What Are the 8 Areas of Wellness?

The 8 areas of wellness include physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental.

Wellness is more than being physically and mentally fit. It is a complete integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Wellness helps you:

• Fuel your body.
• Engage your mind.
• Nurture your spirit.

Being in good health does not guarantee wellness. Wellness is about taking care of yourself, the people you care about, and those who care for you. When you are in good health and ensure your well-being, you can be a productive and content soul in this world.

Wellness comprises eight interdependent areas that need utmost attention, which include:

1. Physical
   • The physical area involves caring for your body to remain healthy.
   • Healthy behaviors, such as adequate exercise, proper nutrition, and abstaining from harmful substances, such as alcohol and smoke, can improve your physical wellness.
   • Regular checkups and identifying symptoms of the disease are known to prevent the risk of most diseases.
   • Here are some ways to achieve physical wellness:
     • Regular exercise
     • Getting adequate sleep
     • Control your portion size
     • Consuming healthy foods from different food groups
     • Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
     • Use alcohol in moderation, if at all
     • Learn to identify early signs of a disease
     • Use a helmet or seatbelt while driving
     • Practicing safer sex using condoms
2. Intellectual
   • The intellectual area involves stimulating your creative side. The mind needs to be constantly inspired and exercised in the same way as the body.
   • An intellectual mind always seeks to learn more with the available resources. Thus, they keep their minds engaged and expand their knowledge and skills.
   • Here are some ways to achieve intellectual wellness:
     • Try to include learning as part of your hobby
     • Take up mentally stimulating hobbies
     • Read books with good messages
     • Interact with people who can stimulate you to think
     • Travel around the world to learn about different cultures
     • Try learning a foreign language
     • Take a course or workshop
3. Emotional
   • The emotional area involves learning the art of managing your emotions positively and empathizing with people around you.
   • Emotional wellness should include optimism, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and the ability to share feelings.
   • Try out the following techniques to boost your emotional wellness:
     • Try to accept your emotions and understand the reason behind it
     • Never indulge in self-harm or thoughts that would put you in trauma
     • Always accept and forgive yourself
     • Seek help and support
     • Develop an optimistic attitude toward life
     • Practice stress management techniques
     • Learn time management skills
4. Social
   • The social area involves learning ways to live in harmony with society. It means practicing good communication skills, developing intimate bonds with others, and creating a strong network of friends and family members.
   • Some ways to achieve social wellness include:
     • Sharing your talents and skills
     • Contributing something toward the society
     • Cultivating healthy relationships in your neighborhood and workplace
     • Trying to catch up with your friends and staying in touch with them
     • Volunteering in social organizations
     • Working with people with similar interests for some social cause
5. Spiritual
   • The spiritual area involves connecting with your inner self and finding the true purpose of your life with or without organized religion.
   • To achieve this, you should know to:
     • Appreciate the beauty of everything
     • Try to bring harmony between your inner self and external forces
   • Some tips and suggestions for spiritual wellness include:
     • Always live by your ethics and moral values
     • Spend time alone to investigate your inner self
     • Practice meditation and mind-relaxing techniques
     • Always give your maximum in everything you do
     • Understand and accept uniqueness in yourself and others
     • Engage in activities that give you peace and contentment
6. Vocational
   • Vocational area refers to getting involved in an occupation that enriches you and provides personal satisfaction.
   • Your unique skills, talents, and gifts are utilized in the most effective way to bring out maximum productivity in your occupation.
   • Here are some ways to improve your vocational wellness:
     • Choose your career options after exploring your choices
     • Always have a vision for your future
     • Choose a career that suits your interest, personality, and talents
     • Always be updated in your field
     • Be open to change
     • Develop team spirit by communicating with your team members
7. Financial
   • The financial area involves managing your resources to live within your budget, making wise investment choices, and avoiding huge debts.
   • Some ways to bring financial wellness include:
     • Avoid extravaganza if you can barely afford it
     • Setting your budget goals
     • Manage your finances prudently
     • Invest smartly and save for emergencies
     • Avoid huge debts
     • Learn about budgeting and managing your taxes
8. Environmental
   • The environmental area involves being connected to nature and modifying your habits that may negatively affect the earth.
   • Some ways you can become socially responsible and contribute toward your earth include:
     • Minimize the use of water and other natural resources
     • Reduce the chemical use
     • Reduce, reuse and recycle
     • Keep your environment clean