Active Minds Logo

The Nine Dimensions of Wellness

A framework for understanding how mental health & well-being interconnect

A comprehensive understanding of mental health & well-being

The Nine Dimensions of Wellness provides a valuable framework for understanding mental health by recognizing the interconnected aspects of well-being. Mental health is influenced by multiple dimensions of wellness, and by considering these dimensions, individuals can gain a holistic understanding of mental health. The Dimensions of Wellness Model highlights the importance of addressing various aspects of life to support mental health and encourages a comprehensive approach to self-care and seeking support when needed.

The Nine Dimensions of Wellness

  1. Physical Wellness
    Refers to taking care of one’s body through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and going to regular doctor’s appointments. It involves maintaining overall physical health and functioning.
  2. Emotional Wellness
    Focuses on understanding and managing one’s emotions effectively. It involves developing healthy coping strategies, building resilience, maintaining positive relationships, and seeking support when needed.
  3. Intellectual Wellness
    Emphasizes engaging in lifelong learning, expanding knowledge, and stimulating intellectual curiosity. It involves pursuing personal interests, critical thinking, problem-solving, and continuous mental growth.
  4. Social Wellness
    Highlights the importance of meaningful connections and positive relationships with others. It involves effective communication, empathy, healthy boundaries, and fostering a sense of belonging and support within communities.
  5. Occupational Wellness
    Relates to finding satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s work or career . It involves aligning personal values and interests with career goals, maintaining work-life balance, and fostering a positive work environment.
  6. Spiritual Wellness
    Encompasses finding meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than oneself. It involves exploring personal beliefs, values, and practices, and nurturing a sense of inner peace, harmony, and compassion.
  7. Environmental Wellness
    Emphasizes living in a healthy and sustainable environment. It involves being mindful of one’s impact on the surroundings, promoting conservation, and engaging in practices that support the well-being of the planet.
  8. Financial Wellness
    Focuses on managing one’s financial resources effectively and responsibly. It involves budgeting, saving, minimizing debt, and making informed financial decisions to achieve stability and reduce stress.
  9. Cultural Wellness
    Focuses on understanding, respecting, and embracing diverse cultural identities. It involves creating inclusive environments, valuing traditions, and fostering intercultural communication. By appreciating and celebrating cultural differences, individuals contribute to their own well-being and a harmonious society.

The various dimensions of wellness are interconnected and often influence one another. For instance, your financial well-being might impact your ability to enhance your physical wellness, such as the affordability of a gym membership. Similarly, your social wellness can directly influence your occupational well-being, like having positive relationships with co-workers.

This being said, it’s crucial to recognize that each dimension of wellness can uniquely impact your mental health. Additionally, multiple dimensions of wellness can simultaneously contribute either positively or negatively to your mental well-being at the same time.

For example, your physical wellness, emotional wellness and environment could all be impacting your mental health in a different way. Alternatively, your mental health may also impact these dimensions of wellness.

Common Questions from Youth and Young Adults

Reflection Questions for Your Dimensions of Wellness

Download our worksheet to help you reflect on those intersecting factors that are impacting your wellness as you start to advocate for your own mental health, your peers mental health, and get involved in institutional and systems-level mental health advocacy.