Let’s Talk Wellness with Nine Scoops: A Simple Guide to the Nine Dimensions of a Healthier, Happier Life 

September 4, 2024 | Lifestyle, Wellness

View in store: YOU ARE RESILIENT – Bamboo Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee

Hey there! Recently, we’ve rebranded to better reflect our mission, with a fresh logo and updated website design, inspired by The Ohio State University’s nine dimensions of wellness. Let’s take a moment to chat about something that’s pretty important in all our lives—wellness. Now, when we say “wellness,” we’re talking about more than just hitting the gym or eating your veggies. It’s a whole lot more than that! Wellness is about finding balance in all the different areas of your life, and that’s where the idea of the nine dimensions of wellness comes in. 

These nine dimensions might sound a bit technical at first, but trust me, they’re really just a way to help us live happier, healthier, and more balanced lives. So, grab a cozy spot, maybe a cup of tea, and let’s dive into what each of these dimensions is all about. 

What Are the Nine Dimensions of Wellness? 

You’ve probably heard about different aspects of health and wellness before, but the nine dimensions put it all together in a way that makes sense. Think of them like different pieces of a puzzle—each one is important, and when they all fit together, you get a complete picture of a well-balanced life. So, let’s break them down, one by one. 

1. Emotional Wellness 

First up, emotional wellness. This is all about understanding your feelings and being okay with them—whether they’re good, bad, or somewhere in between. Emotional wellness is about figuring out how to deal with stress, staying positive, and finding ways to bounce back when life throws you a curveball. 

One way to keep your emotional wellness in check is to make time for activities that bring you joy and peace. Maybe that’s journaling, meditating, or just spending time with people who lift you up. 

2. Environmental Wellness 

Environmental wellness isn’t just about living in a clean and pleasant environment—it’s also about actively contributing to the conservation of our planet’s resources. This might mean reducing your use of single-use plastics, participating in community clean-up events, or supporting organizations that focus on protecting wildlife and natural habitats. 

By making eco-conscious choices, you’re not only improving your own well-being but also helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy a healthy planet. It’s about seeing the bigger picture and understanding that our individual actions add up to make a significant difference in the world around us. 

3. Financial Wellness 

Money can be a tricky topic, but that’s where financial wellness comes in. It’s about managing your money in a way that lets you live comfortably now and plan for the future. It doesn’t mean you have to be rich—it’s more about making smart choices, budgeting, and knowing where your money is going. 

A big part of financial wellness is feeling secure and having a plan. It’s about being able to enjoy life without constantly stressing over bills or unexpected expenses. 

4. Intellectual Wellness 

Intellectual wellness is all about keeping your mind sharp and curious. It’s about challenging yourself, learning new things, and staying mentally active. This could mean reading a book, taking up a new hobby, or even just having a good conversation with a friend. 

The key is to keep your brain engaged and open to new ideas. It’s about being a lifelong learner and staying curious about the world around you. 

5. Occupational Wellness 

Let’s talk work. Occupational wellness is about finding fulfillment in what you do for a living. It’s not just about earning a paycheck—it’s about doing something that aligns with your values and passions. 

Whether you’re working a job you love or looking for ways to make your current job more enjoyable, occupational wellness is about finding meaning and satisfaction in your work life. 

6. Physical Wellness 

Physical wellness is probably what most of us think of when we hear “wellness.” It’s all about taking care of your body—through exercise, good nutrition, and getting enough sleep. 

But it’s also about listening to your body’s needs. It’s okay to rest when you’re tired and to take care of yourself when you’re not feeling your best. Physical wellness is about finding that balance and treating your body with the respect it deserves. 

7. Social Wellness 

We’re social creatures by nature, which is why social wellness is so important. This dimension is all about building and maintaining healthy relationships. It’s about connecting with others, whether it’s friends, family, or your community. 

Good social wellness means having a support system you can rely on and being that support for others too. It’s about making time for the people who matter and building meaningful connections. 

8. Spiritual Wellness 

Spiritual wellness is a deeply personal part of your wellness journey. It’s about finding purpose and meaning in life. For some, this might involve religious beliefs, but for others, it could be about connecting with nature, meditating, or just finding peace in your day-to-day life. 

It’s about whatever makes you feel connected to something bigger than yourself and brings you a sense of peace and purpose. 

9. Creative Wellness 

Finally, we have creative wellness. This one’s all about letting your creativity flow and expressing yourself. Whether you love to paint, write, cook, or even just doodle, creative wellness is about finding joy in the creative process. 

It’s not about being the best artist or having perfect technique—it’s about having fun and letting your imagination run wild. 

How Do These Dimensions Work Together? 

So, here’s the cool part: these dimensions aren’t separate little boxes. They’re all connected. When you work on one area, it often boosts others too. For example, taking care of your physical wellness might help improve your emotional wellness because you feel better and have more energy. 

The goal isn’t to be perfect in every area but to find a balance that works for you. It’s about recognizing that each dimension is important and finding ways to nurture them in your everyday life. 

Simple Ways to Start Embracing Wellness 

Now that we’ve gone through the nine dimensions, you might be wondering, “How do I start?” Well, the good news is, you don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Here are some easy steps you can take to start embracing wellness in your life: 

  1. Emotional Wellness: Try setting aside a few minutes each day to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What’s on your mind? Even just acknowledging your emotions can be a big step towards emotional wellness. 
  1. Environmental Wellness: Look for ways to reduce your environmental footprint. This could be as simple as using a reusable water bottle, cutting down on energy use, or volunteering for a local conservation project. Every small action counts! 
  1. Financial Wellness: Start by setting a small financial goal. It could be as simple as saving a little more each month or tracking your spending to see where your money goes. 
  1. Intellectual Wellness: Pick up a new book or listen to a podcast on a topic you’re interested in. Challenge your mind to think about something new. 
  1. Occupational Wellness: Reflect on what you love about your job. If there are areas you’re less happy with, think about small changes you can make to improve your work experience. 
  1. Physical Wellness: Find a type of exercise that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, dancing, or yoga. The key is to make it something you look forward to. 
  1. Social Wellness: Reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Sometimes, just a simple text can strengthen those connections. 
  1. Spiritual Wellness: Spend some time in nature, meditate, or simply sit quietly and reflect. Find what helps you feel centered and connected. 
  1. Creative Wellness: Set aside some time to create—whether it’s drawing, writing, cooking, or any other form of expression. Let yourself enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome. 

Wrapping It Up 

Wellness is a journey, and it’s all about finding what works best for you. The nine dimensions of wellness are here to guide you, but remember, it’s all about balance and taking small steps. No need to stress—just start where you are, and enjoy the process. 

Thanks for joining us in this little chat about wellness. I hope you found some inspiration and maybe a few ideas to help you along your journey. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection, and every little step counts. 

Bibliography