Beyond Physical Health: Exploring the 8 Dimensions of Wellness

“Wellness is a connection of paths: knowledge and action.” – Joshua Holtz

There’s not much discussion about the “Dimensions of Wellness” in America’s healthcare arena, but there should be. Wellness is embracing the whole human experience. It means understanding that everything we do impacts our health, and every practicing clinician should be trained to address this truth. Unfortunately, most are not. 

There are several aspects of wellness. Each one influences the other, and neglecting just one can impact our quality of life. While experts may categorize them differently, the key components are physical, mental/emotional, social, financial, occupational, intellectual, environmental, and spiritual.

The most overlooked and devalued of the key dimensions is the spiritual. It is the one most neglected by individuals. It's also grossly underrepresented in our healthcare system, where physical pathology, biochemical imbalances, and physiological functions are the primary focus.

Wellness is not a fixed destination. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns that require ongoing adjustments. Not properly adjusting leaves us feeling broken, off balance, and more susceptible to the onset of a wide range of medical conditions, which underscores the significance of addressing the spiritual realm of health first: the realm that cultivates a lifestyle that enhances a greater sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment, and overall well-being.

The spiritual dimension of wellness puts us in charge of our health. It empowers us to prevent disease. If we’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition, it motivates us to take the lead in developing a treatment plan. It stabilizes us when life catches us off guard. And it helps us maintain balance when we feel overwhelmed. 

It’s hard to be well when parts of you are broken!

Thirty years ago, prolonged emotional stress manifested as raised lesions on my legs that led to a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. At the time, I wasn’t as spiritually grounded as I am now; however, being the “mind over matter” thinker that I’ve always been, I eliminated the stress, and the lesions disappeared. But that advice didn't come from the doctor who diagnosed me. He never asked about my emotional well-being. Instead, he ordered additional tests to determine which medication(s) to prescribe. I never returned to him for testing and haven’t seen any other doctor for sarcoidosis. 

It’s hard to be well when you’re stuck on a job you hate or is not aligned with your purpose and personal values; it puts you at risk for multiple health disorders. The spiritual aspect of wellness helps you find deeper meaning and life’s purpose so that you make choices that lead to job satisfaction.

It’s hard to “Be Well” when you can’t pay your bills; it puts you at risk for high blood pressure. The spiritual dimension of wellness emphasizes that your health is your wealth by offering a broader view of finances and the principles of universal abundance. It encourages a balanced approach to managing resources that support a financially fulfilled and secure life.

It’s hard to be well when your social connections are compromised; it causes depression. Embracing spiritual wellness initiates and maintains healthy relationships that lead to a sense of community and belonging.

It’s hard to be well when you are mentally and emotionally off balance. Emphasizing self-love, gratitude, and other positive emotions, the spiritual component of health equips you with coping mechanisms and a sense of hope, helping you navigate life's challenges with greater ease.

It’s hard to be well when you fail to acknowledge the role of regular exercise, nutritious eating, and proper sleep; it puts you at risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes. Spiritual wellness fosters positive behaviors and eliminates self-defeating behaviors that lead to poor health outcomes. 

It’s hard to be well if you continue to ignore the fact that our healthcare system is a profit-driven system where clinicians are trained to look for symptoms and make diagnoses, leaving them little to no time for listening to our stories or focusing on the root causes of our illnesses.

So, how well are you right now? How well have you been this month, this year? Where do you turn when unexpected life events knock you off balance? As you think about the answers, keep this in mind:

Addressing the missing piece of America’s healthcare puzzle, the wholistic piece, is your responsibility. Is it hard? You bet! But sickness and suffering are hard. Life is sometimes hard, and it’s up to you to make it easier, not the doctor. So consider making the spiritual path your passport to well-being. Why? Because it connects you to your innate divine power and prepares you to navigate life’s uncertainties with balance, calm, and the ease of knowing that regardless of the circumstances, you will "Be Well." It’s where the journey begins!

Need help with your journey to wellness? Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com.

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