Why 8 Aspects of Wellness?

When you think about wellness do you think only about your body? Many things affect wellness. There are eight aspects to your wellness. They are body, mind, work, spirit, finances, community, emotions and environment. Each can affect your quality of life.

Struggles in one aspect can affect other aspects. For example, your finances might affect how you feel you can succeed socially. Or your work may suffer if your mind is not challenged.

Wellness is an integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit. Take time to focus on each area of wellness and strive for a balance that is right for you!

Body

Taking care of your body means getting physical activity, healthy foods and sleep

  • Try to be active at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Get regular check-ups.
  • Avoid tobacco, illegal drugs and drinking too much alcohol.

Teach wellness to your child:

  • Go on a bike ride.
  • Give your child water or milk, rather than juice or soda.
  • Aim for 11 hours of sleep each night.

Mind

Challenge your mind by recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand your knowledge and skills.

  • Take a class or read a book.
  • Research a topic that interests you.
  • Work on a sodoku or crossword puzzle.

Teach wellness to your child:

  • Teach your child a new card game like go-fish, UNO or spades.
  • Encourage imagination. 
  • Visit the library.

Work

Find ways to grow your skills and be satisfied and enriched at work and school.

  • Communicate with your supervisor regularly.
  • Get support when you need it.
  • Develop your skills and confidence to reach your career goals.

Teach wellness to your child:

  • Have your child help with house chores.
  • Ask your child about school.
  • Support your child in the activities that he or she may find interesting.

Spirit

Expand your sense of purpose and find meaning in life.

  • Make time for yourself, nature and others.
  • Find a community that shares your spiritual outlook.
  • Volunteer with an organization of your choice.

Teach wellness to your child:

  • Have your child tell you one thing they are thankful for every day.
  • Take a nature walk and look for different types of insects and flowers.
  • Reflect on a big project that your child has done well.

Finances

Take care of your financial health by accepting and understanding your money situation.

  • Budget and spend thoughtfully and carefully.
  • Open checking and savings accounts.
  • Meet with a retirement specialist.

Teach wellness to your child:

  • Start a savings account for your child and teach them to save.
  • Help your child learn the difference between want and need.
  • Take your child grocery shopping and talk about prices and making smart buying choices.

Community

Get connected.  Create a strong sense of belonging and have a good support system.

  • Connect with one person each day. Call, email, text or visit someone!
  • Join a club, social group or support group.
  • Volunteer with an organization that shares your passions.

Teach wellness to your child:

  • Look for community activities your family can attend.
  • Participate in an event at your child’s school.
  • Get to know your child’s friends. Invite them to do something with the family.

Emotions

Coping effectively with life and having satisfying relationships will help with your emotions.

  • Seek support for coping with your emotions.
  • Find healthy ways to deal with stress.
  • Find ways to view challenges as opportunities.

Teach wellness to your child:

  • Help your child do something nice for someone they appreciate.
  • Teach your child to take a few deep breaths when they are frustrated.
  • Encourage your child to write or draw how they feel.

Environment

Surround yourself with places that are safe, pleasant and stimulating.

  • Paint a wall, organize a closet or donate extra household items.
  • Spend time outdoors.
  • Evaluate your space. See how you can make it more safe.

Teach wellness to your child:

  • Have your child keep their room clean and teach them to care for their toys.
  • Have a day of no screen time for your child — no phones, games or TV.
  • Help your child decorate their room with artwork that they have created.
Page Updated 12/7/2022