There’s a reason why the phrase “money can’t buy happiness” is so popular. It’s because contentment and satisfaction don’t depend on a single factor. People are multidimensional and so is wellness. To achieve wellness, you need to approach life holistically. Here’s how:
Social Wellness
This dimension refers to your relationship with other people. Ideally, you should have healthy relationships, maintain friendships, and spend time with others. The problem is that some have difficulty communicating and forming meaningful relationships. On the other hand, there are several solutions worth a try.
For romantic relations, relationship counseling is a great way to strengthen your bond and address issues. If you’re finding trouble resolving issues, a mediator may be just what you need.
For friendships, you can try setting time aside to connect with your friends. Instead of waiting for invites, try to be the first one to reach out and call once in a while. If you have a hard time making friends, think of your hobbies and interests. For example, if you like to tend plants, consider joining a gardening club. Because you already have a common interest with the members, it’ll be easier to form friends.
Physical Wellness
When it comes to health, physical is probably the most popular dimension. Unlike other types of ailments, physical illnesses are much more obvious. When you have a cold or the flu, you feel and look like it. The downside is achieving physical health is not easy. Because of temptations and cravings, having a balanced diet can be challenging. But you don’t have to turn into a vegan to be healthier. You can improve your diet by gradually incorporating various vegetables into your dishes. Take it one meal at a time until you’re used to the change. It’s also good to remember that the key is balance. Use a variety of whole grains, legumes, and unsaturated fats into your meals. Trying different dishes can help you gain various nutrients that your body needs. Plus, the more you try new things, the more likely you’ll find new dishes you like.
Besides diet, you’ll also need to maintain a good exercise routine. The CDC recommends a total of 150 minutes of muscle strengthening and aerobic activity per week. You don’t even need to go to the gym or buy equipment. You can just do push-ups or jog around the block.
Intellectual Wellness
It’s not just your body that needs some activity. Your brain also requires some sort of stimulation. The good news is that this comes in different forms. If you don’t like the idea of reading books, you don’t have to do it. Instead, you can study art or enroll in a class to gain a new skill. Challenge yourself and learn a foreign language. Studies have shown that multilingual people are better at multitasking than monolingual people. Research has also revealed that monolinguals tend to show signs of dementia at an earlier age compared to multilingual people.
Emotional Wellness
It’s important to think of the emotional dimension as something that pertains not only to your feelings but also other people’s. It’s how you manage your own emotions and how you react to others’ feelings.
To better understand your own feelings, get rid of the idea that emotions are black and white. Don’t label them as something that’s either positive or negative.
Vocational Wellness
The average American spends around 40 hours at work every week. With so much time, it makes sense that work is a key factor in a person’s wellness. While it’s not always possible, it’s ideal to have a job that suits your skills and personality. It should be a career that feels fulfilling and rewarding.
Spiritual Wellness
It can be challenging to be in touch with your spiritual side. But sometimes, all you need to do is to spend time alone and follow your instincts. Avoid stagnating by constantly challenging yourself and looking for opportunities to grow. You don’t have to be religious to be spiritually enlightened. Listen to what your heart says.
Environmental Wellness
This dimension refers to your relationship with the environment. Like the other types of dimensions, you need to make adjustments to achieve wellness. You can start small by recycling and purchasing products with biodegradable packaging. As you develop eco-friendly habits, it will have a bigger positive impact for the earth.
Humans are complex beings. There’s no shortcut to happiness and contentment. It takes a lot of time and effort. You have to work for it, go outside your comfort zone, and reach out to people.
Meta Title: The Seven Dimensions of Wellness: How to Have a Balanced Lifestyle
Meta Description: There’s not a single way to achieve contentment. Humans are complex, and so is the road to attain wellness. Find out how the seven dimensions of wellness can help you have a balanced lifestyle.
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