Holistic wellness: learn the 5 dimensions of health and wellbeing

Key Points

• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health is not only the absence of disease; it’s a state of complete wellbeing. 
• The 5 dimensions of health and wellbeing are physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. 
• Achieving wellbeing doesn’t require perfect balance in all dimensions. 

In a world filled with buzzwords and fads surrounding health and wellbeing, it may be hard to understand what ‘health’ really means. Health doesn’t come with  a one-size-fits-all definition, but according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

And while the concept of ‘wellbeing’ may be subjective, there is a general agreement around the factors that contribute to someone’s overall health and wellbeing. Generally speaking, wellbeing is a blend of various aspects of a person’s health, including physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It’s closely tied to feelings of happiness and contentment. In simple terms, wellbeing reflects how you perceive yourself and your life.

In this article, we’re looking at the five dimensions of health and wellbeing. These five mutually interdependent dimensions are physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Collectively, they paint a complete picture of your overall health, with any change in one dimension potentially impacting the others. 

Let’s take a closer look at each dimension, explore what affects them, and learn how to achieve them in your daily life. 

What are the 5 dimensions of health? 

When it comes to wellness, some people may focus solely on physical health – factors like nutrition and exercise. But every aspect of your life has an effect on your state of wellbeing. Let’s take a closer look at the five dimensions:

1. Physical health: The first dimension refers to your body’s overall physical condition and includes fitness, nutrition, and physical vitality. The focus here is on taking care of your body for today and the future to ensure overall health and wellbeing.
2. Spiritual health: Your spiritual health is all about discovering purpose, value, and meaning in your life. This could be through religious or personal practice and includes engaging in activities that align with your core values and spiritual beliefs.
3. Intellectual health: Your intellectual health relates to your mental acuity, curiosity, and commitment to lifelong learning. It’s about keeping your mind engaged and active. It involves expanding knowledge and skills while also finding ways to share your expertise with others.
4. Social health: Social health involves your interactions with others, fostering meaningful relationships, and maintaining a support network that contributes to your overall wellbeing. It also involves actively contributing to your community and fostering a sense of belonging.
5. Emotional health: Emotional health is all about understanding and respecting your own feelings, values, and attitudes while also appreciating the emotions of others. It’s about constructively managing your emotions, fostering a positive outlook on life, and being emotionally connected to your surroundings.

Harmonious relationships play an important role in our overall health and wellbeing

Factors that affect the 5 dimensions of health and wellbeing 

There are a number of factors that may influence your overall wellbeing, including”

• Fulfilling relationships, especially with a partner
• A strong network of close friends
• Satisfaction with your work
• Financial stability
• Regular physical activity
• A balanced and nutritious diet
• Sufficient and quality sleep

Regular exercise and quality time with good friends is important for health and wellness

How to achieve health and wellbeing in all 5 dimensions 

It’s worth noting that you don’t need to find the perfect balance between all five dimensions at any given time. Every person may have unique priorities, methods, ambitions, and their own definition of living life to the fullest. Rather than striving for a perfect balance, you could try focusing on finding a ‘personal harmony’ that feels most authentic to you.

Let’s take a look at some practical examples of how you may achieve health and wellbeing in all five dimensions: 

• Work on maintaining close relationships with family and friends.
• Spend quality time with people who matter to you.
• Choose work that you enjoy and find fulfilling, not only what pays the most.
• Eat nutritious foods.
• Stay active with regular exercise.
• Pursue activities that genuinely interest you.
• Consider joining local groups or clubs.
• Set achievable goals and work towards them step by step.
• Stay positive and savour the little things in each day.

Staying positive and appreciating the little things helps in achieving health and wellbeing

Taking care of you 

If you’re concerned about any area of your health, consult with your healthcare professional. Or, for convenience, book a telehealth call.  

Related:

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• Australian men’s health facts: how healthy are Aussie men – really?
• Mindfulness Mondays: get your week off to a great start

Reviewed by Healthylife Health Experts October 2023