Health is often thought of as being free of illness. But true vitality is attained through a more holistic approach. Instead of simply treating ailments or conditions that come up, wellness includes seven dimensions: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, occupational, and environmental. The different dimensions work together to create a balanced lifestyle and help us deal with life’s challenges. Read on to learn more about how each can help you make your retirement years as happy and healthy as possible.
Physical Wellness
Physical wellness is the ability to do everyday activities like walking, exercising, and taking care of yourself without much difficulty. A high level of physical wellness helps prevent and control disease, helps you live independently, and helps you continue doing your favorite activities. The best way to maintain your physical wellness is to start a strength training program and do your favorite cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes at least five times a week. In addition to working out, maintain a healthy weight by eating a nutritious, balanced diet.
Emotional Wellness
Emotional wellness allows you to cope with life’s changes, work through challenges, and express your feelings in a healthy manner. It has the power not only to make your retirement years happier, it can also extend your lifespan. You can maintain your emotional wellness. Exercise regularly, practice self-care, meet with a counselor if needed, socialize frequently, and make time for your favorite hobbies.
Intellectual Wellness
Intellectual wellness is defined as a sharp, open mind that can process new ideas and experiences, make well-informed decisions, learn new concepts, and gain new skills. By challenging your mind as you age, you can help ward off brain diseases such as dementia. Give your intellectual wellness a boost. Play word games, read, write, and stay up-to-date with current events and news.
Social Wellness
Social wellness is marked by the ability to connect with those around you, maintain positive relationships with your loved ones, and make new friends. A high level of social wellness will help you avoid excessive feelings of isolation or loneliness, which can both be linked to a higher rate of illness, disease, and stress. Maintain social wellness by staying connected with your community and spending time with loved ones.
Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual wellness provides a sense of peace, hope, and purpose. This dimension helps you to be completely present in the moment and gives you a sense of thankfulness for the gifts in your life. You can bolster your spiritual wellness through religious worship, meditation, spiritual studies, spending time outdoors, artistic expression, and more.
Occupational Wellness
Occupational wellness is found when you better your community through your talents and passions. It gives purpose to your life and helps you feel fulfilled and productive. Though you may have retired from your job, you can still maintain your occupational wellness. Use your gifts to contribute to your community through volunteer work.
Environmental Wellness
Environmental wellness refers to the benefits of spending time outdoors. Besides receiving vitamin D, enjoying time outdoors in the sun boosts our mood and contributes to positive mental health. Being around nature is calming and refreshing. Caring for the environment also helps us care for ourselves.
Parkway Village helps residents make their retirement years happy and healthy through a holistic approach to wellness. Contact us to learn more about how we help residents maintain all seven dimensions of wellness.
