Our Framework

What is wellness?
Wellness is the holistic integration of mind, body and spiritual well-being (Stoewen, 2017) which requires constant and consistent maintenance.
Health vs Wellness
Health refers to the “state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 1946) while wellness is the “active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence” (National Wellness Institute, 1976). In short, health is a state while wellness is a conscious, ever-changing process.
Maintaining wellness helps us to attain health.
The 10 dimensions of wellness
Categorising wellness into various dimensions not only helps us to view wellness holistically, but also helps us to realise that wellness can be attained in diverse ways.
At Total Wellness Initiative Singapore, we have identified 10 dimensions of wellness to ensure a fulfilling life.
1. Physical wellness
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Ability to maintain physical health
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Examples of physical wellness include exercising regularly, eating healthy, etc
2. Psychological wellness
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Ability to maintain a positive mental health
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Examples of psychological wellness include regular meditation/muscle relaxation exercises, practising gratitude
3. Social wellness
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Ability to maintain meaningful relationships and have healthy interactions with others
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Examples include spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in volunteer work
4. Occupational wellness
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Ability to achieve work-life balance, address workplace stress and build collegial relationships
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Examples include healthy communication with colleagues and conflict resolution at work, finding ways to make the job more fulfilling/meaningful, balancing work and leisure
5. Digital wellness
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Ability to intentionally maintain healthy relationship with technology.
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Examples of digital wellness include setting time limit to be on social media, using “Do Not Disturb” mode
6. Intellectual wellness
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Ability to recognize abilities and expand knowledge and skills
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Examples include pursuing personal/professional development, learning new skills, expanding on personal hobbies
7. Spiritual wellness
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Ability to expand one’s sense of purpose and meaning in life, understanding own
values/beliefs/morals that guide own actions
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Examples include praying, reflection on self and meaning of life
8. Environmental wellness
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Ability to creating or putting oneself in an environment which supports health/well-being. This can be directly (decluttering) or indirectly (adopting environmentally healthy practices)
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Examples include spending time in nature, purchasing from sustainable businesses, ensuring work station is neat/pleasing to eye
9. Financial wellness
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Ability to manage one’s finances well, make prudent financial decisions, feel secure in financial future
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Examples include spending within means, decreasing debt, saving for retirement
10. Creative wellness
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Ability to appreciate and participate in art and cultural experiences, to get in touch with one’s creative side
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Examples include journaling, doodling, dancing
References
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National Wellness Institute. (2020). The six dimensions of wellness. https://nationalwellness.org/resources/six-dimensions-of-wellness/
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Stoewen, D. L. (2017). Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life. The Canadian veterinary journal, 58(8), 861.
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World Health Organization. (1946). Constitution. https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution