Dimensions of Wellness

7 Dimensions of Wellness

The Student Wellness Center promotes the 7 dimensions of wellness including: Emotional, Occupational, Social, Intellectual, Spiritual, Physical, and Financial.

Emotional Wellness

The emotionally well person is able to appropriately express and manage the entire range of feelings, including anger, fear, happiness and sadness. S/he possesses high self-esteem, a sense of humor, and a positive body image. S/he develops independence from parents/guardians and accepts responsibility for themselves and their actions. This person also seeks support from a mental health professional when needed and gathers information in order to make informed value decisions.

Occupational Wellness

The occupationally well person is able to negotiate employment and education in a well-balanced manner that is both stimulating and inherently rewarding. S/he chooses a role or several roles that are consistent with their beliefs, goals, lifestyle, personality and values. They’re able to develop an attitude of commitment and shape the framework of a successful career.

Social Wellness

The socially well person has a network of friends and family to whom s/he can turn to for support, validation and sharing of life experiences. These relationships are based on interdependence (rather than codependence), mutual trust and respect, equity of power and cultural competence. The socially well student sees faculty, staff, students, and members of the community as individuals and develops a sensitivity and awareness to their feelings. S/he actively seeks contact with people, issues, and programs that differ from their own experiences and points of view.

Spiritual Wellness

The spiritually well person explores spiritual concepts of themselves and others in the discovery of meaning and purpose in human existence. S/he develops an appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and the natural forces that exist in the universe. S/he recognizes the relationship between spirituality and identity in themselves and others.

Physical Wellness

The physically well person eats when hungry and selects a varied and nutritionally balanced diet. S/he also gets an adequate amount of sleep, engages in moderate to vigorous exercise 3-5 times a week, gets routine medical check-ups when appropriate, and takes safety precautions. The physically well person is free of addictions, has the ability to identify physical and mental needs, and is aware of his/her body’s limitations. S/he accepts his/her sexual orientation, engages in sexual relationships that are consistent with his/her values and development, and refrains from using sex to manipulate or influence others. In addition, s/he minimizes unwanted consequences through communication and protection.

Financial Wellness

The financially well person develops a healthy budget managing both income and expenditures. S/he develops a discipline of saving to prepare for short-term, long-term, and emergency expenses. S/he manages credit cards and other consumer credit usage responsibly and develops the skills to manage resources.

Intellectual Wellness

The intellectually well person values education and engages in lifelong learning. S/he pursues activities that increase knowledge, develop moral reasoning, foster critical thinking and expand worldviews. In addition, s/he appreciates the fine arts, and values intuition, empathy and understanding as forms of knowing.