Wellness Wheel

Wellness is broken down into six major categories, as demonstrated by the Wellness Wheel:

PHYSICAL WELLNESS: a perception and expectation of physical health.

• Exercising regularly
• Eating properly
• Getting regular physical check-ups
• Avoiding the use of tobacco or illicit drugs

SPIRITUAL WELLNESS: a positive perception of meaning and purpose in life.

• Being open to different cultures and religions
• Giving your time to volunteer or participate in community service activities
• Spending time defining personal values and ethics and making decisions that complement them
• Spending time alone in personal reflection
• Participating in spiritual activities
• Participating in activities that protect the environment
• Caring about the welfare of others and acting out of that care

SOCIAL WELLNESS: a perception of having support available from family, friends, or co-workers in times of need and a perception of being a valued support provider.

• Being comfortable with and liking yourself as a person
• Interacting easily with people of different ages, backgrounds, races, lifestyles
• Contributing time and energy to the community
• Communicating your feelings
• Developing friendships
• Recognizing a need for "fun" time in your life
• Budgeting and balancing your time to include both responsibilities and relaxation

EMOTIONAL WELLNESS: possession of a secure self-identity and a positive sense of self-regard; also the ability to cope with and/or improve unpleasant mood states.

• Keeping a positive attitude
• Being sensitive to your feelings and the feelings of others
• Learning to cope with stress
• Being realistic about your expectations and time
• Taking responsibility for your own behavior
• Dealing with your personal and financial issues realistically
• Viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles
• Functioning independently but knowing when you need to ask for help

INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS: the perception of being internally energized by an optimal amount of intellectually stimulating activity.

• Learning because you want to - not because you are told to. Doing the work assigned.
• Learning through varied experiences - reading, writing, sharing and exploration
• Observing what is around you
• Listening
• Finding applications for material learned in the classroom
• Staying current with world affairs/news
• Questioning
• Exposing yourself to new experiences (e.g. arts, theater)

ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS: the positive perception of the environment that one works and lives in.

• Finding satisfaction and worth in your work
• Ensuring your work environment and relationships are comfortable
• Being aware of the natural environment you live in
• Recognizing opportunities that lead you to new skills and acting on those opportunities
• Working to ensure the stability and longevity of our natural resources

 

Wellness Resource Center | Vanderbilt University
Station B - Box 6033 | Nashville, TN 37235
(615) 343-6073 | wellness.center@vanderbilt.edu