Health Promotion and Wellness, along with many other campus offices, encourages and supports Northwestern students to take action on the eight interconnected dimensions of well-being in order to develop everyday habits that improve the quality of life. Attention must be paid to all dimensions, since the abandonment of one of them will eventually negatively affect the others and, ultimately, a person's health, well-being and quality of life. The eight dimensions are described below and are accompanied by examples and ideas for improving each area. Focusing on the 8 dimensions of well-being can increase productivity, reduce health care costs and increase revenue potential.
The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified eight dimensions of well-being to focus on to optimize health. These dimensions are physical, emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, environmental, financial, and occupational. Each dimension is important in its own right and should be given attention in order to achieve a balanced lifestyle.
Physical Well-Being
Physical well-being is about taking care of your body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, and other healthy habits.It is important to maintain a healthy diet that includes all the essential nutrients needed for your body to function properly. Exercise is also important for physical well-being as it helps to keep your body strong and fit. Additionally, getting enough sleep is essential for physical health as it helps your body to rest and recharge.
Emotional Well-Being
Emotional well-being is about being aware of your emotions and managing them in a healthy way. It is important to recognize when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed out and take steps to manage those feelings in a positive way.This could include talking to a friend or family member about how you are feeling or engaging in activities that help you relax such as yoga or meditation.
Spiritual Well-Being
Spiritual well-being is about connecting with something greater than yourself. This could be through religion or spirituality or simply by taking time to reflect on your life and values. Taking time for yourself to reflect on what is important to you can help you find meaning in life and give you a sense of purpose.Social Well-Being
Social well-being is about having meaningful relationships with others. Developing a healthy social dimension can involve inviting a colleague or acquaintance to lunch, joining a club or organization, setting healthy boundaries, using good communication skills that are assertive rather than passive or aggressive, being genuine and authentic with others, and treating others in a respectful manner.Intellectual Well-Being
Intellectual well-being is about engaging in activities that stimulate your mind such as reading books or taking classes.It is important to challenge yourself intellectually in order to keep your mind sharp and engaged. Additionally, learning new skills can help you stay up-to-date with current trends and technologies.
Environmental Well-Being
Environmental well-being is about being aware of the environment around you and taking steps to protect it. This could include reducing your carbon footprint by using public transportation or carpooling instead of driving alone, recycling materials whenever possible, conserving energy by turning off lights when not in use, or volunteering for environmental causes.Financial Well-Being
Financial well-being is about managing your finances responsibly. This could include creating a budget that allows you to save money while still meeting your needs, investing in stocks or mutual funds for long term growth, paying off debt as quickly as possible, or researching different financial products such as insurance policies.Occupational Well-Being
Occupational well-being is about finding work that is meaningful and fulfilling.This could include finding a job that aligns with your values or interests or taking steps to advance your career by pursuing additional education or training opportunities. Additionally, it is important to take breaks from work when needed in order to avoid burnout. Focusing on the 8 dimensions of well-being can help you improve your quality of life, your health and potentially extend your lifespan. Taking small steps towards improving each dimension can have a big impact on overall wellness.
