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.
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Maintaining wellness helps us to attain health.
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The 10 dimensions of wellness
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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.
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At Total Wellness Initiative Singapore, we have identified 10 dimensions of wellness to ensure a fulfilling life.
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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