Dimensions of Wellness

Eight Paths to Nurture the Whole Self

Maintaining health is top of mind to many but what does being healthy even mean? Social media will lead you to believe it is about eating kale, sipping on smoothies, and practicing goat yoga but health and wellness runs much deeper than that.

The paper Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life by Stowen says that wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit.

Wellness encompasses eight interdependent dimensions: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, financial, vocational, and environmental.

In the sections below, you’ll get a glimpse into each of the eight dimensions of wellness — and simple reflection questions to start tuning into where you may want to focus next. For a deeper journey through all eight, be sure to grab the free worksheet at the end of this post.

What are the Eight Dimensions of Wellness?

1. Physical Wellness

The health and longevity of the human body can be increased with physical exercise. It is also important to factor in sleep, hygiene, and a healthy diet. Also, remember your water, it prevents dehydration which causes cloudy thinking, mood swings, and constipation.

Journaling prompt:

What does my body need more of —and less of—right now to feel energized, supported, and strong? (Hint: Think sleep, nourishment, movement, or rest.)

2. Emotional Wellness

The ability to recognize, identify and define emotions and their triggers. One way to achieve this is to practice self-awareness by noticing how we feel and naming it. Another is to practice adaptability when a change cycles into our lives. Also, remember to have compassion for yourself by setting time for a long shower (or bath) journaling (with tarot), or meditating.

Journaling prompt:

How do I manage stress and emotions? What practices support my well-being?

3. Social Wellness

The network of family, friends, and acquaintances that provide meaningful connections. Spending time with people you love creates a support system that endures life’s ups and downs. However, during the pandemic it is important consider CDC guidelines of preventing the spread of COVID and it can be done if safety is considered. Keep the gathering small, practice social distancing, wear a mask, wash hands, and stay home if you are unwell. If staying home is for you, how about writing thoughtful letters and or cards to your friends and family?

🌟 Want to explore all eight dimensions with deeper reflection prompts?

Download the Dimensions of Wellness Self-Reflection Worksheet and start weaving your personalized path to holistic balance.

4. Intellectual Wellness

The stimulation of the intellect to cognitively engage. Check out online courses on topics you find interesting, attend your local community meetings online, start journaling and studying.

5. Spiritual Wellness

The devotion of time to connecting spiritually to feel grounded. This includes but is not limited to religion, it is more about one’s sense of purpose, direction, and meaning in life.

6. Financial Wellness

Stability of income to manage savings, expenses, and debts. How much money is earned plays a role but the most important aspect is managing income to live within means by avoiding: overspending, hoarding, excessive frugality and focusing on building an emergency fund, saving for the future, and creating a budget.

7. Vocational Wellness

Satisfaction and fulfillment from work that is meaningful. Feeling happy about work comes from feeling supported, respected, accomplished while growing and developing professionally.

8. Environmental Wellness

Appreciation of the Earth’s natural resources and immersion and experience with nature. Having a reciprocal relationship with the environment strengthens local and global communities. This can be achieved by keeping your space clutter free, producing less waste (cut down on disposable items), cutting back on motorized transport, every small step adds up for large impact.

🌿 Building a balanced life doesn't happen all at once — it grows day by day, choice by choice, dimension by dimension. If you're ready to weave deeper wellness into your daily life, I've created a free Dimensions of Wellness Self-Reflection Worksheet to help you get started.

🌙 [Download your free worksheet here] and take your first step toward nurturing the whole, beautiful, evolving you.

Updated August 2024

Updated April 2025