The Eight Dimensions of Wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing is understanding, processing, and thoughtfully acting on your emotions. This valuable practice of self-awareness includes both celebrating happiness, hope, and joy, as well as accepting uncomfortable feelings, like, being sad, afraid, or angry. Key tools to develop include resilience, ways to cope with stress, responsibility for your actions, and good communication with yourself and others. Tips and ideas:

• Try stress management techniques like breathing techniques, meditation, and daily movement. Find what works best for you. 

• Give time and space to your emotions by journaling; talking to a counselor, therapist, or loved one; or making art. 

• Accept mistakes and practice forgiveness to yourself and your community.

• Socialize with friends and family.

Financial wellbeing is about living with a sense of security that your needs can be met, and setting strong foundations that plan for comfort (and even fun) in your future. Even if your financial life feels chaotic right now, it’s possible to break free from stress and debt with careful planning. Tips and ideas:

• Meet up with a financial counselor who can provide customized, nonjudgmental advice.

• Write out a budget personalized to your needs, income, and goals.

• Assess your retirement savings and your future plans.

• Seek a free webinar or discussion group about debt reduction or student loans.

Environmental wellbeing is cultivating practices and choices that care for the earth, fellow living things, and our natural resources. This includes finding ways to make an impact in your own life by making environmentally friendly habits and choices. Tips and ideas:

• Recycle at home and work. 

• Find reusable versions of disposable objects: water bottles, lunch sacks, coffee cups, and leftover containers are some examples.

• Carpool, take public transit, or bicycle if and when you are able. 

• Visit a local park to enjoy what nature has to offer.

• Purchase second hand furniture, clothing, and electronics when possible.

• Pick up litter in your neighborhood.

• Participate in Meatless Mondays.

Spiritual wellbeing is recognizing and honoring your search for purpose and greater meaning in a way that is resonant with your personal beliefs, and practicing respect and tolerance towards the beliefs of others. This includes commitment to personal values, building harmony between ourselves and our world, and cultivating hope and peaceful practices. Tips and ideas:

• Allow time in your life for personal reflection.

• Practice presence, honesty, and open-mindedness with yourself and your community.

• Make life decisions based on your core values. 

• Spending time in nature.

• Practice meditation, mindfulness, and/or yoga.

• Praying or taking part in organized religion.

Social wellbeing is building meaningful, communicative, encouraging relationships within your community. This includes family, friends, and coworkers as well as the broader community in which you live. Tips and ideas:

• Set a regular time to meet up with family or close friends. 

• Volunteer at a local organization that is meaningful to you.

• Find ways to engage and make connections within your community.

Physical wellbeing is building habits that include the movement, foods, and health and personal care that allow your body to feel good and work well. Tips and ideas:

• Build a healthy sleep schedule.

• Find exercise and movement that you have fun doing and puts you in a good mood. 

• Eat a balanced diet, focus on eating whole foods daily, and practice cooking at home.

• Visit a health care provider routinely and when experiencing discomfort or pain.

• Take time for therapy such as acupuncture, massage, cupping, and physical and dietary therapy.

Occupational wellbeing is creating and participating in a career that is fulfilling and enriches your life, and uses your personal passions and skills. This also includes having a growth mentality that allows your skills to grow with new opportunities and further education and training. Tips and ideas:

• Choose a career that suits your skills and values. 

• Be open to change over time.

• Find a mentor in your workplace or job field.

Intellectual wellbeing is choosing opportunities to learn, be creative, be adaptive, solve problems, and overcome challenges. Think of it as exercising your mind by pursuing your interests, and working on skills you’d like to have. Tips and ideas:

• Take a class, workshop, or skills training on a topic you’re curious about.

• Get a library card and check out new books and magazines.

• Visit a museum, exhibit, gallery, or public event to observe something new.

• Find friends who help you have meaningful, interesting conversations.