Seven Dimensions of Wellness

Wellness is more than just physical health, exercise or nutrition. It is the full integration of our states of physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, environmental, spiritual and social wellness. Each of these seven dimensions act and interact in ways that contribute to your own quality of life.

• Have meaningful relationships with friends and family
• Create a support system
• Spend time with loved ones
• Respect yourself and others
• Develop skills to navigate conflict and difficult situations
• Respect all cultures and people

• Meet new people and make new friends by:
  • Smiling and introducing yourself to others (try talking to someone new in class)
  • Working out, joining a group or fitness class
  • Joining an activity, student org, fraternity or sorority that interests you
  • Getting involved in things you like to do, chances are there are other people who like the same things
• Having a difficult time with a friend, family, roommate, co-worker or partner?
  • Try staying calm, and think about what you are going to say
  • Utilize compromise
  • Focus on solving the problem verse blaming others, and use "I feel" statements
  • Ask if your relationship is worth more than this conflict

• Make a choice or decision by taking into consideration feelings, thoughts, philosophies and behavior
• Be independent but also recognize the importance of support and assistance and being able to ask for help
• Form relationships with others that feature mutual commitment, trust and respect
• Accept challenges, take risks and recognize conflicts and unhealthy habits
• Manage your life and taking responsibility for personal actions

• Do you maintain a balance of work, school, family, friends, other?
• Do you have methods to reduce stress?
• Can you make decisions with as little stress and worry as possible?
• Can you set priorities?

• Become aware of thoughts and feelings
• Have or practice having a positive attitude
• Seek support if you are having any difficulty
• Set goals
• Accept mistakes, learn from them and move forward

Our spiritual wellness is the ability to establish peace and harmony in our own lives utilizing the values and beliefs that provide purpose. In addition to living in a way that is consistent with our own beliefs, that usually means being tolerant and open to the beliefs and values of others 

Test your spiritual wellness:

• Do you find time to relax each day?
• Do you incorporate meditation and/or prayer on a daily basis?
• Do your values guide your decisions and behavior?
• Are you tolerant of the views of others?

If you answered "no" to any of the following it may indicate that you need to focus on your spiritual wellness.

Learn more about spiritual life at Carroll University.

Our environmental wellness is the ability to recognize our own responsibility for the quality of air, water, land and environment that surrounds us. Our environment includes our home, communities and our planet. Environmental wellness is finding the balance between the Earth and self and the interaction with nature and personal environment. The goal is to protect your environment as much as possible and decrease the harm done to the planet. Examples of environmental hazards are air pollution, noise and water pollution, among others.

Test your environmental wellness:

• Do you recycle?
• If you see a problem in the environment do you try and fix it?
• Do you volunteer for environmental causes?
• Are you aware of your surroundings at all times?

If you answered "no" to any of the questions, it may indicate an area where you need to improve the state of your environmental wellness.

Plan of action:

• Be aware of the finite nature of Earth's natural resources
• Be accountable to long- and short-term environmental needs
• Be aware of how your daily habits affect the world around you
• Get involved and volunteer

Learn more about community service and volunteering and environmental sustainability at Carroll University.

Occupational wellness is the ability to balance your work, school and leisure time. It might also mean addressing workplace stress issues and/ or building relationships with co-workers. College is a prime time to explore different career options and gain experience in the professional field. You may also work while being a student.​

Test your occupational wellness:

• Do you enjoy going to work most days?
• Do you have a manageable workload at work?
• Do you feel that you can talk to your superviror and co-workers should problems arise?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, it may indicate that you need to focus on your occupational wellness.

Learn more about campus employment opportunities for students and Career Services at Carroll University.

This is the ability to open our minds to new ideas and experiences that can be applied to personal decisions, group interaction and community betterment. It is the desire to learn, improve our skills and seek challenges. College is the perfect place to improve your intellectual ability.​

Test your intellectual wellness:

• Are you open to new ideas?
• Do you feel happy with your major choice?
• Is there something you wish you knew?
• Do you search for lifelong learning opportunities and stimulating mental activities?
• Do you look for ways to use creativity?
• Do you seek personal growth?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions it may indicate that you need to focus on your intellectual wellness.

Plan of action:

• Enjoy mental growth and stimulation
• Get involved in intellectual and cultural activities
• Go to class 
• Engage in the exploration of new ideas and understanding

Our physical wellness is the ability to maintain a healthy quality of life that allows us to get through our daily activities without fatigue or stress. It means recognizing any destructive habits we may have and adopting healthy ones.

Plan of action:

• Exercise 
• Get routine check-ups
• Eat balanced meals
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
• Sleep!

Learn more about Student Health Services at Carroll University.