Defining Wellness

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.

Wellness Is Multidimensional

Wellness is about more than just physical health. Most models of wellness include at least six dimensions (and sometimes up to 9 or 12):

Wellness infographic

  • Physical: Nourishing a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, etc.
  • Mental: Engaging the world through learning, problem-solving, creativity, etc.
  • Emotional: Being aware of, accepting and expressing our feelings, and understanding the feelings of others.
  • Spiritual: Searching for meaning and higher purpose in human existence.
  • Social: Connecting and engaging with others and our communities in meaningful ways.
  • Environmental: Fostering positive interrelationships between planetary health and human actions, choices and wellbeing.
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