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Waking up to a radiant, brimming healthy life is not a luxury anymore. It is something we all need, to be able to fulfill our aspirations, dreams, and potential and live out our best lives. And we all deserve it!
The global humanitarian and spiritual master Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “ Health is not the absence of diseases. Health is being established in one’s self. It is the dynamic expression of life.”
Today, we’re shining a light on the eight interconnected aspects of our existence; that act as the roadmap to our wellness. These dimensions weave together in harmony to create a fulfilling life that helps you feel empowered while staying grounded.
1. Physical Wellness
First, we have the physical dimension. No, it’s not just about hitting the gym and completing 10k steps. This dimension is more about taking care of your body (you only have one after all) so it can take care of you. So what sets the foundation for a healthy body? Movement, nutrition, and sleep form the foundation. As you build strength, you develop endurance with radiant energy to live your best life.
And it’s not hard, so start simple, daily walks, balanced meals with whole foods, and restful sleep will set you right off! If you find time to meditate within your sacred space, or in nature, you’ve hit the jackpot when it comes to mastering the foundation of your wellness.
2. Emotional Wellness
Next comes the emotional dimension which teaches us how to navigate each day’s ups and downs with strength and grit. This doesn’t mean you pile up on your feelings and wallow in a corner. The emotional dimension teaches you to process feelings healthily with non-toxic coping mechanisms while being self-aware. Don’t be hard on yourself, everyone deserves kindness including you.
The goal is simple: You need to feel unburdened through life’s rollercoaster of a ride. All you need to do is reflect on your inner feelings. Write in a journal, talk to a trusted friend, meditate, do some breathwork (the greatest secret hidden in the ancient texts is the connection between our breath and emotions), or even seek therapy to cope effectively.
3. Social Wellness
This one is all about building meaningful human connections that enrich your mental health. After all, we are social animals. And it is also okay if on occasion you do not want to be surrounded by people and spend time with yourself. Enjoying your own company and pursuing your interests can be a very effective way of being an interesting person in a social setup too!
And occasionally it is a good idea to get out of your comfort zone by joining a community of like-minded people; it’s great to be heard by people who think and feel like you. Even stepping out for a coffee with a colleague or classmate or an old friend can do wonders! Gurudev says the act of serving and caring for others will lift your life to another level and fill it with joy.
4. Intellectual Wellness
You know that feeling you get when you’re always curious to know more? That’s a sign of high intellectual wellness, and basically, it’s defined as your thirst for knowledge and growth. It’s all about expanding your knowledge base, so your brain stays active, engaged, and challenged.
Get comfortable with stimulating activities like reading a new novel, conversing with friends and family, diving into puzzles, or listening to your favorite podcast. Think about embracing new experiences; the more curious you are, the sharper your mind is.
5. Environmental Wellness
Imagine walking into a messy room overflowing with clutter. You’re not going to like it. The spaces we surround ourselves with are sacred and more often than not affect our wellness. This dimension helps us understand our connection to our surroundings and aids our health and safety.
You can start by going all Marie Kondo and decluttering your living space if you’re an indoorsy kind of person. But if you thrive in the outdoors, step out into nature to connect with elements that bring joy and peace to the mind. Take in fresh air while you sip on warm coffee, or pack your gear and go on a hike!
6. Spiritual Wellness
People often confuse spirituality with religion, but the spiritual dimension transcends all religious practices. It teaches you about finding meaning and purpose in your life that goes beyond all things material. Spirituality is anything that brings you happiness from within.
To attain spiritual wellness, you can reflect on what keeps you going with a sense of inherent joy and fulfillment; things that you find purpose in. Among many proven practices, we suggest meditation, pranayamas, Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, or practices that resonate with your inner beliefs.
7. Occupational Wellness
You know what they say. Life is too short to spend another day at war with your work. Occupational wellness focuses on helping you find fulfillment in what you do. And it also teaches you that if you haven’t found it yet, just keep searching!
A healthy work-life balance helps you stay stress-free and brings a feeling of calmness and satisfaction as you grow and challenge yourself every day. This balance is something you alone can bring to your life and may require some effort but it’s always worth it.
8. Financial Wellness
Last, we have the financial dimension. It’s not always about having a lot of money, but more about having control over it. When you know your finances in and out, you feel more secure and less stressed when it comes to money, which in turn, promotes wellness in the mind.
If you want to feel financially secure, create a budget, track your spending, and set financial goals. Separate wants from needs, and exercise discipline. Small steps like this lead to big changes!
So there you have it. Eight dimensions of wellness, and several ways to reach a state of holistic wellness. Stay on track as much as you can. And you’ll be surprised how improving one aspect of your life can positively change all the others!
