The 5 Dimensions of Wellness

By Sarah Mudd, PLPC, NBCCH, RASAC-II

While I was in graduate school, one of my first assignments was to evaluate myself based on 5 dimensions of wellness.  This assignment was an eye opener in many aspects and became a checklist I still live by today.  I never considered having so many parts of myself were important to my well-being.

Considering these 5 dimensions of wellness in your life may lead you on a track to a healthier lifestyle and feeling more fulfilled.  Learning these components may take time, but try to consider and break down each dimension to start.  In my personal experience, some dimensions were easy and others needed more work.  The key here is not to try to have all the answers or conquer each dimension quickly, but take time to truly know yourself and work on areas where you may have trouble or are lacking.  Exploring these areas can lead to enlightenment and a healthier you! 

​The 5 Dimensions of Wellness are:

1. The Essential Self- Thinking about the person as a whole, we see various components that make up a person.  We are not whole until we have achieved all components of life.  The components that make up each individual are diverse, yet we all have similarities as well.  Spirituality, Gender/Sexual Identity, and Cultural Identity are a few components that complete a person. 
2. The Creative Self- The creative self is fun and imaginative.  Thinking, Emotions, Control, Work, and Positive Humor all play a role in creativity as a person.  For many of us, this is one of the stronger components of our being.
3. The Coping Self- The coping self is an area that some of us people struggle with and need to work on to become a healthy person.  Some of us have a hard time coping with problems that come their way.  To improve in this area, we can implement coping skills/strategies and recognize that we are a work in progress.  The coping self has four areas: Leisure, Stress Management, Self-Worth, and Realistic Beliefs
4. The Social Self- The social self is an area of the person that is extremely important.  We as human beings are made to be with one another and socialize.  Isolation is torture for many.  Human beings thrive off one another and socializing is vital for growth and development. The two components of the social self are Friendship and Love. 
5. The Physical Self- It is also important that we remember to keep our physical self healthy.  This can include nutrition and exercise.  While eating well and getting exercise are important, proper sleep, and emotional, psychological, and spiritual health also play a role in the physical self being healthy as well. These areas are intertwined.

Learning about yourself will aid in wellness.  That is why trying to make changes to be well balanced is so important and crucial to success.  Being balanced is also crucial for the success of relationships and loved ones around you.  By becoming aware of the 5 Dimensions of Wellness, you can work to have an open mind and engage in the process of change. Awareness is the first step to wellness and our lives are process of growing.

Sarah Mudd is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor at Unlimited Potential Counseling & Education Center in O’Fallon (MO #2016013189). Sarah is under the clinical supervision of Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC (MO #2012026754).

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