Expert Advice

Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC., is partnering with Helene Zahn-Chilberg, MA, LPMHC, LCAS-A to bring greater awareness to the importance of thyroid care and education. This post was sponsored by Acella Pharmaceuticals and should not be construed as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your individual medical situation.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet, or nutrition routine.

As we all live through the COVID-19 pandemic and the many questions it raises in our lives, it is more important than ever to focus on personal wellness. To effectively navigate this uncertain time, it is helpful to consider the seven dimensions of wellness. It is important to note that these dimensions are interdependent, as we previously discussed in our holistic model of wellness. These seven dimensions are:

1. Physical
2. Environmental
3. Occupational
4. Intellectual
5. Social
6. Spiritual
7. Emotional

Physical

Physical wellness requires us to gain knowledge about where and how the body is not functioning optimally and to accept new information and care to return its functioning to healthy levels. This care often involves the use of testing, consultation with physicians or specialists in the particular area of need, and education about nutrition and exercise to strengthen the body’s immune system and ability to return to optimal functioning. Our current situation should encourage us to enhance our immune system so that we remain as healthy as possible.

Environmental

Our physical wellness may require us to look at factors in the other dimensions that may be affecting our wellness. For example, we may need to examine environmental factors that affect our well-being. Does our physical environment support our safety and health? Is it possible that there are environmental risks that we have not acknowledged or taken action to remedy? Are there actual environmental toxins that are impacting our health?

Occupational

An occupational wellness environment (including volunteering) is most healthy when it allows for growth, purpose, and autonomy. Can we find opportunities to contribute our unique gifts in rewarding ways? Or are these dimensions adding to stressors and hindrances to health? If these factors exist, it may be time to reconsider approaches to create greater balance by making new choices.

Intellectual

Growing in the arena of intellectual wellness through ongoing curiosity and learning can enhance life and longevity. Embracing the lifelong experience to receive and learn new information can help us create new understanding while remaining active and engaged with all aspects of living. This curiosity can also contribute to our understanding of life and our ability to relate to others.

Social

Forming and maintaining relationships and social support are fundamental components of social wellness and have been shown by research to enhance the quality of life.1 Particularly as we advance through life, it is essential to form connections to individuals and the community. These connections are vital as we age because they allow us to continue to feel connected and involved. Research supports that isolation dramatically increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Being willing to explore new opportunities to meet others and engage in activities and interaction is very helpful in combating these issues. Discovering new interests and hobbies can be a path to meeting others and forming new relationships. Whether developed through recreational, religious/spiritual organization, volunteer, or family/friend groups, these connections provide the relational opportunities that we as humans need. Active and mutually respectful interaction can be a real boost to our emotional lives.

Spiritual

Caring for our spiritual wellness is not limited to participating in organized religious activities. Spiritual wellness is about seeking meaning and purpose in life by connecting from within and outside of self. Whatever manner works for an individual’s needs and belief system is what is most important. For some, that means connecting to others that share their beliefs. For others, it may mean participating in structured organizations. The most crucial component is that it meets an individual’s needs to create meaning and purpose.

Emotional

You may have noticed that each of these dimensions in some way impacts other dimensions. If you look again, I believe that you can see how they each impact the final dimension, emotional wellness. Emotional wellness is the acceptance of feelings and the ability to manage them in healthy ways. When we have emotional wellness, we experience a greater ability to handle life’s ups and downs. One of the greatest truths in life is that there will always be change, issues, and challenges that we must cope with and overcome. Our resiliency in these times of turmoil is impacted by our overall emotional wellness.

If we increase awareness of our emotional well-being and the fact that all the dimensions of wellness impact it, then we can better understand the multi-facets that create wellness. By recognizing areas that require attention and balance, we are creating a more solid foundation of well-being. If we look at areas that need attention and take steps toward better health, we are impacting all other dimensions simultaneously, which will culminate in better wellness.

Check back next time when we will discuss enhancing the quality of life by engaging in activities and relationships that create joy. Here’s to your wellness!

REFERENCES: 1. House, James & Landis, Karl & Umberson, Debra. (1988). Social Relationships and Health. Science (New York, N.Y.). 241. 540-5. 10.1126/science.3399889.

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