What is Wellness?

Wellness encompasses six dimensions, each one equally vital to the pursuit of optimum health. Striking a balance between all six dimensions is a careful art, but necessary to achieve a sense of overall well-being. The dimensions of wellness are: intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, physical, and occupational.

Intellectual Wellness

The intellectual dimension encourages stimulating mental activities, expanding our knowledge and skills, sharing information with others, and participating in intellectual and cultural activities with the college community, as well as our larger community.

In pursuit, we begin to believe it is better...

• To challenge our minds with intellectual and creative pursuits than to become self-satisfied and unproductive.
• To think critically, identify potential issues or problems, and choose appropriate actions than to wait, worry, and contend with major concerns later.

Social Wellness

The social dimension emphasizes contributions to our human and physical environments, interdependence with others and nature, and the pursuit of harmony in our families and in the community.

In pursuit, we begin to believe it is better...

• To contribute to the common welfare of our community than to think only of ourselves.
• To work toward harmony through effective and sensitive conflict management than to ignore problems and hope everything will work out for the best

Spiritual Wellness

The spiritual dimension involves the pursuit of meaning and purpose in human existence, and the development of a deep appreciation for life and natural forces that exist in the universe.

In pursuit, we begin to believe it is better...

• To ponder the meaning of life and be open to learning about the beliefs of others rather than closing our minds and becoming intolerant.
• To work toward harmony through effective and sensitive conflict management than to ignore problems and hope everything will work out for the best.

Emotional Wellness

The emotional dimension emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of our feelings and behavior, a positive attitude about ourselves, a realistic assessment of our limitations, effective stress management, the pursuit of satisfying relationships, and the development of autonomy.

In pursuit, we begin to believe it is better...

• To be aware, accept and effectively communicate our feelings than to deny or ignore them.
• To be optimistic in our approach to life than to be pessimistic.
• To develop independence, healthy relationships, and effective stress management strategies.

Physical Wellness

The physical dimension encourages regular physical activity for cardiovascular flexibility and strength, knowledge about food, nutrition, and medical care, and discourages drug and alcohol abuse.

In pursuit, we begin to believe it is better...

• To be physically fit than to be out of shape.
• To consume food and beverages that enhance our health rather than impair it.
• To be proactive with our health and use the medical system appropriately.
• To avoid all toxins which compromise our health and well-being.

Occupational Wellness

The occupational dimension involves choosing work which is personally satisfying and enriching, and the development of a positive attitude about our occupation and life plan.

In pursuit, we begin to believe it is better...

• To choose a career consistent with our personal values, interests, and beliefs than one that conflicts or is unrewarding.
• To develop functional, transferable skills through involvement opportunities than to remain inactive and uninvolved.