The 8 pillars of holistic wellness and why it matters
Be honest. Do you operate at your absolute peak right now?
It’s ok if you answered — NO. The path to wellness isn’t linear.
Wellness involves a lot more than being free from illness. It’s a dynamic process of change and growth. You no longer survive when you achieve the ultimate wholeness — you thrive.
You also open an infinite realm of opportunities when you prioritise your well-being.
If your Epson-infused baths, midday naps, and green smoothies don’t seem to cut the mustard, it might be time to explore the 8 pillars of holistic wellness.
1. Emotional wellness
Navigating the sh!t storms of life can be messy at times. But a little self-awareness goes a long way.
It starts with giving our emotions (both negative and positive) the attention they deserve, which allows us to recognise and define our inner turmoils.
That’s when magical transformation happens.
You no longer let your emotions run your life. You handle stress with ease. You find ways to relax. You create a self-care routine that compliments your life.
Best of all, you develop maturity and strength of character.
2. Spiritual wellness
The second pillar of wellness involves our spirituality, which wears various hats.
You might explore spirituality through soulful meditation, yoga, and strengthening a deep connection with nature. You might find refuge in philosophical concepts, expressing your wander through art to cultivate insight, positive change, and a portal into magical inner realms. Or you might interpret spirituality as a deep connection with God, studying The Bible, and attending church on Sundays.
While different in practice, each spiritual path encourages wellness and a grounded connection.
When we devote time to our spiritual wellness, we invite peace within and around us. And remember it’s ok when you wander off your spiritual path. Be patient while you rekindle your connection until you reach your desired state of spiritual wellness.
3. Physical wellness
We all know that physical well-being is crucial for our health and happiness. Yet, we often put our health on the back burner. But once you have a little taste of the good life, your mind shifts.
These manageable areas can drastically improve your physical wellness:
- Exercise daily
- Eat healthy meals
- Practice personal hygiene
- Find ways to relax
- Get enough sleep
If only one, give it a try and see for yourself how your life transforms.
4. Intellectual wellness
You might know your intellectual wellness is as important as your physical wellness. If not, it’s critical to dedicate time and energy to keep your mind healthy too.
Intellectual wellness boosts your brainpower, helps you think faster, increases your cognitive capacity, and improves your overall health and happiness.
Be open to developing your skills and embark on new experiences that apply to your personal decisions, group interactions, and the betterment of your community.
Here are a few activities that can improve your intellectual wellness:
- Read for fun
- Journal your feelings
- Self-reflect often
- Meditate
- Play a board game or cards
- Do crossword or sudoku puzzles
- Play a musical instrument
- Study a foreign language
- Try something new
- Exercise
- Be curious
- Eat well
5. Social wellness
This is one aspect of holistic wellness many introverts struggle with the most. I’m one of them. If you are like me you will know the importance of solitude. But note it’s crucial to foster genuine connections with people around you.
Your circle can offer much-needed support during hardship that will naturally improve your well-being. Offer people the same value in return and watch your relationships blossom.
But your connections should add value to your life, not a toxic burden that causes discomfort, stress, and anxiety.
Devote your time to those who respect your boundaries yet challenge you to grow when you find yourself uninspired.
5. Occupational wWellness
Occupational wellness involves your job satisfaction.
For example: When your professional work relates to your interests in life, allowing you to use your skills, talent, and unique gifts, you gain a sense of fulfilment.
In contrast, if you constantly feel stressed, anxious, and depressed at work, it’s a good sign that you need a healthy work-life balance or to move on.
Consider making the necessary changes, even when it hurts your bank.
This brings me to the next pillar of wellness.
5. Financial Wellness
Your financial situation can have a major impact on your health and performance too. To put it simply, it promotes the ability to have a healthy financial life.
The following questions will help you evaluate your financial wellness:
- Are you able to pay your debt?
- Do you have ample emergency funds for those unforeseen circumstances?
- Is your income predictable and consistent?
And the following actionable steps can improve your net worth:
- Pay off credit card debt and loans
- Diminish your expenses as much as possible
- Downsize your budget
- Cook your meals at home
- Skip expensive social outings
- Shop at bargain outlets
Hefty financial commitments are your choice.
Only you can change that if you want to improve your finances, and ultimately, your health.
6. Environmental wellness
Environmental wellness encourages a harmonious life with Earth. Yes, your overall well-being is closely linked to the health of your environment.
But, while eco-awareness is a good thing, eco-perfectionism is not. Acknowledge that it’s impossible to be perfect, let go of unattainable goals, and simply have fun.
We’re all on unique journeys.
Here are a few environmental wellness challenges you can try:
- Appreciate time outside in nature
- Be aware of Earth’s limited natural resources
- Conserve energy and water
- Recycle, reuse, and reduce as much as possible
- Break up with plastic
- Minimize air, water, and earth pollution
- Create a supportive and nurturing home and work environment
- Ride your bike, walk, or take public transportation (if you can)
- Volunteer with environmental organizations
- Support brands and companies that prioritise sustainability
Each pillar of wellness plays a central role in your overall life satisfaction, which requires intention, such as unlearning harmful habits and discovering healthy habits.
I invite you to find your balance.
