Health Is the Whole…Body, Mind, and Soul by Amy Scholten, MPH You count grams of fat and fiber, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, drink green tea, and jog four times a week. But you spend most of your time at a high stress job, have few close relationships, and feel that your life lacks meaning. The good things that you do for your body may help increase your resistance to stress and illness, but they only reflect part of a much larger picture. Health is more than having a body that works properly. It includes physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, and even occupational/vocational dimensions. When these dimensions are working in harmony, they contribute to a sense of well-being and satisfaction. Donald Tubesing, MDiv, PhD, and Nancy Loving Tubesing, EdD, are pioneers in the field of wellness. In their book, Seeking Your Healthy Balance, they explain that health involves all of you—your mind and emotions, your connections with other people, your sense of hope, your satisfaction with work, as well as your body. The Six Dimensional Model of Wellness So how do you take care of your whole self? The National Wellness Institute in Stevens Point, Wisconsin embraces the Six Dimensional Model of Wellness developed in 1979 by Bill Hettler, MD. The chart below, based on Hettler’s model, can provide you with some guidance. The Six Dimensional Model of Wellness Category Development Physical (Achieving personal fitness and health goals through nutrition, physical activity, safety, and self-care.) Engage in aerobic exercise at least three times per week, 30 minutes per session. Eat a healthful diet. Stop smoking. Learn to recognize early signs of illness. Get adequate rest and sleep. Use alcohol in moderation, if at all. Use safety precautions whenever possible. For example: Helmets, seat belts Smoke alarms Safe sex practices Observing the speed limit See your health care provider regularly. Emotional (Maintaining good mental health, a positive attitude, and high self-esteem; responding with resiliency to emotional states and everyday life.) Spend time with friends and family, discussing important personal concerns, and providing mutual support. Participate in personal growth activities, self-esteem workshops, or support groups. Read a self-help book that interests you. Practice positive thinking. Spiritual (Getting in touch with your deeper self and the spiritual dimension of your life, developing faith in something larger than yourself, finding meaning and purpose.) Explore your spiritual core by asking yourself questions such as: Who am I? What is the purpose of (my) life? Look for inspiration from uplifting books, movies, TV, spiritual gatherings, soothing music, nature, beauty, meditation, or prayer. Spend quiet time alone on a regular basis Practice being fully present in