PERSONAL WELLNESS:Taking Charge of Your Health and Well-being

What Is Wellness?

Good health has traditionally been viewed as freedom from disease; thus, if you were not sick, you were considered healthy. While the absence of illness is one part of being healthy, it doesn't indicate whether you are at an optimal level of physical and psychological health.

What Is Wellness?

Your overall state of health is closely associated with your lifestyle choices, and includes such health essentials as good nutrition, proper weight control, exercise, stress management, and controlling risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and drug use.

Major Causes of Death

Health Care System, 10%

Lifestyle Choices, 53%

Environment, 21%

Heredity, 16%

National Wellness Institute

What Is Wellness?

Research shows that Americans who take care of themselves and manage their lifestyles are healthier, more productive, have fewer absences from work, and make fewer demands for medical services. The “secret” is not in medical care, but consistent self‑care in which you adopt habits and behaviors that promote better health and an improved quality of life.

What Is Wellness?

Wellness is not the mere absence of disease. It is a proactive, preventive approach designed to achieve optimum levels of functioning. A wellness oriented lifestyle also involves the recognition that you have physical, social, psychological, and spiritual needs, with each dimension being necessary for optimal levels of functioning.

Wellness Continuum

Traditional Approach █ Wellness Approach

Problem Health Promotion/

Disability Identification Education Wellness ▐═════╩════╦════╩═════█═════╩═════╦════╩════▌

Treatment Risk of Disease Reduction

Traditional VS WellnessApproaches To Health Care

Traditional Model

Primary Goal: Identify and correct

problems

Dominant Message: Be responsible; have

regular check-ups

Wellness Model

Primary Goal: Risk reduction and

health promotion

Dominant Message: Reduce risks; you are

responsible for your

quality of life

Traditional VS WellnessApproaches To Health Care

Traditional Model

Change Method: Treatment of health

problems

Change Agent: Health care providers

Wellness Model

Change Method: Information, education,

and lifestyle change

Change Agent: You; seek appropriate

health care providers for treatment

Traditional VS WellnessApproaches To Health Care

Traditional Model

Target: Health problems

Duration of Intervention: Until the problem is

corrected

Wellness Model

Target: Lifestyle changes

Duration of Intervention: Part of daily lifestyle

Wellness Dimensions

The National Wellness Institute, located at the

University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point,

divides wellness into six dimensions:

Wellness Dimensions

Social

This emphasizes the interdependence with

others, making friends and having meaningful

relationships. Happier, satisfying and stable

relationships with others and a stronger

community are some potential results.

Wellness Dimensions

Physical

This measures both how one maintains cardiovascular

fitness and strength, and behaviors that help one to

prevent or detect early illnesses. Also measures the

degree to which one chooses foods which are

nourishing and balanced. Exercise, nutrition and

safety encourage not only freedom from illness but

also feelings of vitality, energy and enthusiasm.

Wellness Dimensions

Intellectual This measures the degree that one engages in creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectuallywell person uses the resources available to expandhis/her knowledge to improve skills along withexpanding potential for sharing with others. Benefitsinclude improved job performance, better problemsolving, more knowledge and a better chance at beingsuccessful in life.

Wellness Dimensions

Occupational

This measures the satisfaction gained from

one's work and the degree to which one is

enriched by the work. The satisfaction gained

is related to individual attitudes about work, a

sense of direction and goals, and a feeling of

achievement.

Wellness Dimensions

Emotional

This measures the degree of awareness and the

acceptance that one has of one's feelings. This

includes the extent to which one feels positive and

enthusiastic about one's self and life. It measures the

capacity to appropriately control one's feelings and

related behaviors, including the realistic assessment of

one's limitations, and the capacity to cope with stress.

Wellness Dimensions

Spiritual

This measures one's ongoing involvement in

seeking meaning and purpose in human

existence. It includes a deep appreciation for

the depth and expanse of life and natural

forces that exist in the universe.

Personal Wellness

Wellness, a positive approach to life andhealth, maximizes the individual's potential. It

involves the “whole” person - physically,emotionally, and on a psychological basis.

A personal wellness lifestyle is associated withgood physical health, emotional stability,

improved personal relationships, as well asincreased career satisfaction.

Campus RecreationCounseling Center

Student Health Services

Division of Student Affairs

Personal Wellness