Social Dimension

The social dimension of wellness encourages contributing to one's human and physical environment to the common welfare of one's community. Social Wellness emphasizes the interdependence with others and nature. It includes the pursuit of harmony in one's family.' As you travel a wellness path, you'll become more aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on nature and your community. You'll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging a healthy living environment and initiating better communication with those around you. You'll actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature along the pathway.

Social wellness is having positive interactions with and enjoying being with others. It is having comfort and ease during work and leisure situations and communicating feelings and needs to others. It involves developing and building close friendships and intimacy, practicing empathy and effective listening, caring for others and for the common good, and allowing others to care for you. It is recognizing the need for leisure and recreation and budgeting time for those activities.

As you proceed on your social wellness journey, you'll discover many things-you'll discover that you have the power to make willful choices to enhance personal relationships, important friendships, your community, the environment and, ultimately, the world. As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that - socially.

• It's better to contribute to the common welfare of our community than to think only of ourselves.
• It's better to live in harmony with others and our environment than to live in conflict with them.

Social Wellness Facts and Tips

• Socially isolated people are more susceptible to illness and have a death rate two to three times higher than those who are not socially isolated.
• People who maintain their social network and support systems do better under stress.
• Approximately 20 percent of Americans feel lonely and isolated during their free time.
• Touching, stroking, and hugging can improve health.
• Laughter really is good medicine.
• Cholesterol levels go up when human companionship is lacking.
• Warm, close friendships cause higher levels of immunoglobulin A (an antibody that helps keep away respiratory infections and cavities).
• A strong social network can create a good mood and enhance self-esteem.

Tips and suggestions for optimal social wellness include:

* Cultivate healthy relationships
* Get involved
* Contribute to your community
* Share your talents and skills
* Communicate your thoughts, feelings, and ideas.



Source: Dimensions of Wellness. Dimensions of Wellness

Emotional Dimension

 

The emotional dimension of wellness emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one's feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one's limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The emotionally well person maintains satisfying relationships with others.

Emotional Wellness allows you to be aware of and accept a wide range of feelings in yourself and others. You'll be able to express feelings freely and manage feelings effectively. You'll be able to arrive at personal choices and decisions based upon the synthesis of feelings, thoughts, philosophies, and behavior. On the wellness path, you'll live and work independently while realizing the importance of seeking and appreciating the support and assistance of others. You'll be able to form interdependent relationships with others based upon a foundation of mutual commitment, trust and respect. You'll take on challenges, take risks, and recognize conflict as being potentially healthy. Managing your life in personally rewarding ways, and taking responsibility for your actions, will help you see life as an exciting, hopeful adventure.

• As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that - emotionally.
• It's better to be aware of and accept our feelings than to deny them.
• It's better to be optimistic in our approach to life than pessimistic.

Tips for optimal emotional wellness:

* Tune-in to your thoughts and feelings
* Cultivate an optimistic attitude
* Seek and provide support

* Learn time management skills

* Practice stress management techniques
* Accept and forgive yourself.

Source: Dimensions of Wellness. Dimensions of Wellness

Cardio Workout

Intellectual Dimension

Intellectual wellness is characterized by the ability to make sound decisions and to think critically. It includes openness to new ideas; motivation to master new skills; and a sense of humor, creativity, and curiosity. Striving for personal growth and a willingness to seek out and use new information in an effective manner for personal and social development are also part of intellectual wellness.
The intellectual dimension encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. Our minds need to be continually inspired and exercised just as our bodies do. People who possess a high level of intellectual wellness have an active mind and continue to learn. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one's knowledge and improve skills. Keeping up-to-date on current events and participating in activities that arouse our minds are also important.
Tips and suggestions for optimal intellectual wellness include:

* Take a course or workshop
* Learn (or perfect) a foreign language

* Seek out people who challenge you intellectually
* Read
* Learn to appreciate art

Source:  The School District of Palm Beach County, FL

Physical Wellness Assessment

The physical dimension of wellness involves encouraging regular activities that produce endurance, flexibility and strength. Read each statement carefully and respond honestly by using the following scoring:

Almost always = 2 points            
Sometimes/occasionally = 1 point          
Very seldom = 0 points

_____  1.  I exercise aerobically (vigorous, continuous) for 20 to 30 minutes at least three times per week.

_____  2.  I eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.

_____  3.  I avoid tobacco products.

_____  4.  I wear a seat belt while riding in and driving a car.

_____  5.  I deliberately minimize my intake of cholesterol, dietary fats, and oils.

_____  6.  I avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or I consume no more than one drink per day.

_____  7.  I get an adequate amount of sleep.

_____  8.  I have adequate coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.

_____  9.  I maintain a regular schedule of immunizations, physicals, dental checkups and self-exams.

_____ 10. I maintain a reasonable weight, avoiding extremes of overweight and underweight.

_______ Total for Physical Wellness Dimension

Score: 15 to 20 Points -  Excellent strength in this dimension.

Score:  9 to 14 Points - There is room for improvement.  Look again at the items in which you scored 1 or 0.  What changes can you make to improve your score?

Score:  0 to 8 Points - This dimension needs a lot of work.  Look again at  this dimension and challenge yourself to begin making small steps toward growth here.  Remember:  The goal is balanced wellness.

Source: Dimensions of Wellness

PHYSICAL DIMENSION

Physical wellness encompasses a variety of healthy behaviors including adequate exercise, proper nutrition, and abstaining from harmful habits such as drug use and alcohol abuse. It means learning about and identifying symptoms of disease, getting regular medical checkups, and protecting yourself from injuries and harm. Developing such healthy habits today will not only add years to your life but will enhance the enjoyment and quality of those years.

Tips for optimal physical wellness:

* Exercise daily
* Get adequate rest
* Use seat belts, helmets, and other protective equipment

* Learn to recognize early signs of illness

* Practice safer sex, if you are sexually active

* Eat a variety of healthy foods

* Control your meal portions

* Stop smoking and protect yourself against second-hand smoke

* Use alcohol in moderation, if at all

Source: Lansing Community College

Wellness

     What is the definition of wellness? More than ever before, we hear this word in the news, on billboards, in conversation and even at work. Interestingly, there is no universally-accepted definition of wellness. There is, however, a set of common characteristics seen in most thoughtful attempts at a definition of wellness. We generally see a reference to a “state of well-being,” which is vague, to say the least. Also frequently seen is a “state of acceptance or satisfaction with our present condition.”

     The truth is wellness is a tough word to define. That said, we’ll leave it to Charles B. Corbin of Arizona State University who gives this definition of wellness: “Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.”

    Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.

• Process means that improvement is always possible
• Aware means that we are continuously seeking more information about how we can improve.
• Choices means that we consider a variety of options and select those in our best interest.
• Success is determined by each individual to be their collection of life accomplishments.

DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

 

    Social Wellness
    Occupational Wellness
    Spiritual Wellness
    Physical Wellness
    Intellectual Wellness
    Emotional Wellness
   
Source: http://www.definitionofwellness.com/


YOGA
Yoga is a spiritual and mental training that helps enhance the body posture, also, it helps the mind handle stressful situations, and increases the overall health and well-being of the body.

Yoga online for beginners is a good start in a wellness plan.