Stress surrounds us every day. We experience it in our personal lives, at work, in our relationships, and through the constant stream of information from the news and social media. We live in a world of endless notifications, growing expectations, and competing demands that pull us in multiple directions at once. We are often expected to be constantly available and do more than our time and energy allow. However, our body and brain were not designed to handle this level of continuous stress and demand. As a result, many people struggle to maintain balance, manage stress effectively, and protect their overall well-being.
In healthy amounts, stress can be beneficial. It can motivate us to try new things, work toward our goals, and overcome challenges. Our bodies and brains are designed to respond to stress by addressing a stressor and then returning to a state of balance and recovery. However, when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, the body may struggle to return to this balanced state. Instead, it can remain in a prolonged state of stress, which may have lasting effects on both physical and mental health, as well as overall quality of life.
In a world of constant news, social media, and other sources of stress, it is important to be intentional about disconnecting from these influences and reconnecting with the habits and practices that support overall well-being. One framework for achieving balance is the eight dimensions of wellness identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social wellness. By supporting each of these dimensions, individuals can build resilience, manage stress more effectively, and improve their overall quality of life.
Wellness is about creating balance between different areas of life. Being mindful of the dimensions of wellness can help you better understand where you are thriving and where you may need additional support. Taking time to reflect on each dimension individually by asking yourself what is going well and what feels challenging can provide valuable insight into your overall well-being. The dimensions of wellness are interconnected, and challenges in one area can impact other areas. For example, occupational stress may influence emotional wellness, while financial concerns can impact social relationships and physical health.
Regularly checking in with the dimensions of wellness can help you better understand what your mind and body need in a given moment. If you identify an area where you are struggling, consider what actions or resources might be helpful. Writing down specific, achievable steps can be an effective way to address your needs and restore a greater sense of balance.
Stress is a natural part of life, and it is not something we can eliminate completely. However, we can take intentional steps to care for ourselves while navigating life’s challenges. The eight dimensions of wellness provide a practical framework for understanding our needs and identifying areas that may require additional attention.
Wellness is not about achieving perfection in every area of life. Instead, it is an ongoing process of self-awareness and growth. By making small, consistent choices that support our well-being, we can build resilience, find greater balance, and feel better equipped to meet the demands of everyday life.
Richard P. Holm, MD passed away in March 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He is founder of The Prairie Doc®. For free and easy access to the entire Prairie Doc library, visit www.prairiedoc.org and follow Prairie Doc on Facebook. Curstie is a certified social worker in private or independent practice and holds a Master of Public Health degree.
