight dimensions—emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, financial, occupational, and social—individuals can build resilience and achieve a more balanced, satisfying life. The journey toward wellness is a dynamic and conscious process that empowers you to take control of your well-being in a truly comprehensive way. For more resources, visit the SAMHSA library for its guide to creating a healthier life.
Steps to start your wellness journey
- Assess Your Current State: Take an honest look at where you stand in each of the eight dimensions. Identify areas of strength and those that need more attention.
- Set Small, Achievable Goals: Instead of overhauling your life at once, choose one or two small, manageable goals in areas you want to improve. For example, instead of aiming to run a marathon, start with a 15-minute walk daily.
- Start with the Foundations: Focus on improving physical and emotional wellness first, as these often have a cascading positive effect on the other dimensions. Better sleep and managed stress can improve everything from intellectual focus to social interactions.
- Practice Interconnectedness: Remember that the dimensions are interdependent. Recognize that volunteering (social/occupational) can improve your sense of purpose (spiritual) and even reduce stress (emotional).
- Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: The path to wellness is evolving, not static. Celebrate small victories and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Authenticity is key to finding your personal harmony.
