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Outdoor Yoga Practice

dimensions of wellness

Studies show there are nine specific dimensions of wellness that impact our wellbeing, with each dimension affecting the next. Therefore, balance across these dimensions is vital to improving both mental and physical health. Whether you choose individual counseling, group therapy, virtual seminars, or community events, the team at Axolotl will help you learn how to engage in these dimensions for a healthier, happier life.

We have a weekly group called "Creating Balance: Engaging in the Dimensions of Wellness" that is held on Tuesdays at 12:00pm. This group is focused on defining each dimension and learning new ways to engage in each area in everyday life. Reach out to us if you are interested in joining us!

The Dimensions

Social

Humans are social beings. The focus of this dimension is to establish a sense of belonging and connectedness. Axolotl's groups, seminars, and community events foster socializing with others while learning more about engaging in other dimensions. The social dimension of wellness also focuses on learning how to set and maintain boundaries, communicate effectively, and build lasting relationships.

Intellectual

Exercising our brain is an important aspect of mental health, particularly as we embark on the aging process. Intellectual wellness means engaging in lifelong learning, using an approach of curiosity, and exploring new interests and skills. The primary goal of this domain is to keep your mind active.

Occupational

Where we work and the work we do has a big impact on our mental health. Occupational wellness involves finding satisfaction and purpose in the work we do. Key aspects of the occupational dimension of wellness include work-life balance, managing work stress, and using your skills in a meaningful way, whether through a paid career or volunteering.

Financial

The primary goals of financial wellness are achieving financial stability and reducing stress associated with financial strain. We offer life skills groups that teach our clients how to budget, save for the future, and manage debt.

Creative

The creative dimension of wellness focuses on expressing yourself in meaningful and imaginative ways. It involves using your unique talents, ideas, and emotions to create something. This can be achieved through art, music, writing, problem-solving, crafts, innovation, or any other way one may engage in creativity.

Emotional

This dimension involves understanding and managing emotions with the primary goals of gaining self-awareness and emotional balance. Our programs show you how to engage in this dimension, including skills for coping with stress, emotional expression, and building resilience.

Physical

This dimension focuses on caring for your body. By caring for our physical health, we can also improve our mental health. Nutrition, daily activity, sleep, and preventative care are only some of the topics covered through our programs at Axolotl.

Spiritual

Spirituality does not necessarily require organized religion. Being spiritual involves finding meaning and purpose, which can look differently for every unique individual. The goal of engaging in the spiritual dimension of wellness is to find inner peace and purpose.

 Environmental

Our environment affects both our mental and physical health. We help our clients gain an understanding of how one's surroundings impact health, as well as techniques to organize living spaces for improved well-being. This dimension also considers the larger environmental concerns, such as sustainability and respect for nature. A primary goal for the environmental domain is to live in harmony with your surroundings.

SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has additional information on the eight dimensions of wellness. After researching these dimensions, we have added the ninth dimension for creativity. Studies show creativity is such an important aspect of our mental health that it should be included as its own dimension.

 

Learn more about SAMHSA's model here:  

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