wellbeing model with six dimensions: Health, Environment, Community, Purpose, Security, and relationships

The Wellbeing Model

Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction and is influenced by physical, mental, social, emotional, spiritual and environmental factors. When we are experiencing wellbeing, we feel connected to purpose, people and community. We are at peace, energized, confident and in control, resilient and safe. In short, we are flourishing.

Wellbeing is impacted by our health as well as other factors illustrated in the Bakken Center’s Wellbeing Model.

Dimensions of Wellbeing

health
Health

This dimension encompasses all aspects of health – physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual. It is influenced by the food we eat, how much we exercise, how we manage our stress, how much we sleep along with other social, environmental and genetic influences.
purpose
Purpose

This dimension refers to our sense of meaning and direction in life. It includes our goals, values, and beliefs. Having a sense of purpose can give us a reason to get up in the morning and can help us to feel fulfilled.
relationships
Relationships

This dimension refers to our close relationships with others. It includes our partners, family members, and friends. Healthy relationships can provide us with love, support, and companionship.
community
Community

The community we live in impacts our health, safety, access to education and economic opportunities. Access, equity and whether or not people feel connected has a major impact on our wellbeing.  
security
Security

This dimension refers to our sense of safety and stability. It includes factors such as our financial security, housing security, and physical safety. Feeling secure can help us to relax and focus on other aspects of our lives.
environment
Environment

This dimension refers to the physical and social environment in which we live and work. It includes the built environment  - our homes, cities, workplaces. It also includes access to nature as well as clean air and water and freedom from toxins. Changes in our environment impacted by climate change have the potential of eroding every aspect of our health and wellbeing.
Take a wellbeing assessment.

Interconnected

All of these dimensions are interconnected. For example, our physical health can be affected by our environment, our relationships, and our sense of purpose. Our sense of purpose can be affected by our community, our security, and our health.

It is important to focus on all of these dimensions of wellbeing in order to achieve a well-rounded and fulfilling life. When we neglect one dimension, it can have a negative impact on the other ones. Here are some specific examples of how these dimensions can affect each other:

  • A person who lives in a polluted environment may be more likely to develop health problems, which can then affect their emotional well-being.
  • A person who feels isolated from their community may be more likely to experience loneliness and depression.
  • A person who is unemployed or underemployed may feel a lack of purpose and security, which can lead to anxiety and stress.
  • A person who is struggling with mental health may have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.

By taking care of all of the dimensions of our wellbeing, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling life for ourselves. Here are some quick tips for improving your wellbeing in each of these areas:

  • Health: Eat a healthy diet. Exercise regularly. Get enough sleep. Manage stress.
  • Purpose: Set goals for yourself. Find something you're passionate about. Help others.
  • Relationships: Spend time with the people you love. Be supportive and understanding. Communicate openly and honestly.
  • Community: Connect with your family and friends. Volunteer your time. Get involved in community activities.
  • Security: Assaults on human rights pose a threat to human dignity, livelihoods, and safety. Intolerance and the lack of civility have a corrosive effect on the social fabric that binds us together.
  • Environment: Make sure your home is clean and safe. Spend time with nature.

For more on each dimensions of wellbeing, please visit their pages.

Taking care of your wellbeing is an ongoing process. There will be times when you focus on one dimension more than others. But by making a conscious effort to invest in all of these areas, you can create a life that is truly fulfilling.

Use the Wellbeing Model to Reduce Stress

Even if you cannot remove the source of stress from your life, you can take steps to react to it in healthy, positive ways.

Stress is deeply related to and intertwined with various aspects of your wellbeing; it affects and is affected by many lifestyle choices you make. Chronic stress can make it very challenging to effectively address addictive and unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and skipping exercise routines. This creates a problematic loop, because these behaviors then cause more stress!

One of the best ways to minimize the harmful impact of stress on your body and mind is to take charge of other areas of your personal wellbeing.

Learn how to reduce stress

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