Beyond Diet & Exercise: A Holistic Look at the Dimensions of Wellness

kyliet303
May 26
4 min read

At the beginning of my healing journey, I thought health meant the state of my body and mind. I lived with chronic physical and mental health issues for years, and while I knew it wasn’t normal, it was my normal. But that changed drastically when, in the span of a year and a half, my emotional, social, and spiritual health began to unravel too. It was hitting rock bottom and slowly rebuilding that changed everything I believed about health.

That experience is the reason I see everyone through a multidimensional lens now. It’s also why I’ve devoted myself to helping others take an active role in their health, not just physically or mentally, but holistically. In this article, we’ll explore what that means by diving into the Dimensions of Wellness model, a powerful tool that offers a broader, more compassionate perspective of well-being.

What Is the Dimensions of Wellness Model?

The Dimensions of Wellness is a model used in holistic health to acknowledge how different parts of life influence our well-being. It includes areas such as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, occupational, social, intellectual, and environmental health. All of these dimensions overlap and interact with one another, shaping our daily experiences and our overall health.

Silhouette with arrows connecting to words: Physical, Intellectual, Social, Occupational, Environmental, Spiritual, Mental, Emotional. "Dimensions of Wellness" text with leaves.

Even in conventional healthcare settings, elements of this model show up, like when intake forms ask about your work, living situation, or relationships. However, mainstream systems rarely emphasize the importance of balancing these factors or tailoring care to the individual. That’s where the holistic perspective steps in.

Why This Model Matters

Most wellness messaging in Western society emphasizes physical and, more recently, mental health. While that expansion is incredibly important, there’s still more room to grow. The Dimensions of Wellness model pushes us to consider the full picture of a person’s life and how these interconnected elements affect their health.

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, this model supports the idea that everyone has unique needs and circumstances. For example, one person may thrive on seven hours of sleep, while another feels best with nine. The same goes for nutrition, movement, and stress management—what works for one won’t work for all.

Using this model doesn’t mean striving for perfection in every area at once. It’s about cultivating awareness and curiosity: Where am I thriving? Where am I depleted? And what small, intentional shifts might help me feel more balanced?

A Snapshot of the 8 Dimensions of Wellness

Physical Health – Refers to your body’s condition and how you care for it through nutrition, sleep, movement, and preventive care. When your physical health suffers, it often impacts energy levels, emotions, focus, and relationships.

Mental Health – Encompasses your thoughts, inner dialogue, mindset, and how you interpret the world around you. Experiences, social connections, and emotional patterns influence mental health.

Emotional Health – Relates to your ability to recognize, feel, and express emotions. Emotional wellness supports resilience, stress management, and healthy connections.

Intellectual Health – Involves curiosity, critical thinking, learning, and creative problem-solving. Intellectual health strengthens your capacity to make empowered decisions and adapt to challenges.

Spiritual Health – Focuses on purpose, meaning, and inner connection. This dimension can include, but doesn’t require, religious beliefs. It's about connecting to something greater and aligning with your values.

Social Health – Reflects the quality of your relationships, sense of belonging, and connection to community. Strong social health supports emotional and even physical well-being.

Occupational Health – Refers to your relationship with work or life purpose. It includes satisfaction, alignment, boundaries, and the impact of financial stability on overall well-being.

Environmental Health – Encompasses your surroundings, where you live, work, and spend time, as well as the health of the planet. Safe, clean, and nourishing environments are essential for human health.

It's All Connected

Garden with labeled plants: "Physical," "Mental," "Social," "Spiritual," "Emotional," "Intellectual," "Environmental," "Occupational." Lush greenery.

When we tend to one area of our well-being, we often support others. But when one area becomes depleted, it can deplete the vitality of the rest. Think of it like a garden, each dimension is a different plant. Some may need more sun or water than others, but they all share the same soil. When one plant thrives, it strengthens the environment for the others. When one struggles, the whole system feels it.

Rather than striving for "balance" in the traditional sense, this model invites us to respond to our needs with flexibility and self-compassion. It gives us a language and framework to better understand ourselves—and to grow at our own pace.

Why This Approach Is So Timely

Right now, we’re seeing record levels of chronic stress, disconnection, and burnout. In fact, a 2022 report from the American Psychological Association found that 76% of U.S. adults had experienced health impacts from high stress levels (APA, 2022).

This isn’t just a public health issue—it’s a personal one. The Dimensions of Wellness model offers us a roadmap to come back to ourselves. It helps us pause, reflect, and take small but meaningful steps toward wholeness.

What’s Coming Next: Applying the Dimensions in Daily Life

Next week, I’ll be sharing practical ways to bring these dimensions into your daily routines—without the pressure of doing it all at once. We’ll explore how simple actions can support multiple dimensions at once, and how to tailor your approach to your real-life needs.

You’ll also get access to a free reflection tool designed to help you assess where you’re thriving, where you may need more support, and how to take action that feels aligned.

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