Wellness

Wellness is not merely the absence of disease but a preventive approach to optimize function. Wellness is a holistic, integrated approach that requires choice and active personal responsibility. 

Using the Welness Wheel at Winterfest

The Wellness Wheel* shows how the all dimensions of your life can come together for complete well-being. You can think of it like a bicycle wheel. When all dimensions are developed, the wheel rolls smoothly, but if any dimension is not right, your ride could be bumpy. 

So how is your wellness? Consider each of these dimensions (see brief definitions below) to determine how well you are functioning.

Social Wellness focuses on how you choose to define and connect with your community and the people around you.

Financial Wellness is your relationship with money and skills in managing resources, as well as your ability to make good consumer choices and seek out appropriate financial opportunities.

Occupational Wellness is the work you choose to do and how you feel it contributes to your community and fulfills you.

Physical Wellness refers to the role that you take in maintaining your body for strength, vitality and energy.

Environmental Wellness reflects the impact you have on the planet and the impact the planet has on you.

Intellectual Wellness means feeling stimulated and engaged with learning and staying open to new ideas and perspectives.

Emotional Wellness involves being aware of and managing your feelings, being at peace with who you are, and having the tools you need to weather life's ups and downs.

Spiritual Wellness refers to your understanding of your place and purpose, how you make meaning of what happens to you, and what your mind goes to for comfort or relief.

Want assistance to improve your wellness? UM has lots of resources!

• See Health Topics for information and resource
• Contact Health Promotion and Community Relations

* Our Wellness Wheel was adapted from the work of Dr. Bill Hettler.