Health and Wellness: Why Life Balance Matters

What comes to mind when you see the word wellness? Most Americans would be quick to limit wellness to nutrition and physical activity. However, according to leading health authorities, wellness refers to our overall well-being and involves far more than just watching what you eat or getting more exercise. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has actually identified what it calls the Eight Dimensions of Wellness (2016). In addition to physical wellness, they also recognize and promote healthy emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial well-being.

To better understand the eight dimensions, Oliver et al. (2018) suggest you picture them as spokes on a wheel. For a wheel to maintain its circular shape, all of its spokes need to be strong and balanced. The same is true for the eight dimensions of your health. When each is strong and balanced with the others, you can perform efficiently and easily handle a heavy load. On the other hand, when one or more of your "spokes" is weak, you might be setting yourself up for a crash.

Let's take a deeper look at each of these eight dimensions.

Physical

The physical dimension of wellness includes what many consider the cornerstones of health: physical activity, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. Wellness in this dimension can help prevent chronic diseases.

Penn State Extension's Food, Families, and Communities unit offers many programs addressing physical wellness, such as the biannual Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania program, Let's Cook nutrition courses, and Lifelong Improvements through Fitness Together (LIFT) strength training classes.

Emotional

Emotional wellness includes coping effectively with stress, creating a positive outlook, and accepting yourself for who you are. To keep this dimension strong, you must recognize when you are overwhelmed and allow yourself to ask for help. For many, that last step of asking for help is often the most difficult. But by becoming aware of what community mental health resources are available, you can be better prepared to help yourself and others through difficult moments.

Penn State Extension's Family Well-Being team offers a variety of mental health resources and programs that teach effective coping strategies to help alleviate some of life's stressors.

Intellectual

Improving intellectual wellness doesn't stop when you finish school. It is a life-long process of challenging yourself and being open to learning new things. Research has shown how actively engaging in creative ventures can increase older adults' overall well-being and independence (National Institute on Aging, 2019).

What might this look like? Consider learning a new language or checking out a history book from your local library. Start a new hobby, garden, or take a pottery class. Each of these can help you strengthen your intellectual wellness.

Social

If you do not tend to your social needs, you may become isolated, which can affect your overall wellness. If you are looking to strengthen this dimension, reach out to build new relationships or nurture those that already exist. Call or catch up with a friend over lunch. Involve yourself in causes you care about or groups that share your interests.

Spiritual

Spiritual wellness refers to your individual beliefs and values and how you find meaning and purpose in daily life (SAMSHA, 2016). A strong spiritual dimension can include being fully present and engaged, being confident in your morals and values, and taking the time for self-reflection.

If you feel challenged by the fast pace of today's world, take a few minutes to close your eyes, pause, and reflect on what is most important to you. This practice can also allow you to appreciate the many positive aspects of your life.  

Environmental

Environmental wellness focuses on the health of both the natural environment and your personal environment. For many people, spending time outdoors can be a great way to relax. You also support environmental wellness when you recycle, limit the use of harmful chemicals, and conserve the planet’s resources.

To make your personal space more conducive to supporting your well-being, reduce or eliminate unwanted clutter at home and at work, and surround yourself with things that make you happy.

Occupational

This wellness dimension involves finding meaning and satisfaction in the activities you do. It encourages you to develop goals and even explore employment tailored to fit your needs. Sometimes, it's as simple as reviewing your work-life balance to make sure you have time to do what you love. Other times it's about setting short- and long-term goals, then following through. In short, it's about finding balance and feeling fulfilled in both your work and leisure activities.

Financial

Financial wellness involves understanding how to manage income, debt, and savings—including making informed financial decisions with your available resources. This dimension is sometimes the most difficult for people to strengthen without outside help.

If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of tackling this dimension alone, consider exploring Penn State Extension's financial literacy resources, including upcoming webinars and workshops.

What's Next?

Penn State Extension's Youth, Family, and Health unit provides a variety of relevant programs that address these dimensions of wellness. Our goal is to assist individuals in maintaining optimal health and well-being to become the best versions of themselves.

For more information, check out SAMHSA's free resources on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, including "Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wellness."  

References

National Institute on Aging. (2019). Participating in the arts creates paths to healthy aging. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health.

Oliver, M. D., Baldwin, D. R., & Datta, S. (2018). Health to wellness: A review of wellness models and transitioning back to health. The International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society, 9(1), 41-55. doi.org/10.18848/2156-8960/CGP

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Creating a healthier life: A step-by-step guide to wellness.