Settling In
Wellness: A Positive Approach to Living
Weekly Planners
 "Wellness" is a philosophy of life, a style of living which emphasizes the development of the whole person. Although there are various models and theories of wellness, the model below is based on Hettler's Six Dimensions of Wellness (1979), as presented at the NACA 1989 National Conference. In general, the idea is to strive for a balance in your life between these six elements, rather than the two or three elements which demand our attention at any given time. Obviously, there are circumstances which will skew the emphasis toward a particular dimension, but the levels of development in the remaining areas significantly influence your ability to succeed. The concept of wellness is of an active process in which an individual continues to strive for balance.
Physical
Fitness
Nutrition
Occupational
Vocational		 Spiritual
Values
Ethics
Find Your Balance!
Intellectual Emotional
Social
Family
Community
Environmantal
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT:
... encourages cardio-vascular flexibility and strength through regular physical activity
... encourages knowledge of food/nutrition; discourages the use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol
... encourages appropriate use of medical systems, including preventative care
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT:
... involves seeking meaning/purpose in existence
... includes appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and the universe
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
... emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings; includes a positive self image
... involves the capacity to manage one's feelings and related behaviors, to realistically assess one's limitations, to act autonomously, and to cope effectively with stress
... includes the ability to maintain satisfying relationships with others
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
... encourages contributing to one's human/physical environment for the common welfare
... emphasizes interdependence with others and nature
... includes the pursuit of harmony in one's social unit (family, team, etc.)
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT:
... encourages creative, stimulating mental activities, including the sharing of skills with others
... encourages appropriate use of available resources to expand knowledge and improve skills
OCCUPATIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
... involves preparing for work in which one will gain personal satisfaction/enrichment
... encourages the development of a positive attitude toward work
Consider all of these areas in your life. How satisfied are you with each area? If you would like to improve in any particular area, what are your plans to attain satisfaction? Keeping these questions in mind can help you achieve and maintain the balance that is vital to wellness.
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