Wellness can be used to describe a good state of physical and mental health. Because these two are linked, issues in one area will impact the other, so improving your physical health will benefit you mentally and vice versa. Wellness encompasses eight mutually interdependent dimensions and it’s important for you to be improving your overall health in each one.

1. Emotional Wellness

Emotional wellness relates to coping effectively with your life and creating relationships that satisfy you. You can improve this dimension by working on understanding and accepting the full range of human emotions and living well through the ups and downs of life. Emotional wellness is within everyone’s reach. It’s a skill that can be learned and a trait that can be developed rather than something certain people are born with.

2. Environmental Wellness

This relates to inhabiting a pleasant, stimulating environment that supports your well-being, and this dimension includes trying to find a way to live in harmony with the planet. You need to understand the impact of your interaction with nature as well as create an enjoyable environment to live in. Taking action to protect the world around you is important.

3. Financial

This dimension relates to your satisfaction with your current and future financial situation. Tips to boost this area of your life include spending less than you earn, bolstering your savings while you reduce your expenses, and saving for a rainy day. Only borrow what you can afford to repay, and grow your money. Improve your earning capacity and protect what you already have.

4. Intellectual

This relates to recognising your creative abilities and finding ways to expand your knowledge and skills. Things to do include reading for fun, debating an issue with a friend but arguing against the viewpoint that you hold, and learning a foreign language. Play a game, like the bingo Australia makes available online, for example, learn to play the guitar, or start a journal.

5. Occupational

Do you get personal satisfaction and enrichment from your work? Don’t settle. Stay motivated and work towards getting to where you want to be. Increase your knowledge, improve your skillset, and hash out goals along with ways to achieve them.

6. Physical

Prioritise physical activity, eating healthy foods, and getting enough sleep. You need to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes and can work this into your daily life by using stairs instead of elevators or escalators and walking instead of driving wherever possible. Pay attention to your body and learn to recognise warnings when you’re getting sick.

7. Social

Work on developing a sense of connection and belonging, and develop a strong support system to help you weather rough patches. Take some time to reflect on your social needs, and make a point of keeping in touch with friends and family. Joining a club or organisation can be a great way to develop the wellness of your social dimension.

8. Spiritual

Expand on your sense of purpose and life’s meaning by exploring your spiritual core and looking for ways to express it. Set aside some time to meditate to boost your wellness in this dimension.