In a year when health has become a leading topic of daily conversation, it only seems fitting to help shine the spotlight on National Wellness Month. During the 31 days of August, people are encouraged to focus on developing healthy self-care habits. Eating well, exercise, managing stress, and staying hydrated are just a few.
If you aren’t already familiar with them, the 6 dimensions of wellness can be helpful in guiding your everyday life. According to the National Wellness Institute, here are the dimensions included:
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Intellectual
- Social
- Physical
- Occupational
By learning more about each one, you will develop a healthier, more well-rounded approach to life.
Understanding the 6 Dimensions of Wellness
This quick overview of each dimension will help you better understand what you can do to live your best life as you age:
- Emotional: This dimension encourages people to be aware of their own emotions and to accept how they feel. Doing so can help with everything from personal relationships to the decisions you make. It also helps you adopt a more positive outlook on life.
- Spiritual: As we grow older, most of us look for meaning and purpose. For some, that means staying connected or exploring religious institutions. Others turn to nature and other means of nurturing the spirit, such as gardening, bird watching, meditation, and more.
- Intellectual: Brain health relies on learning new things and continuously challenging your mind. By expanding and maintaining your intellectual dimension, you develop good problem-solving skills, learn to be more creative, and stay interested in the world around you.
- Social: There’s growing research to show how important socializing is in life, especially for older adults. Having a circle of friends to spend time with lowers your risk for some health issues, including depression, heart disease, and diabetes type 2. In fact, researchers cite isolation as a serious health risk for older adults.
- Physical: Most people probably know how important physical fitness is to overall well-being. Practicing 30 minutes of exercise each day is what doctors typically recommend. Call your physician for more guidance. Along with exercise, the physical wellness dimension encourages healthy eating, quality sleep, and good hydration.
- Occupational: Living with purpose is important for all of us. Retirees may have to explore new ways to live meaningful days once kids are grown and gone, and the working world is behind them. Some find meaning through volunteering for a local nonprofit, but other options include taking classes, learning a new hobby, or playing a more active role in supporting busy adult children or grandchildren.
As concerns about COVID-19 continue, it is essential to focus on building immunity and protecting well-being. By taking a holistic approach to wellness, where each of these 6 dimensions is recognized, you will likely enjoy a better quality of life during retirement.
Take a Virtual Tour of a Sunrise Community Near You
If your future plans include exploring senior living communities, we invite you to tour a Sunrise community virtually. Call the community closest to you to learn more.