The Six Domains of Wellness

A Brief Introduction

Wellness is an umbrella term often used to describe the various aspects that impact a person’s quality of life. While the idea of wellness often brings to mind physical fitness and health, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Scientists have yet to agree on how many domains of wellness there are. Depending on who you ask there could be as few as four, or as many as 30!

This brief overview covers the six domains that paint a picture of wellness; physical, social, emotional, intellectual, vocational, and spiritual. It will briefly say what they are, why they’re important, and give a few examples of how to incorporate activities that can help fulfill those needs. It’s important to remember that not everyone’s wellness looks the same.

Physical

Physical wellness is all about adopting healthy habits that make you feel better in your body, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, taking any medications you require, and getting enough sleep. It is important to tailor this domain to suit your lifestyle, your level of mobility, and fitness.

Examples of activities suited to the physical domain:

  • Going for a walk

  • Chair yoga

  • Balloon volleyball

  • Wii bowling

Social

Social wellness is the easiest domain to include in activity planning since most include at least some aspect of being social. This domain focuses on relationships- friendly, romantic, or otherwise.

It is important to note that social wellness does not only mean partying in a large group. Introverts, for example, would probably prefer to spend time one on one, or with pets. It also does not have to be solely in person.

Examples of social domain activities include:

  • Tea parties

  • Going to the movies or to dinner

  • Playing a board game

  • Talking in online forums

Emotional

Emotional wellness deals with the ability to acknowledge, process and understand how your emotions impact your thoughts, behaviors, and overall well-being. Promoting emotional wellness prepares you to handle life’s stresses through the development of healthy coping mechanisms and relationships.

Examples of emotional domain activities include:

  • Pet therapy

  • Listening to music

  • Reminiscing

  • Support groups

Intellectual

Intellectual wellness refers to the fostering of critical thinking, problem solving skills, and creativity. It is a commitment to personal development and lifelong learning through formal education, hobbies, cultural engagement, or a combination of the three. The goal is expanding your horizons, increasing open-mindedness, sparking innovation, and encouraging introspective thought.

Examples of intellectual domain activities include:

  • Reading

  • Crossword puzzles or other word games

  • Attending lectures or discussions

  • Socializing with members of other cultures

Vocational

Vocational wellness, often referred to as occupational or career wellness, involves finding satisfaction in the work you do. It goes beyond having a fulfilling career. Vocational wellness encourages using your unique skills to contribute to your community, having good work-life balance, and maintaining financial stability.

Activities that are examples of vocational wellness include:

  • Gardening

  • Teaching piano

  • Volunteering at a craft fair

  • Coaching little league

Spiritual

Spiritual wellness relates to the pursuit of inner peace, a deeper understanding of ourselves, our community and the world. It is also about exploring your beliefs, determining your values and finding meaning and purpose in life.

Many people achieve spiritual wellness through religious activities, such as bible study or going to temple. However, religion is simply one way in which to do so.

Other examples include:

  • Yoga

  • Meditation

  • Journaling

  • Spending time in nature

Those were the six main domains of wellness. You might find that you relate to some more than others and that is normal. You might also find that these six domains don’t fully encompass your wellness needs.

Other suggested domains include: financial wellness, relating to economical stability, environmental wellness, focusing on living harmoniously with nature, and psychological wellness, which includes your sense of self and autonomy.

Further Reading