Terms Associated with Wellness

Six Terms Associated with Wellness

Wellness is the healthy balance of body, mind and spirit that gives the overall feeling of well-being. It is a practical approach to living the most favorable way of life. It is an active process in which people become responsive to make choices towards a healthy and more successful lifestyle. There are six dimensions of wellness:

1. Emotional

Emotional wellness needs the acceptance and awareness of personal feelings whereas, being responsive and sensitive to the emotional conditions of others. The hallmarks of emotional health include self-esteem, satisfying relationships, self-acceptance, optimism, self-control, trust, self-confidence and an ability to share feelings.

2. Intellectual

Intellectual wellness is a lifetime approach to aliveness intended to make one more effective and happy. It motivates innovative stimulating mental activities. Capability to think and question critically, openness to new ideas, as well as the inspiration to master new skills, sense of humor, creativity and curiosity are some of the aspects and qualities of intellectual wellness.

3. Planetary or Environmental

With planetary or environmental wellness, individuals get confidence to seek lifestyles that facilitate them to attain the highest possible well-being. Personal health depends on the health of the planet, which is ranging from the security of food supply to the degree of violent behavior in the society. Other instances of environmental threats to health are air and water pollution, ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, second hand tobacco smoke in indoor air and lead in old house paint. Environmental wellness involves learning about environmental hazards to our health and the protection against such threats.

4. Physical

Physical wellness promotes improved strength and flexibility, cardiovascular capacity, knowledge about food and nutrition, medical self-care, appropriate use of the medical systems and regular physical activity. It discourages the use of drugs, tobacco, and excessive consumption of alcohol. The lifestyle you develop and the decisions you take today will greatly determine the duration and the quality of your life.

5. Spiritual

To enjoy spiritual health is to possess a set of guiding beliefs, principles, or values that give meaning and purpose in your existence. Spiritual wellness includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe. This includes learning how to experience love, joy, peace, and fulfillment; and knowing how to help ourselves and others achieve their full potential. Spiritual wellness is an antidote to cynicism, anger, fear, anxiety, self-absorption, and pessimism.

6. Social and interpersonal wellness

Interpersonal and social wellness contributes human environment to the common welfare of the community. It gives emphasis to the interdependence with others. It comprises the quest of harmony in family and the relations with others. For developing interpersonal wellness, you have to develop the capacity for intimacy, learn good communication skills and nurture a support network of family members and caring friends. Social wellness needs contributing to and participating in your community, country, and world.

People can improve their level of wellness and make changes in their life by identifying these factors.