The International Council on Active Aging defines wellness as being derived from the ability to understand, accept, and act upon the capacity to lead purpose-filled and engaged lives. By doing this, we can embrace our potential to pursue and optimize life’s possibilities. Our potential lives in seven different dimensions of wellness: physical, social, spiritual, vocational, emotional, environmental, and intellectual.
Physical: Strengthening and caring for the body to stay as independent as possible
o Examples: proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and regular doctor’s appointments
Social: Emphasizes the importance of social interactions
o Examples: spending time with family and friends, joining clubs, group activities, traveling
Spiritual: Finding purpose and meaning in life
o Examples: meditation, faith-based activity, Yoga, Tai Chi, experiencing nature
Vocational: Utilizing your skills, passions, and strengths to help others
o Examples: Tutoring, mentoring, volunteering, caregiving
Emotional: The ability to cope with challenges and deal with feelings in a positive way
o Examples: peer counseling, stress management, humor/laughter, support groups
Environmental: Respect for natural resources and/or a strong connection to the environment
o Examples: recycling, reusing goods, taking walks outdoors, meditation, gardening
Intellectual: Activities that stimulate and challenge the brain
o Examples: painting, journaling, solving puzzles, enrolling in a college course
Look at how you spend a week or even a month. Are you hitting all the dimensions listed above? Some of your activities, like group exercise classes, may hit a few dimensions at once (physical and social). If there is an area that is being neglected, think about how you might start incorporating an activity or hobby into your routine to stay balanced. On the flipside, if you are lopsided and very heavy in one dimension, think about whether that is negatively impacting you or not. If it is, is there an activity or two you could cut out of your schedule to be better balanced?
Aim for balance when it comes to these dimensions. Prepare to embrace your potential this year!