The Social Dimension of Wellness

'The social dimension encourages contributing to one's human and physical environment to the common welfare of one's community. It emphasizes the interdependence with others and nature. It includes the pursuit of harmony in one's family.' As you travel a wellness path, societally, you'll become more aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on nature and your community. You'll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging a healthy living environment and initiating better communication with those around you. You'll actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature along the pathway.

As you proceed on your journey, you'll discover many things-you'll discover that you have the power to make willful choices to enhance personal relationships, important friendships, your community, the environment and, ultimately, the world. As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that - socially.

It's better to contribute to the common welfare of our community than to think only of ourselves.

It's better to live in harmony with others and our environment than to live in conflict with them.

For more information on wellness and these 6 dimension please come by the Wildcat Wellness Center in Sue Lombard 112 or call 963-3213.

The Occupational Dimension of Wellness

'The occupational dimension is involved in preparing for work in which one will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment in one's life through work. Occupational development is related to one's attitude about one's work.' Traveling a path toward your occupational wellness, you'll contribute your unique gifts, skills and talents to work that is personally meaningful and rewarding. You'll convey your values through your involvement in both paid and unpaid volunteer activities that are gratifying for you. You'll know when you're on the correct path for career wellness, when your work and hobbies become exciting. On your journey you'll begin to value the importance of not only your own personal gratification, but your contribution to the well-being of the community at large. The choice of profession, job satisfaction, career ambitions, and personal performance are all important components of your path's terrain. As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that - occupationally.

It's better to choose a career which is consistent with our personal values interests and beliefs than to select one that is unrewarding to us.

It's better to develop functional, transferable skills through structured involvement opportunities than to remain inactive and uninvolved.

The Spiritual Dimension of Wellness

'The spiritual dimension involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe.'

As you begin to develop the spiritual dimension of your life, taking the Wellness path, spiritually, you'll start asking the question, who am I and what is meaningful in my life. You'll observe the scenery along the path, the world around you with appreciation and wonderment. You'll ask many questions about the scenery, the world, as well as your everyday experiences, and learn to value that which cannot be completely understood. Growing spiritually, you'll try to find peaceful harmony between internal personal feelings and emotions and the rough and rugged stretches of your path.

While traveling the path, you may experience many feelings of doubt, despair, fear, disappointment and dislocation as well as feelings of pleasure, joy, happiness and discovery-these are all important experiences and components of the terrain, your value system. You'll know you're becoming spiritually well when your actions become more consistent with your beliefs and values. On this excursion, you'll continually think about and integrate your experiences and beliefs with the experiences and beliefs of those around you. With this valuable information, you'll be able to engage in the formulation of your world view, and your system of values and goals.

As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that - spiritually.

It's better to ponder the meaning of life for ourselves and to be tolerant of the beliefs of others than to close our minds and become intolerant.

It's better to live each day in a way that is consistent with our values and beliefs than to do otherwise and feel untrue to ourselves.

The Physical Dimension of Wellness

'The physical dimension encourages cardiovascular flexibility and strength and also encourages regular, physical activity. Physical development encourages knowledge about food and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. It encourages consumption and activities which contribute to high level wellness, including medical self-care and appropriate use of the medical system.'

As you travel the wellness path, you'll strive to spend more time each week building endurance, flexibility and physical strength. Sometimes the path may become narrow and treacherous-you'll become more aware of the hazards around you and you'll begin to take safety precautions so you may travel your path successfully. The physical dimension of wellness entails taking responsibility and care for minor illnesses and also knowing when professional medical attention is needed.

By traveling the wellness path, physically, you'll be able to monitor your own vital signs and understand your body's warning signs. You'll understand and appreciate the relationship between sound nutrition and how your body performs. The physical dimension provides almost immediate beneficial results-both physical and psychological. The physical benefits of looking good and feeling terrific most often lead to the psychological benefits of enhanced self-esteem, self control determination and a sense of direction.

As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that - physically.

It's better to consume foods and beverages that enhance good health rather than those which impair it.

It's better to be physically fit than out of shape.

The Intellectual Dimension of Wellness

'The intellectual dimension encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one's knowledge in improved skills along with expanding potential for sharing with others. An intellectually well person uses the intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available within the university community and the larger community.'

Traveling a wellness path, intellectually, you'll, explore issues related to problem solving, creativity, and learning. You'll spend more time appreciating and thinking about the scenery along the path-pursuing interests, reading books, magazines, and newspapers, You'll discover a natural interest in keeping abreast of current issues and ideas. As you develop your intellectual curiosity, you'll actively strive to expand and challenge your mind with creative endeavors. On your path, you'll begin to see problems and challenges not as stumbling blocks but stepping stones.

As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that - intellectually.

It's better to stretch and challenge our minds with intellectual and creative pursuits than to become self-satisfied and unproductive.

It's better to identify potential problems and choose appropriate courses of action based on available information than to wait, worry and contend with major concerns later.

The Emotional Dimension of Wellness

'The emotional dimension emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one's feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one's limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The emotionally well person maintains satisfying relationships with others.'

As an emotionally well person, you'll be aware of and accept a wide range of feelings in yourself and others. You'll be able to express feelings freely and manage feelings effectively. You'll be able to arrive at personal choices and decisions based upon the synthesis of feelings, thoughts, philosophies, and behavior. On the wellness path, you'll live and work independently while realizing the importance of seeking and appreciating the support and assistance of others. You'll be able to form interdependent relationships with others based upon a foundation of mutual commitment, trust and respect. You'll take on challenges, take risks, and recognize conflict as being potentially healthy. Managing your life in personally rewarding ways, and taking responsibility for your actions, will help you see life as an exciting, hopeful adventure.

As you travel the wellness path, you'll begin to believe that - emotionally.

It's better to be aware of and accept our feelings than to deny them.

It's better to be optimistic in our approach to life than pessimistic.