The Nine Dimensions of Wellness

Originating at The Ohio State University, the Nine Dimensions of Wellness are evidence-based tactics for optimizing health and overall well-being. Health Promotion and Advocacy recognizes physical, emotional, cultural, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, social, and spiritual wellness and that each play a vital role in over health and well-being.

A culturally well person is aware of their own cultural background, as well as the diversity and richness present in other cultural backgrounds. Cultural wellness indicates understanding, awareness, and intrinsic respect for all aspects of diversity. 

  • Project Implicit (Harvard’s Implicit Association Test)

An emotionally well person can cope effectively with life, identify, express, and manage the entire range of feelings and would consider seeking assistance to address areas of concern.  

The environmentally well person recognizes the responsibility to preserve, protect and improve the environment. It also includes developing and maintaining a living environment that is safe and comfortable.  

The financially well person is fully aware of financial state and budgets, saves, and manages finances to achieve realistic goals. Financial wellness includes setting aside time to evaluate finances, planning for fixed and variable expenses, and finding stress relief outlets and gratitude for things that do not cost money.

  • Cardinal Central: Located in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Cardinal Central is the one stop shop for help pertaining to all things financial. Students and their families will be supported with business processes such as financial aid, registration, bill pay, and 21st Century Scholars programs and services.  
  • Financial Aid and Scholarships: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, is the key to determining whether you are eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial aid such as grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. FAFSA must be completed each year.
  • On-Campus Student Employment: Explore flexible and accommodating on-campus student employment to help you pay for classes, gain valuable major-related experience, and build connections without leaving campus! Other career resources such as the Indiana Connection Lounge, Cardinal Career Fair, and Career-Ready Pathways can be found by exploring Career Center services. 
  • Financial Wellness Advising: Learn about budgeting, savings, credit, student loans, debt management, and banking needs in 1-on-1 financial coaching sessions. Email or call Financial Wellness Advisor, Evan Richter, at Evan.Richter@bsu.edu or 765-285-5762 to set up an appointment.
  • Basic Needs Hub: Resources for students experiencing basic needs insecurity including food insecurity, housing insecurity, and financial emergencies.
  • Veterans Affairs: Educational benefits for veterans, guardsmen, and family members through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the State of Indiana.
  • VITA Free Tax Preparation: Need help filing your state and federal taxes? IRS-certified accounting students offer tax preparation and e-filing to students, employees, and families of Ball State University, Muncie Community Schools and other Delaware County taxpayers who meet IRS guidelines

The intellectually well person values lifelong learning and seeks to foster critical thinking, develop moral reasoning, expand worldviews, knowledge, skills, and creativity.  

The professionally well person has personal satisfaction and enrichment in one’s life through work, seeking opportunities to grow professionally and to be fulfilled in the work you do; while preparing and making use of your gifts, skills, and talents in order to gain purpose, happiness, and enrichment in your life.  

The physically well person gets an adequate amount of sleep, eats a balanced and nutritious diet, engages in exercise, attends regular medical check-ups, and minimizes risk of injuries and harm.  

The socially well person has a strong network of support based on communication skills, mutual trust, respect and has a capacity for intimacy and empathy.  

The spiritually well person seeks harmony and balance by openly exploring the beliefs and values, depth of human purpose, meaning and connection through dialogue and self-reflection.