Dimensions of Wellness

The term dimensions of wellness comes from the field of public health, with the recognition that each part of life impacts the others, and goals in one area are hindered or helped by other areas. Psychotherapist Allen Wheelis, in How People Change, describes a gradual upward spiral as a way we make progress. This fits with the idea that as you master basic improvements in one dimension, each new habit or accomplishment can support further development in the other life goals important to you.

No one can tell you how to prioritize these important dimensions of life. Some will have more importance at certain stages of life. All of them need at least maintenance level attention. Otherwise, failure in one area will likely affect other areas. For example, those who neglect their physical health may find that an ailment forces them to take time out. Another familiar story of imbalance is the driven worker in a demanding career eventually finding himself both financially and emotionally devastated by a divorce after long neglect of relationships. These dimensions are interdependent. This site aims to help you consider the minimum effort needed in each area, and what the best balance may be for you at this time. Those efforts that come first, you could think of as the physical needs and physical surroundings needed to support adequate functioning. Later on the goal may become enjoment of social capacities, and lastly feeling content while functioning optimally and making a contribution.

This is a cafeteria style presentation of the best content I’ve managed to collect and post so far. There may be something here that fits for this season of your life. There’s not one best self help program for everyone. There’s not a one-size-fits all religious or spiritual path, relationship type, nutrition program, education style, lifestyle, or answer to the big questions. Pull together the parts that resonate with you at this time.