Unlocking the Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness is more than the absence of disease.

It is a dynamic, multi-dimensional process.

A way to realise your highest potential.

Dr. Peggy Swarbrick developed the Eight Dimensions of Wellness paradigm. The Eight Dimensions of Wellness is currently the most recognised and used model to address whole-being wellness. This model, created by Dr. Swarbrick in 2006, is used by many institutes and universities and was adapted from earlier concepts created by wellness pioneers Halbert Dunn and Bill Hettler.

Most dimensions models have the same focus:

• to maintain a personal balance among all its components,

• to live in a state of well-being, and

• to have a positive quality of life.

Dr Swarbrick’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness include emotional, physical, environmental, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial, and occupational components of wellness.

“Wellness is a conscious deliberate process that requires a person to become aware of and make choices for a more satisfying lifestyle”.

M. Swarbrick

The Wellness Wheel provides a framework for nurturing comprehensive well-being. It also creates a foundational map for those individuals seeking transformation. Incorporating these eight dimensions into your life in a balanced, individualized manner, will lead to an informed and integrated way of taking care of your self. Understanding your relationship to each dimension will help you to live in a state of well-being, and to have a positive quality of life. It will allow you the independence and ability to make your own choices that are in line with what you have identified as being important to you.

The components of the Wellness Wheel are not discrete units. Each of the components overlap, intertwine and have a direct influence on each other. They can affect one another positively or negatively, and change your ability to go through life in accordance with your own goals.

For example, if you need to work really hard to make ends meet, this may affect your Physical well being by increasing your cortisol levels and impacting your sleep quality. The two dimensions of Financial and Physical are directly related in this scenario. You may also have the Emotional pressure of not being able to adequately provide for your family, or the Social impact of not being able to relax and connect with friends and family due to work commitments.

However, if you take a course that helps you learn about how to better regulate your mental and emotional wellbeing; you start rebalancing the wheel. The course educates you on emotional regulation, and your affect improves. Your boss notices and this leads to a promotion. Your partner and children are happier being around you. And now you have positively impacted your Emotional, Financial, and Social dimensions.

To learn more about the Wellness Wheel and its practical applications, SAMHSA produces a Step-By-Step Guide to Wellness called Creating a Healthier Life. This guide has helpful resources to help you break down the dimensions of wellness and apply them to your lifestyle. You can use this workbook to more deeply understand the dimensions, to set goals, and develop an action plan for creating lifestyle habits that will strengthen your eight Dimensions of Wellness.

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