What is Wellness?

When someone asks us, "Are you well?" how do we usually answer? Do we base our response on how well we are doing physically? Do we base our response on how well we are feeling mentally? Using either aspect of our life to answer the question is acceptable; however, did you know that our physical and mental states are just two aspects that define overall well-being?

There is an expanded idea of health which incorporates the mind, body and spirit. This idea is called wellness. The concept was introduced by Halbert L. Dunn, M.D., "father of the wellness movement," in the 1950s. He defined wellness as "an integrated method of functioning which is oriented toward maximizing the potential of which the individual is capable."

An easier way to understand this is to identify wellness as: striving to improve and seek balance in the four dimensions of wellness in order to achieve our fullest potential in life. The four dimensions are: physical, psychological, spiritual and social. Let's take a brief look at each of these.

Physical Wellness

A physically well person practices behaviors that care for the body and allow it to function at its fullest potential. Positive behaviors include proper nutrition, exercise, regular medical check-ups, abstinence from drugs and tobacco, avoidance of excessive alcohol consumption, safe sex practice, adequate sleep, and use of safety equipment (i.e. seatbelts and helmets).

Psychological Wellness

Our psychological well-being can be further broken down into two categories: emotional and intellectual.

Optimal emotional wellness is exhibited by characteristics such as high self-esteem and self-acceptance. An emotionally well person is able to explore, manage and accept his or her feelings. The individual is able to express emotions in a way that is appropriate and productive.

A person who seeks intellectual well-being will have a desire for life-long learning and mental stimulation. He or she will strive to expand creativity, explore curiosity and improve skills.

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness gives meaning and purpose to life by seeking harmony within oneself. By following a set of values and beliefs that guide our behavior, we set a path that enables us to connect with a higher power.

Social Wellness

In the social dimension of wellness, we go outside of ourselves. It concerns our interpersonal relationships (such as those with our friends and family), our affiliation with our community, and our connection to the environment. An individual who strives for well-being in this area maintains healthy relationships with loved ones, participates in his or her community and contributes to the well-being of the environment.

These four dimensions interact and are influenced by one another continuously. They depend on one another for support. For example, when a person exercises and eats healthy, he or she may lose weight. This could lead to feelings of higher self-esteem, which effects the psychological (more specifically the emotional) dimension. When a person is spiritually well, he or she may be inspired to give of themselves and help others in the community, which improves the social dimension.

The most important word to know when referring to wellness is balance. We cannot reach our optimal potential if our dimensions are not balanced. Imagine a pie being sliced into four equal slices. That is what our dimensions should look like within the circle of wellness. It does us no good, for instance, if our intellectual state is high, but our physical health is poor, or if our social wellness is improving, but our spiritual well-being is suffering.

Once we examine our own levels of wellness, we can work on improving them, balancing them and maintaining them. To seek true wellness is a life-long process, but one in which the journey leads to rich, meaningful and vital lives.