The Seven Dimensions of Wellness
Health, according to the World Health Organization, is a state of full mental and physical well being and not just the absence of illness and disease. Various definitions have been applied to health throughout the history of the world. In common usage the term health is used to refer to the condition of being well balanced, having strong physical and mental health, and having a capacity to satisfy the needs of your body and community through your behavior. Health is said to be the sum of all the positive aspects of a person’s life; however, it also takes into account the aspects of the person’s health that are negative. The term “well-being” is also commonly used in connection with the concept of being mentally and physically healthy.
Wellness, in the study of psychology, refers to both the process of maintaining optimal health and the result of emotional well being. Both emotional and physical health are part of this. People who are healthy tend to be happy, physically fit, and have high morale. Those with poor mental health tend to experience low self-esteem, have difficulty coping with day-to-day difficulties, experience fatigue, anxiety, and moodiness. The emotional aspects of mental health are more important than the physical aspect because people with mental health issues do not have the ability to care for their physical health as well as they can the other way around.
The concept of wellness, from a physiological perspective, focuses on the promotion of health by maintaining optimal levels of physical activity, proper nutrition, sleep, and environmental exposure to health risk factors. There are seven dimensions of wellness. While some dimensions have to do with your emotions, your sense of personal worth, your level of physical activity, and your personal relationships, there are seven dimensions that have to do with your overall health. Research has shown that if any one of these seven dimensions is not functioning properly, then the other five dimensions begin to fail. If all seven are functioning correctly, then you are considered to be in excellent health. If any of the seven dimensions are failing, then you may need assistance from a medical professional to bring them into proper balance.
Most of the components that make up a good wellness system are based on the knowledge that a balanced lifestyle will improve your overall health. One of the seven dimensions of wellness is proper nutrition. Proper nutrition includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eliminating stress. All of these components improve your physical health and contribute to your mental wellness.
Another component of your well-being is avoiding risk factors that contribute to illness and disease. Risk factors include things such as smoking cigarettes or using illegal drugs, being overweight or obese, having poor nutritional habits, and being mentally unhealthy. The goal for wellness is to eliminate or reduce all risk factors that are considered to be associated with illness and disease. These include behaviours that result in high levels of stress, being physically inactive, being a smoker, having poor nutritional habits, and living in a high crime neighborhood. It is important to have good physical health and strong mental health in order to live a healthy and long life.
Spiritual health is often overlooked in the effort to achieve wellness. It can involve your daily actions and your emotional and spiritual beliefs. Health can be achieved by maintaining a positive view of yourself and your world. Healthy spiritual beliefs are based on faith and love, and are essential components of a good life. People who have a strong sense of spirituality tend to be happier, more productive, and more well adjusted in their personal and business lives.