John le Carre asked, “Do you know what love is?”

In response, we quote the famous song by Marina, “We don’t really know a lot about love!” We cannot tell you what love is like but, we can definitely guide you through the eight colours of wellness.

Today, we talk about the eight key areas of our lives that need attention, especially in the current scenario, where most of us go through our lives purely on automatic mode.

But first, what is wellness? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, wellness is the state of being happy, especially when it is something that you actively try to achieve. Research reiterates that wellness is not only limited to physical exercise or nutrition, it is multi-dimensional. Wellness focuses on your overall well-being. 

What are the Eight Dimensions of Wellness?

Peggy Swarbrick developed the model of “8 dimensions of wellness” model for a holistic & balanced life. The eight dimensions of wellness are Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial, Environmental, Vocational, Social, and Intellectual. The 8 dimensions of wellness, simply put, aim to enhance the quality of life, not just through an absence of disease, but also by improving daily experiences, fostering positive relationships, and promoting a sense of purpose.

By understanding more about how we prioritise these experiences in our life & purposefully working towards bettering ourselves everyday, we can achieve a more balanced, fulfilled life, and achieve everything that is important to us. Could self-care be any more holistic?

Let’s dive into these 8 dimensions of wellness one by one.

Physical Wellness

Physical wellness involves taking care of our body and keeping oneself healthy. You can achieve physical wellness through exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough rest.

Some small & doable ways in which you can prioritise your physical wellness are:

• Set a goal to stand up, stretch, or walk around for a few minutes every hour, especially if you have a desk job. 
• Aim to drink a certain amount of water each day, such as eight glasses.
• Set a daily step goal, gradually increasing it over time! 
• Set a goal to reduce screen time, especially before bedtime.

Emotional Wellness

Emotional wellness involves understanding one's emotions and learning how to manage them healthily. It is essential to take care of our emotional well-being by practising self-care and self-love.

Some small & doable ways in which you can prioritise your emotional wellness are:

• Journalling. Based on your preference, you can use a Guided Wellness Journal, or a Plain Journal, or even write in your notes app!
• Incorporate humour into your daily life. Watch a funny video, read a joke, or spend time with people who make you laugh.
• Engage in a creative activity you enjoy, whether it's drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument.

Spiritual Wellness, aka, Finding Yourself!

Spiritual wellness involves finding meaning, purpose, and connection in life. It encompasses a range of practices and values that enable individuals to live intentionally and authentically, by their deepest beliefs and values. Some of the key aspects of spiritual wellness include mindfulness, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and self-awareness. In the movie, Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert’s journey to find herself and her spirituality is both inspiring and eye-opening.

Some small & doable ways in which you can prioritise your Spiritual Wellness are:

• Take a few minutes to contemplate your intentions for the day & understand why they are important to you.
• Spend time in nature regularly. Whether it's a short walk in a park or just sitting in your backyard, being in nature can provide a spiritual reset.
• Take breaks from technology and social media and try to be more aware of your present moment.

Financial Wellness

The song Money by Pink Floyd reminds us that money can be both a blessing and a curse and that we need to be responsible with our finances. Financial wellness involves responsibly managing your money. You need to have a solid financial plan to reduce stress and anxiety related to money. 

Some small & doable ways in which you can prioritise your Financial wellness are:

• Create a basic budget for yourself. Outline your expenses, income & Savings. Knowing where your money goes is the first step of financial wellness.
• Set a goal to establish or build an emergency fund. Even saving a small amount regularly can make a significant difference over time!
• Establish a rule to wait 24 hours before making non-essential purchases. This would help you stop making impulse purchases.

Environmental Wellness

Environmental wellness not only involves taking care of our planet, but also focusing on our immediate environment - and ensuring it is conducive for our growth & well-being. We can achieve environmental health by simply decluttering our surroundings. 

Some small & doable ways in which you can prioritise your Environmental wellness are:

• Light a scented candle!
• Sort through your clothes and donate or sell items you haven't worn in the past year. Organise & declutter your wardrobe for a more visually appealing look!
• Organise and file important documents.
• Display meaningful items or decor that brings you joy.

Occupational Wellness

Occupational wellness involves finding fulfilment and satisfaction in your work. It is crucial to have a job that aligns with our values and passions. Imagine working for a boss who does not even let you rest on a weekend. Shudders! Or getting into Public Relations with an inherent fear of the public.  

Some small & doable ways in which you can prioritise your Occupational wellness are:

• Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Determine specific hours for work and avoid checking emails or working outside those hours.
• Intentional Productivity: Make space for the things that truly matter. Prioritise & plan for tasks based on how important they are and what they add to the big picture.
• Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day.

Social Wellness

Social wellness involves building strong relationships with friends and family. Having a support system helps us navigate through life’s challenges. (Don't forget to carry our “Joy Around Us” Tote bag for extra positive vibes when you go out for that coffee date with your amigos!)

Some small & doable ways in which you can prioritise your Social wellness are:

• Set a goal to schedule regular check-ins with friends or family members. This could be a phone call, video chat, or meeting in person.
• Focus on being an active listener in conversations. Ask questions, show genuine interest, and make a conscious effort to understand others.
• Explore local clubs or groups based on your interests.

Intellectual Wellness

Intellectual wellness refers to the ability to engage in creative and stimulating mental activities that expand knowledge and skills, enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and foster lifelong learning. Yeah, it’s high time you start reading those books or attending seminars. 

Some small & doable ways in which you can prioritise your Intellectual wellness are:

• Set aside time each day or week for reading. Choose topics that interest you and expand your knowledge.
• Keep a journal, start a blog, or engage in creative writing. Writing helps clarify thoughts, express ideas, and improve overall cognitive function.
• Incorporate mindfulness into your routine. This practice can enhance focus, concentration, and overall cognitive function.

Wrap And Goodbye

If you're genuinely invested in your well-being, it's time to make it personal and embrace a holistic approach to wellness. This approach is all about recognising the intricate links between your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health – it's about treating yourself as a whole.

Let's take chronic stress, for example. It's a common issue, and we've all been there. But by adopting a holistic mindset, you can tackle it head-on. Mix and match stress-management techniques, nourish your body with healthy eating, lean on your social support system, and indulge in self-care practices. It may seem like a lot at first, but trust me – once you turn these into habits, it becomes second nature.

So, it's not just about doing the work; it's about making choices that align with your personal well-being goals. And as you weave these choices into your daily life, you'll find that the journey to wellness becomes not just a routine but a fulfilling part of who you are. Your well-being is worth the effort – and the rewards are personal, profound, and lasting.