Online Wellness Resources

Wellness is a continuous process of self-enhancement which depends upon balancing the many aspects, or dimensions, of a person's life. The Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology at Ball State University identifies these dimensions as: social, intellectual, emotional, environmental, spiritual, vocational, and physical.

Wellness is a way of life; a process; an integration of body, mind, and spirit; a loving acceptance of self. Its outcome is helping you make informed choices about things that affect your well-being and those around you.

Social wellness involves the appreciation for the uniqueness of others. The social dimension can be expressed through activities such as volunteer work, developing and maintaining friendships, joining organizations, and attending community events.

Emotional wellness can be defined as an awareness and acceptance of a wide range of feelings in one's self and others. An emotionally well person understands personal limitations, and knows how to seek support and assistance; an emotionally well person knows how to effectively deal with stress; an emotionally well person has the ability to form satisfying relationships with others.

Intellectual well-being involves ongoing education. This includes attending seminars and workshops, reading and expanding your awareness of the world around you. Learning new things such as an exercise routine or a new recipe can also be intellectually stimulating. Discussing new ideas with people from unique and different backgrounds help us advance in all aspects of life.

Environmental wellness is the active process of defining your relationship with the environment, ranging from your immediate surroundings to the world around you. Actions to improve your environment can be as complex as starting a recycling program in your area or as simple as installing smoke detectors in your home.

Spiritual wellness is a process of looking within and exploring one's values and beliefs to discover a source of inner strength and serenity. Inner peace is important in dealing with life changes, and connecting more harmoniously with the environment. An examination of human existence often leads toward an understanding of a greater good.

Vocational wellness entails the ability to integrate skills, interest, and values which will heighten job satisfaction. It begins early in one's experience as an individual continually evaluates interests, goals, and attitudes. The result is an ability to identify a well work environment. A well work environment is one that is safe, supportive and encourages personal growth.

The physical dimension includes exercise and proper nutrition in addition to the development of responsible decisions concerning sexual, alcohol, and drug use behaviors. Enhancement of the physical dimension can positively affect other areas. Participation in a broad range of physical activities can improve one's physical well-being and strengthen your social network. It can help to alleviate stress, increase intellectual awareness, and keep you more alert throughout the day.



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