Definition of Wellness

Many people think that if they are not sick, then they are well. However, the definition of wellness is optimal health and vitality, encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, interpersonal, social and environmental well-being.

Below is a short description of the seven areas of wellness.

Physical Wellness: Optimal physical wellness requires eating well, exercising, avoiding harmful habits (such as smoking), recognizing the signs of disease, getting regular physical exams, and taking steps to prevent injury i.e. wearing a bike helmet.

Emotional Wellness: Optimism, trust, self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-confidence, self-control satisfying relationships, and an ability to share feeling

Intellectual Wellness: Openness to new ideas, a capacity to question and think critically, and the motivation to master new skills.

Spiritual Wellness: Possess a set of guiding beliefs, principles, or values that give meaning and purpose to life. Spiritual wellness is also the capacity to love, have compassion for others, forgiveness, joy and fulfillment.

Interpersonal and Social Wellness: Good communication skills, developing the capacity for intimacy and cultivating a support network of caring friends and/or family. Social wellness also means participating in and contributing to the community, country, and world.

Environmental Wellness: Learning and contributing to the health of the planet. Helping to eliminate pollutants, lead paint, and second hand smoke indoors. Environmental wellness requires learning how to protect yourself from these hazards and doing what you can to reduce or eliminate them.

Cultural Wellness: Develops awareness, appreciation, acceptance and embracement of cultural differences.