This week’s post is on 7 dimensions of wellness. It’s a thing.
Has your fitness routine faded?
Let me guess—you’ve tried to commit to working out. Me too. It’s easy to have good intentions. And then… life happens.
Somewhere between finishing work or chores and going to bed, fitness didn’t happen today or yesterday. One marker to aim for is 150 minutes/week of physical activity. That’s over two hours, spread over the week.
It takes time to set aside work or play, and get your shoes on or gear out. It even takes time to make a decision to do exercise, first!
Let’s remind ourselves why we’re trying to get more exercise into our daily lives. The stumbling blocks may become evident. I can’t tell you what to do exactly but hopefully the following info will help you choose healthy behaviour every day.
The 7 Dimensions of Wellness
You don’t have to be a guru or wear stretchy pants to work on your wellness. Real wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about balance. These 7 dimensions give us a broader, kinder way to feel better.
Let’s break them down in plain English:
1. 🏃♀️ Physical Wellness
Not just warmups, cardio, weights, and stretches. This means:
- Moving your body in ways you enjoy – gardening, walking, weights, whatever
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating food that makes you feel good after, not just during
- Going to the doctor before your joints start screaming
2. 🧠 Emotional Wellness
Feel your feelings. This includes:
- Being honest about what’s bothering you
- Asking for help (harder than doing pushups, but worth it)
- Learning how to sit with discomfort without grabbing chips or cookies
3. 👯 Social Wellness
You don’t need a million friends—just a few who fit you.
- Text that friend who makes you laugh
- Say no to ‘energy vampires’
- Schedule a “walk and vent” or knitting with friends, instead of TV watching
4. 🧘♀️ Spiritual Wellness
No incense required. This means:
- Doing something that makes life feel meaningful
- Connecting to nature, prayer, meditation, or just… silence
- Having a moral compass that points somewhere other than seeking escape
5. 🧠 Intellectual Wellness
Your brain wants snacks too—just not the crunchy kind.
- Try a new hobby or skill such as painting, photography, puzzles, or reading
- Watch documentaries that blow your mind or visit museums and art galleries
- Learn something weird and wonderful such as astronomy, butterflies, first aid
6. 🧰 Occupational Wellness
Work shouldn’t make you hate your life. If it does, something’s off.
- Find purpose or pride in what you do, even if it’s just doing your job well
- Set boundaries so work doesn’t stay with you all night
- Daydream about what else you might do—even if you’re not ready yet
7. 💰 Financial Wellness (optional)
Money stress is health stress. Aim to have financial health, not just wealth.
- Make a financial plan, even if it’s baby steps
- Forgive yourself for past financial oopsies
- Save a little, spend wisely, so you can sleep better
You Don’t Have to “Fix” Yourself
The goal isn’t to master all 7 dimensions today. The goal is to notice when one out of whack—so you can gently rebalance and get back on track.
How to fix wellness when one part of life is off track
- Note just ONE wellness area that feels a little neglected
- Do one tiny thing today that supports it, such as:
- Call a friend
- Walk for 10 minutes
- Write down a goal that still matters to you
This isn’t about becoming some perfect—it’s about finding just enough wellness to feel like yourself again.
Your Life Is a Pie Chart
Next time you notice yourself getting a little sluggish to jump into some exercise, ask yourself:
- Is my tank empty in one or more areas of wellness?
- What would actually feel like self-care right now?
Sometimes a little more exercise or sleep helps. You may notice you feel better when you learn more or spend higher-quality time with friends and family. Often taking a vacation day from your regular obligations allows more passionate activities to return.
Pay attention to your body and mood throughout the day. It’s trying to tell you what you need more of.
Now go doodle your own wellness wheel like a pie chart. Pick a slice, and strengthen your passionate life.
