March is Living Well Month.  Family and Consumer Science Educators are a great resource for learning about ways to improve your Wellness by focusing on the various dimensions of Wellness.  It can be a balancing act to make sure that we are taking care of all the aspects of our life so that we are living well.  As you go through the month of March, take some time each day to touch base with one of the dimensions of wellness.  Look to our Facebook and twitter posts for reminders each week or download this March Calendar for ideas to do each day.  Following are the 8 dimensions of Wellness.  A short description of each wellness dimension is below and you can learn more by watching the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Science Living Well videos.

Physical Wellness

The concept of physical wellness reaches beyond feeling well, not getting sick, and being active.  It includes properly caring for the body to maintain optimal health and function through nutrition, exercise and healthcare.  Sleep, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, medication safety, preventative medicine, nutrition and exercise are a part of physical wellness.

Occupational Wellness

The concept of occupational wellness is about finding a balance between work and leisure that’s healthy, satisfying, and financially rewarding.  Healthy people are doing exactly what they want to do in life and are comfortable and content with their work and leisure plans.  Our attitude and ability to handle career goals greatly affect our wellness performance, interactions with others and overall success.

Financial Wellness

The concept of financial wellness includes work that provides a means to live, debt reduction or how to avoid unnecessary debt, savings for emergencies, retirement, and investments, and financial literacy.  Using a budget to plan for living expenses and saving is all part of taking care of your financial wellbeing.

Environmental Wellness

The concept of environmental wellness includes evaluating clean air, food and water, preserving the places where we live, earn, and work, and occupying pleasant and stimulating environments.  It also promotes learning, contemplation, relaxation and natural places and spaces.

Social Wellness

The concept of social wellness is to have healthy relationships with friends, family and the community.  This includes caring for others.  Having a supportive person in your life every day is helpful.  This person could be a partner, family member, coworker or friend.

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness can different for each of us.  It includes expanding our sense of purpose in life and gives meaning to our lives. Spiritually healthy people spend time alone, figuring out what gives life meaning to them.

Emotional Wellness

The concept of emotional wellness includes expressing feelings, dealing with emotional challenges, coping with life’s stresses, and enjoying life.  Knowing your strengths, what you want to improve on and letting others help.  Emotional wellness is part of overall mental health.

Intellectual Wellness

The concept of intellectual wellness includes the ability to open our minds to new ideas and experiences that can be applied to personal decisions, group interactions, and community improvement.  Seeking challenges and learning new things is part of lifelong learning.  This is about growth and development, critical thinking, and taking care of yourself.

Take time this March to focus on some of these 8 dimensions of wellness and move towards a healthier you!

Sources:  National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences – Living Well and Kansas State University.