The 8 Domains of Well-Being
Wellness is a broad concept. Think of wellness as being healthy in many dimensions of our lives. That includes the emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual parts. These dimensions are interconnected, one dimension building on another. Wellness is about how we live our lives and the joy, fulfillment, and health we experience.
Here is an example of how these dimensions connect. When we worry about money (financial), we sometimes experience anxiety (emotional). This can lead to medical problems (physical), and trouble at work (occupational). When this happens, we may even question our own sense of meaning and purpose (spiritual). At the same time, we may lose opportunities to interact with others (social) and may not be able to afford the food and medical care we need to stay well (physical). We may even need to move our home to a place that feels less safe and secure (environmental). This could also lead us to doubt our abilities and restrict growth (intellectual).
Domains
Emotional Well-Being - Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships.
Areas to Consider to Improve Well-Being in this Domain
Feelings/Emotions - Build in time to reflect, journal, find comfort, and experience tranquility. Identify and approach your emotions with understanding and compassion. They are there for a reason and will not serve you if they are ignored.
Stress - Take a step back, look at what is and is not working for you, highlight growth points, and use your tools.
Self-Care - Discover what you like to do and do it often! Feel free to read my other post on self-care here for ideas: https://companioningyourjourney.com/blog/surprise-this-therapist-used-to-suck-at-self-care-heres-how-not-to
Physical Well-Being - Recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition.
Questions to Consider to Improve Well-Being in this Domain
Nutrition - Check out local co-ops for affordable, fresh food. Meet with a registered dietitian and/or consider social programs to help encourage your progress.
Physical Activity - Don’t push yourself to do things that you don’t enjoy. Find ways to move comfortably in your body and follow interests and passions to help you get up and move.
Sleep - Take time to rest and recover often. We are not robots, although at times we may treat ourselves as malfunctioning machines. Try avoiding screen time at night and sleeping in-line with your circadian rhythm.
Substance Use - Substances are a part of the human condition and I do not intend to label “good” or “bad” use. Consider how your substance use is impacting your well-being and approach from a place of honoring yourself and your experience.
Medication Safety - Check to ensure that medications are not expired or in excess supply. There are community resources to hep manage and dispose of medications safely.
Preventative Care - Schedule regular appointments with your primary care and other providers. Many conditions are manageable if identified early enough.
Social Well-Being - Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system.
Questions to Consider to Improve Well-Being in this Domain
Community - Look around for support groups, meet-ups, and local events that connect to an interest or passion that you might share with others.
New People - Many places offer “Free Days'“ which could allow you to get out and meet others. Introduce yourself when you can and spread your light.
Social Time - Keep track of the time that you set aside for the people in your life that you care for. Try and set some goals around how often you reach out or set aside time to enjoy with loved ones.
Occupational Well-Being - Personal satisfaction and enrichment derived from one’s work.
Questions to Consider to Improve Well-Being in this Domain
Work Relationships - When something is not working, reach out to peers and ask for support. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there or look for networking opportunities outside of your place of work.
Balance - Set aside time for things that you enjoy. Value and honor your commitments to yourself with the same integrity that you would honor other commitments.
Accomplishment - Take time to appreciate your growth points and the things that you have done to get this far as well as the things you will do to get where you would like to be next.
Financial Well-Being - Satisfaction with current and future financial situations.
Questions to Consider to Improve Well-Being in this Domain
Work - Consider if you are settling with where you are at and explore what it might look like to ask for more. You are deserving and capable.
Retirement - There are free and low-or-no cost services that can help you plan for your future and allow you to experience the adventures you hope to explore.
Financial Literacy - Most financial institutions offer classes or consultations to gain free education on how to make the most of your resources.
Debt - Look for credible and reliable resources to help you consolidate or pay down your debt. Consider asking for support from your network.
Environmental Well-Being - Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that promote well-being.
Questions to Consider to Improve Well-Being in this Domain
Green Living - Explore green initiatives that can help you give back and do your part to help support the longevity of our surroundings.
Change of Scenery - Consider getting into a new location such as pursuing a volunteer effort or exploring places you have never been.
Home and Work Environment - Reflect on your environment and see if there are ways that you could make it more comfortable, reduce stress, and feel at peace in your space.
Spiritual Well-Being - Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Questions to Consider to Improve Well-Being in this Domain
Beliefs - Read and learn about beliefs outside of your own and reflect on how others may look at the world and how you might view things in new ways.
Involvement - Look for ways that you can build community within your spirituality and how others might help deepen your practices and understanding.
Time - Allow yourself time to practice interacting with your spiritual side whether that be praying, getting in nature, or silent meditation.
Intellectual Well-Being - Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills.
Questions to Consider to Improve Well-Being in this Domain
Personal Interest - Take a class of interest, find a workgroup, or think of ways that you might like to stretch your perceived limits and step out of your comfort zone.
Education - See what kind of skills trainings are offered by local institutions that allow you to increase your current skills and to learn new ones.
Brain Exercise - Take time to expand your mind, remain fresh, and push yourself to new limits when you are able.
Conversation - Interact with others regularly. Try and find spaces or people that you can have deep and meaningful conversations with.
So Where Do You Start?
Consider putting into practice one new habit or intentional activity for each domain of well-being. What are some of the areas that you are feeling confident in? Is there a way to grow others by holding onto that strength? See what you can learn and all of the incredible ways you can grow.
