As far back as I can remember from when I had my first interviews as a young women applying for my career, I have had a holistic philosophy of health. I resonated with the idea of “total well-being”; for me this meant more than just the physical health sense but also the other aspects that contribute to our health and well-being such as mental/emotional, social and spiritual.

The holistic concept of well-being encompassing the physical, mental/emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health is recognised by the World Health Organisation.

Of equal importance, these four dimensions support and interrelate with each other. They provide a handy reflection tool for us to check and promote our own well-being, and you can use them to promote well-being in all aspects of your life.

The four dimensions of well-being mental /emotional, physical, social, and spiritual
provide a useful framework for us to reflect on our well-being and promote our health and happiness.

Download this Well-being Map and create your personal plan so you can take action to transform the areas in your life where you are not feeling as fulfilled.

Focus on your well-being from a positive perspective and look at what you do well. If there is a dimension that is lacking in focus, then look for things you enjoy that will help make a more positive input into that area. Each dimension impacts on the others and as we create balance and attention around all four dimensions, our well-being and a more fulfilling lifestyle really starts to fall into place.

Let’s get physical!
It’s the area we often focus the most on, because we can see it – it’s about growth, development, ability to move and how you physically care for your body, how you keep it strong, maintain and develop it – how you fuel it – what you eat, how you rest, – sleep and relaxation, how you move – physical activity, and exercise. And no surprises here, that recent research shows that even a small increase in exercise boosts our well-being. So you don’t have to run a marathon, just get moving.

On your MAP – Find this circle and fill in what you do already to promote this area.
Reflect on your physical health including your ability to move and maintain strength in your body, how you nourish and fuel your body, how you rest and relax and the quality of your sleep. What daily habits would you like to introduce?

An Important Note:
All four dimension’s overlap.
For example; I like to be physically active so “exercise” is as much about my mental/emotional well-being as it is my physical well-being. I enjoy exercise, walking and playing sport, and doing any of these makes me feel great. I can map walking, and playing tennis in my physical dimension where it overlaps into the Mental/Emotional dimension as well.

The Mind – Mental/Emotional
This aspect of well-being is all about your thoughts and feelings, how you express these, and how you respond to others. That includes what helps you feel great, think positively, what lifts you up, the skills you need to communicate and problem solve, and the support you receive and give to others.

Go to this dimension on your map, and reflect on time with friends or family, getting out in nature, a positive work place, activities you enjoy, activities that help lift your mood, help you to re-energize and recharge, and make you feel good, these examples all contribute to this aspect of well-being. It includes how you express your emotions, how you respond to stress and difficult time’s, how you support yourself and others, and how you seek and ask for help when you need it? Also consider your skills of problem solving, communicating, self-expression and self-control, how you challenge yourself and acknowledge your achievements.

New learning has been identified as an important factor in promoting well-being, so if you want to promote this dimension of your well-being find something you are drawn to learning about. Take up a hobby or learn a new skill at work.

Explore your Spiritual side – Wairua
We live our happiest life when we connect with a reason for doing things, when we feel engaged and have a purpose. Your spiritual well-being is all about who and what you are, where you come from, and where you are going. It includes how you see yourself and how you connect with your inner self. Connecting with your inner self may be through activities such as meditation, yoga, journal, and having time for personal space, and reflection. Wairua is about your heart space – special places, the special people in your life, your purpose, and your beliefs.

Making connections – The Social Dimension – family, friends
This dimension involves relationships, the special people in your life, this includes significant relationships, family, and friends and how the quality of those relationships contribute to your well-being. It’s about “connections”, feelings of belonging, compassion, and caring; and social support; how you spend your time, your social connections and opportunities to mix with others, and also how you help others.

New Zealand research on well-being (Sovereign Well-being Index) shows that people who regularly socialise have the highest levels of well-being and those who connect with others socially every day flourish the most.

Which dimension will you focus on first?

Nurture and grow each dimension of your well-being.

Here are some helpful questions
• What do I do well already to promote this dimension of my well-being?
• What else could I do?
• Which dimension would I like to nurture and give more focus?
• What could I do that will nurture and promote this area?

I’d love to support you further in your pursuit of well-being, to help you to explore, and fill your well-being map with habits and actions that align with how you love to live, so you can feel healthy and happy, and create an effective, blended and fulfilling life.

“Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui”
Be strong, be brave, be willing