Episode 2: Wellness Dimensions & Assessing state of wellness & well-being.

In this episode of Path to optimal wellness, we identified the different dimensions of wellness and looked at various ways an individual can assess their wellness. The Wheel of Life was mainly discussed and described, highlighting how it can be used to evaluate one's current state of wellness and how it helps identify areas one may need to improve upon towards achieving optimal wellness.

Transcript

 Welcome to the Path to Optimal Wellness podcast, where we explore and discuss the different aspects of well-being and health to help you to strive and achieve a balanced and fulfilling life (optimal wellness). 

In this episode, we will look at the dimensions of wellness and how they can provide you with a comprehensive approach to achieving optimal wellness. 

We will also discuss the Wheel of Life and how you can use it to assess your current state of wellness. 

So, please sit back, relax, and let us embark on a journey to identify and understand these dimensions and their impact on our lives.

Musical short break

Welcome back!

So, what are wellness dimensions, and how many are there?

Wellness is a holistic concept encompassing various dimensions of an individual's well-being. It is about achieving balance and harmony in various aspects of life to promote overall health and well-being.

While there isn't a universally agreed-upon number of dimensions, most models include 6 to 9 dimensions. These dimensions often interconnect and influence one another, contributing to a person's overall wellness.

Theories behind the wellness dimensions are grounded in a holistic approach to health, which acknowledges that multiple factors contribute to well-being rather than solely focusing on physical health. This perspective has evolved from various fields, including psychology, sociology, and health sciences.

Commonly recognised dimensions of wellness include:

1.   Physical Wellness: This dimension refers to the health and functioning of the body; it involves taking care of our bodies by engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress

It also includes all aspects of health related to the body's physical structure, such as weight management, ergonomics, tobacco use, illness, and disease prevention.

2.   Emotional Wellness: This dimension involves understanding, acknowledging, and managing emotions to achieve overall emotional health and well-being.

Strategies to improve emotional wellness include:

• Practising mindfulness.
• Seeking support from friends and family.
• Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

Remember, it's essential to acknowledge your feelings and seek help when needed.

3.   Intellectual Wellness: This dimension focuses on engaging the mind, seeking knowledge, and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

To foster intellectual wellness, consider taking up a new hobby, joining a book club, or participating in workshops and seminars that interest you.

4. Social Wellness: Social wellness refers to building and maintaining healthy relationships and engaging in positive social interactions. It involves developing a solid support network, communicating effectively, and participating in activities that promote a sense of belonging. To enhance social wellness, make time for friends and family, join clubs or organisations, and practice active listening and empathy.

5. Spiritual Wellness: This dimension involves seeking meaning and purpose in life, including religious beliefs, personal values, and ethics. Spiritual wellness can be cultivated through various practices such as meditation, prayer, or connecting with nature. It's essential to respect and understand the diverse beliefs and values of others while exploring your spirituality.

6. Environmental Wellness: This dimension emphasises the importance of living in harmony with the environment and being mindful of how our actions impact the earth. It encourages us to make choices that positively impact our environment and promote sustainable living. To improve your environmental wellness, practice eco-friendly habits like recycling, conserving water, and choosing environmentally conscious products.

Some models also include additional dimensions, such as:

7. Occupational Wellness: This dimension involves finding fulfilment and satisfaction in one's work or career, maintaining a work-life balance, and contributing positively to the workplace.

8. Financial Wellness: This dimension focuses on effectively managing personal finances, achieving financial stability, and making informed decisions about financial resources.

9. Cultural Wellness: This dimension emphasises understanding, appreciating, and respecting diverse cultures, beliefs, and practices.

Remember, each dimension of wellness is interconnected, and an imbalance in one area can impact other areas. Thus, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive approach to wellness that addresses each dimension to achieve overall well-being.

Musical short break

Welcome back.

Now that we've explored the dimensions of wellness, let's discuss how we can assess our current state of well-being. Here we will also discuss the use of the wheel of life and its use as a tool in identifying areas of our life that needs working on.

There are various ways to assess your current state of wellness, and different tools can be used for this purpose. Here are some examples:

1. Self-assessment: You can start by reflecting on different aspects of your life, such as physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, social connections, and spiritual fulfilment. Ask yourself questions like "How am I feeling today?" or "Am I taking care of myself?" Be honest with yourself and try to identify areas that need improvement.

2. Wellness surveys: Many online surveys can assess different aspects of wellness. These surveys may ask you to rate your stress levels, sleep patterns, eating habits, exercise routines, and other factors contributing to your overall well-being.

3. Health screenings: Regular health check-ups with your doctor can help you assess your physical health. Blood tests, cholesterol tests, and blood pressure checks are some of the standard screening tools that can be used to monitor your health.

4. Fitness trackers: Wearable devices like fitness bands and smartwatches can track your physical activity levels, sleep quality, and heart rate. These tools can provide valuable insights into your daily habits and help you adjust and improve your health.

5. Mental health assessments: Online assessments and questionnaires can help you identify symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. These tools can be helpful for individuals who may be hesitant to seek professional help but want to monitor their mental health.

6. Personal wellness coaches: Working with a wellness coach can help you assess your current state of wellness and create a plan to improve your overall health. A wellness coach can provide guidance and support as you change your lifestyle.

Remember that wellness is a holistic concept; no one-size-fits-all assessment approach exists. Finding tools and strategies that work for you and address all aspects of your well-being is essential.

Musical Short break

Welcome back!

So, what is the 'wheel of life', and what is its role in assessing wellness status? How can it be applied?

The 'Wheel of Life' is a tool commonly used in coaching and self-improvement to assess an individual's overall level of satisfaction with different areas of their life. It is also known as the 'Life Balance Wheel' or the 'Coaching Wheel'.

The Wheel of Life is typically represented as a circular diagram divided into different sections, each illustrating a key area of life, such as career, finances, health, relationships, personal development, and leisure. The individual is asked to rate their level of satisfaction in each area on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being the lowest and ten being the highest. The scores are then plotted on the wheel to represent their life balance visually.

The Wheel of Life can be a valuable tool for assessing one's overall wellness as it helps identify areas that may be neglected or need improvement. By better understanding your current situation, you can develop a plan of action to achieve a better life balance. 

The Wheel of Life is one tool the wellness coach will use to work with you in your journey to achieving optimal wellness.

To apply the Wheel of Life, follow these steps:

1. Draw a circle and divide it into sections representing the key areas of life that are important to you.
2. Label each section with the area of life it represents.
3. Rate your level of satisfaction in each area on a scale of 1 to 10.
4. Plot your scores on the wheel to visually define your life balance.
5. Identify areas that require improvement and develop a plan to achieve a better balance in your life.

Remember that the Wheel of Life is just one tool in assessing wellness status. The Wheel of Life should be used in conjunction with other tools and strategies to gain a comprehensive understanding of your overall well-being.

And that wraps up our exploration of the dimensions of wellness, how you can assess your current state of wellness and the use of the Wheel of Life. 

Remember, achieving optimal wellness is an ongoing journey that requires balance and attention to each dimension. By understanding these dimensions and assessing your current well-being, you can make informed decisions and take intentional steps towards a healthier, happier you.

Thank you for joining us on the Path to Optimal Wellness podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe to our podcast, and stay tuned for our next episode. 

We have many more exciting topics to discuss and look forward to continuing this journey with you. 

Until next time, take care, and may your path to wellness be fulfilling and rewarding.

Bye!

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The Wheel of Life - Finding Balance in Your Life - NPS. https://mylearning.nps.gov/library-resources/wheel-of-life/

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