What Does Wellness Mean to You?

How do you define wellness?

Of course, wellness can be described and defined in many ways. Merriam-Webster refers to wellness as “the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.”

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health” (Global Wellness Institute, 2022), while the National Wellness Institute considers wellness to be “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence” (National Wellness Institute, 2022).

The verbiage used to define wellness as a concept or state of being may differ between sources and organizations, but there are common threads tying each definition together:

a process, the active pursuit, and lifestyle choices.

The Many Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness is a concept that means something different for everyone. It is fluid and requires a continuous commitment and renewal of that commitment. Wellness is not only described differently by various sources, but the dimensions that consist of one’s personal picture of wellness are also diverse.

Dr. Bill Hettler, cofounder of the National Wellness Institute, first described wellness as a six-sided model in 1976. The dimensions originally included were emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual (NWI). Though other models exist and include additional dimensions (financial and environmental, for example), there is common ground between all:

to be well or achieve optional wellness requires a balance or harmony between multiple facets of human existence that transcend the physical body (or health).

Every wellness model appears to acknowledge (and respect) the interconnection of each component, regardless of how those components are labeled or defined. For example, when one area suffers, all remaining dimensions are negatively impacted. The reverse is true as well. When one area is fulfilled, all other components benefit.

Wellness is a holistic state or pursuit that considers the complexity of human nature and needs.

Paint Your Picture of Wellness

Fortunately, wellness, like art, is subjective. Wellness is a picture we can paint ourselves for our individual lives and the areas we deem valuable and consider priorities. Further, how we imagine wellness on an individual level varies from how our family members, friends, and colleagues see their respective pictures of wellness.

So, where do you begin? How do you prepare to paint your picture of wellness?

First, identify what you already have that relates to the dimensions that are important to you.

Then, evaluate how “colorful” or fulfilled each area is.

Finally, define what elements you need to complete your picture. For example, what “colors” are missing? What actions will you take to add those missing colors or pieces?

Before painting your masterpiece, start by reflecting on and addressing these five prompts:

1. When I think about wellness, what images, symbols, or words come to mind? For example, the infinity symbol comes to mind when I think about wellness. I view wellness as a process we commit to at the beginning of every day. By asking yourself this question, your most valued dimensions may emerge based on the words and images that enter your mind.

2. When I think about life in terms of work, home, and personal, how balanced do I feel? What barriers affect me in achieving my desired level of balance?

3. When I think about joy, what things, activities, people or places bring me joy?

4. What occupies my headspace daily? Here you may identify what detracts from your joy.

5. When I think about myself as a whole person—mind, body, spirit—what area appears lacking? Why?

After taking time to reflect on these questions, you can use a checklist or table method to begin illustrating what your current picture of wellness includes and what you hope to add to complete the picture.

Intellectual Dimension Inventory

To me, this dimension includes four primary areas or “shades.”

(Note: Areas that comprise this dimension may look different for you, and that’s O.K.)

• Interests and hobbies

• Continuing education

• Leisure learning

• Networking

However you define it, view it, or express it, wellness is as individualized as it is multifaceted. It’s a process that continually morphs through the daily rituals we practice and the choices we make. It will shift over time and each “color” can fade and be brightened once again.

The key is developing a sense of awareness about what you need and desire for your picture to be both complete and optimal for you.

*credit to Dr. Erin Nitschke, NFPT-CPT, NSCA-CPT