Living Life Well

By Angie Miller

How well are you? If you’re in shape, practice sound nutrition principles, and exercise regularly, you’re probably considered fit and healthy. But in terms of overall wellness, what does that mean? Wellness is multidimensional, and encompasses all the areas of our life that add meaning and value. It can guide us to optimal living provided we make choices that maximize our potential. The dimensions of wellness are interrelated, so improved functioning in one area will have a positive effect on another, but balance is important. Three dimensions of wellness, physical, social, and emotional compliment one another well and are especially relevant to living a healthy life.

Physical Wellness: For many of us, if we’re active, love to exercise, and work hard to stay in shape; we see physical wellness as something that trumps all others. We give it a lot of time and energy because we believe in the power it has to lead us to long-term health. But physical wellness isn’t just what you see on the outside. It’s what you can’t see, such as blood pressure, bone density, and cholesterol levels that are just as important, as is how much sleep you get. Physical wellness is the overall condition and functioning of the body inside and out. Without a doubt, it has a profound impact on the other dimensions of wellness, but it alone it can’t make us complete.

Social Wellness: Connectedness and satisfying relationships are central to this dimension. Being able to successfully interact with others and communicate clearly and effectively are also important, as well as intimacy and the ability to trust. When we’re socially well we’re able to turn to others for support, resolve differences in a respectful manner, and practice active listening.

Emotional Wellness: Being able to manage and control emotions is key to emotional wellness. Also, being able to acknowledge and express a wide variety of emotions, anger, fear, sadness, and joy, in a healthy, productive manner. Dealing effectively with life’s challenges is important to emotional wellness, as well as resiliency, optimism, and self-confidence.

Overall, the dimensions of wellness are greater than the sum of their parts. Cultivating our physical, social, and emotional health has a profound impact on our ability to live life to the fullest, and to feel at peace with ourselves and with the world around us.

Thanks for reading,

Angie Miller