The Six Dimensions of Wellness
What is Wellness?
Throughout time and across cultures, the term “wellness” has been defined and applied in many ways. The Wellness Alliance encapsulates these interpretations by acknowledging that:
- Wellness is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving one’s full potential.
- Wellness encompasses lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment.
- Wellness is positive, affirming, and contributes to living a long and healthy life.
- Wellness is multicultural and holistic, involving multiple dimensions.
“Wellness is functioning optimally within your current environment.”
Mindfully focusing on wellness in our lives builds resilience and enables us to thrive amidst life’s challenges. The Wellness Alliance promotes Six Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Spiritual, and Social. Addressing all six dimensions of wellness helps individuals understand what it means to be holistically W.E.L.L. by focusing on their Whole Person, Environment, Lifestyle, and Learning.
Developed by Dr. Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute, this interdependent model for the Six Dimensions of Wellness provides the categories from which the Wellness Alliance derives its resources and services.
*Note: The Six Dimensions of of Wellness Introduction & Summary resource is available to both Members and Nonmembers. Other Six Dimensions of Wellness model resources are available to Wellness Alliance Members only (sign-in required). Click on the images to access these resources.
Applying Wellness
Applying the Six Dimensions of Wellness model brings forth awareness of the interconnectedness of each dimension and how they contribute to living a healthy life. This holistic model explains:
- How one can develop and direct self-awareness, self-regulation, curiosity, and motivation.
- How one can develop their belief systems, identify their values, and create a strong worldview.
- How one benefits from regular physical activity, nutrition, strength, vitality, and self-care.
- How one can enrich life through work and recognize its connectedness to living and playing.
- How one can use creativity and stimulating mental activities to share their gifts with others.
- How one can enhance their environment by building better living spaces and social networks.
- How one can positively contribute to their environment and engage in their community.
These three questions help wellness professionals and organizations assess the degree to which they are successfully incorporating wellness into their strategies and initiatives:
- Q1: Does this help individuals achieve their full potential?
- Q2: Does this recognize and address multiple dimensions of wellness?
- Q3: Does this affirm and mobilize an individual’s unique qualities and strengths?
Applying a multidimensional wellness approach that considers the WHOLE PERSON can be useful in nearly every human endeavor. As a pathway to optimal living, wellness is now being activated in a variety of associated fields, including health promotion, holistic health, clinical care, and multiple “helping professions,” including coaching, counseling, consulting, training, and instruction.