The 8 Dimensions of Wellness (Updated)

When improving your health it is important to know where to begin. Many credible sources such as SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) recommend viewing wellness as 8 crucial dimensions. These interconnected dimensions are emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual health which all help contribute to your overall wellness.

For an overview of these 8 dimensions click here 👉: 8 Dimensions of Well-Being

For more in-depth information click here 👉: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO WELLNESS

The importance of Social wellness

As I reflect on my own mental health journey and the people I have connected with along the way, there seem to be a few common themes throughout.

One of them I would like to share with you now. 

Most people who are deeply depressed that I have talked to tend to withdraw, and or lose crucial social interaction before hitting a big low point. 

For some, this may seem obvious, especially after mentioning it; however, it wasn’t until I started interacting with people and sharing some of my struggles that I realized how much we needed and were missing face-to-face, in-person social interaction.

 “The latest Healthy Minds Monthly Poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) finds that, early in 2024, 30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day. Younger people were more likely to experience these feelings, with 30% of Americans aged 18-34 saying they were lonely every day or several times a week…” (American Psychiatric Association)

Common things that lead to loneliness include social isolation, a lack of meaningful connections, or feeling misunderstood or disconnected from others. Remember that loneliness does not necessarily mean you are alone, but rather not truly engaged or present with the people around you.

We are social creatures and need positive interactions throughout our daily lives to stay healthy. 

I mention this with great emphasis because most people I talked to had a different set of circumstances and things that they were dealing with; however, the most common recurrence is the lack of necessary social interaction. 

Now I will be the first to admit that this can be very difficult, especially when you feel at the mercy of your mind and emotions. Not always feeling like yourself, or just too drained to do anything. 

But there is hope!

Now, this may sound overwhelming, however, there are things you can do to reconnect with others and find enjoyment, laughter, and life through socializing. 

Tackling Loneliness:

1. Reach out: Take the initiative to connect with others, whether it's friends, family, or joining social groups with shared interests.

2. Join Social groups (especially ones that meet weekly or monthly); this makes planning easier.

   1. Join Sports and sporting events (there is something for every age and fitness level)

      1. Pickleball

      2. Basketball

      3. Soccer

      4. Golf

      5. Tennis

      6. Swimming to name a few

3. Community events

   1. Search “Community events near me” with your browser of choice

   2. Examples include summer and winter festivals

   3. County fairs

   4. Local street fairs and food vendors

   5. Local Movie Night

      1. Some towns still have drive-in movie theaters

      2. Or bring a blanket and enjoy a show on the big screen outside

4. Local Parks and Recreation

   1. Places like the YMCA

   2. Search “Local Parks and recreation near me”

      1. Oftentimes, they host events similar to the ones listed above.

      2. They tend to have sports, picnics, movies and more

5. Local Volunteer Groups

   1. Habitat for Humanity has chapters throughout every state of the US

      1. They help create a stronger community through home building, renovations, and pride of ownership.

6. Engage in hobbies: Pursue activities that bring you joy and allow you to meet like-minded individuals.

   1. Think about what you spend the most time doing when enjoying yourself. What are the things that you want to do or learn more about?

7. Be vulnerable: Open up about your feelings of loneliness with trusted individuals. Authenticity fosters deeper connections. They may even have ideas, hobbies, and events they think you might enjoy.

8. Limit social media: While social media can facilitate connections, it can also exacerbate feelings of loneliness since many connections are subsurface. Limit screen time and prioritize in-person interactions.

9. Seek professional help: If loneliness persists and significantly impacts your well-being, don't hesitate to seek support from a therapist or counselor.

In conclusion, combating loneliness requires a multi-step approach that addresses various social needs that we as humans all have. By taking the initiative to connect with others, being vulnerable to close friends and family, limiting/removing social media, and engaging in hobbies, we can cultivate meaningful connections and lead fulfilling lives. Remember, you're not alone in your struggle, and reaching out is the first step toward healing.

Love,

 Kynr 

Works Cited

"New APA Poll: One in Three Americans Feels Lonely Every Week." American Psychiatric Association, 30 January 2024, https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/new-apa-poll-one-in-three-americans-feels-lonely-e#:~:text=The%20latest%20Healthy%20Minds%20Monthly,they%20are%20lonely%20every%20day.