Wellness Week Presented in 8 Dimensions Patrice Swarbrick, MSW, LCSW Rutgers University University Behavioral Health Care

Defining Wellness Wellness is a conscious, deliberate process that requires that a person become aware of and make choices for a more satisfying lifestyle. Recovery is a deeply personal, unique process of REGAINING balance when one experiences illness, crisis, and/or trauma. 1 Swarbrick, M. (March 1997). A wellness model for clients. Mental Health Special Interest Section Quarterly, 20, 1-4. 2 Swarbrick, M. (2006). A wellness approach. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29, (4) 311- 314. 3 Swarbrick, M. (2009). A wellness and recovery model for state hospitals. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, (25), 343-351. 3

WELLNESS IS: Wellness is not the absence of disease, illness, and stress but the presence of: Purpose in life Active involvement in satisfying work and play Joyful relationships A healthy body and living environment Happiness Dunn, H.L. (1961). High-Level Wellness, Beatty Press: Arlington, VA

Physical Wellness Dimension • Recognizing the need for regular physical activity and learn about diet and nutrition. Addressing the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. • Paying attention to physical health needs (e.g., nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, symptoms of stress like anxiety & depression, stress reduction). • Developing and following a balanced daily routine (e.g., adequate sleep and rest, walking, moderate levels of activity and productivity to promote health and counteract negative stress responses).

Physical Wellness Dimension Addressing co-morbid medical and addictive disorders Taking personal responsibility and care for minor and major illnesses and also knowing when professional medical attention is needed Addressing sexuality, safe sex and responsible sexual behaviors - how you see and feel about yourself as a sexual person

Emotional Wellness Dimension The capacity to manage one's feelings and the realistic assessment of one's limitations, and ability to cope effectively with stress. Tolerance, and the awareness of and acceptance of a wide range of feelings in yourself and others. The ability to live and work independently while realizing the importance of seeking and appreciating the support and assistance of others. The ability to take on challenges, take risks, and recognize conflict as being potentially healthy. Emotional wellness involves self-acceptance and contentment in pursuit of daily activities. The ability to use coping strategies to deal with daily life hassles and stress.

Financial Wellness Dimension Involves the ability to have financial resources to meet practical needs, and a sense of control and knowledge about personal finances. Satisfaction with current and future financial situations. Refers to the objective perceptions and subjective indicators of individuals’ personal financial status.  Indicators of financial wellness may include income, debt, savings and aspects of financial capability such as knowledge of financial products and services, planning ahead and staying on budget.

Spiritual Wellness Dimension A broad concept that represents one's personal beliefs and values Our spiritual dimension recognizes our search for meaning and purpose in being 'human’ and our existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for forces that exist in the universe. Explore, respect, and incorporate personal values, beliefs, awareness of a being or' force’ that transcends the material life and gives a sense of connectedness to the universe. Link and connect with cultural, religious and/or spiritual traditions which enhance self identity.

Environmental Wellness Dimension The environment includes our living, learning and working spaces and the larger communities where we participate as citizens. Finding pleasant, stimulating environments that support physical, social, and emotional well-being. Places that promote learning, contemplation and relaxation. Our connection to the earth, nature and the animal kingdom. The ability to feel relaxed in a safe, clean environment with access to clean air, food and water.

Social Wellness Dimension The social dimension encourages contributing to the environment and community and emphasizes the interdependence between you, others, and nature. Establishing and maintaining better communication with those around you. Enhancing personal relationships, important friendships, and building a better living space and community.

Occupational Wellness Dimension The opportunity to participate in activities that are meaningful and rewarding. The opportunity to participate in activities that are in line with personal values, interests and beliefs. Personal satisfaction and enrichment in one's life is derived from participation in work and volunteer activity. How we handle major tasks at work or school and meaningful roles in our lives.

Intellectual Wellness Dimension Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills while discovering the potential for sharing those gifts with others. Spending time pursuing personal interests, reading books, magazines, and newspapers to keep current on issues and ideas. Our capacity for problem solving and reasoning, creativity, insight, etc.

Wellness Daily Plan Financial Wellness activities: Set and follow a budget (daily, weekly, monthly) Balance checkbook Track spending Clip coupons Social Wellness Activities: Join a club Spend time with family, friends and/or pet Volunteer at an animal shelter or nursing home Attend a support/ self help group (i.e. AA, DBSA, GROW, Hearing Voices Network, etc.)

Wellness Daily Plan Spiritual Wellness activities: Pray, meditate or spend time reflecting Spend time with nature Breathing exercises Attend church or become involved in a community Read inspirational books Explore your values Environmental Wellness: Recycle Clean work or home space Discard waste and don’t litter Use less energy when possible (e.g., turning off lights) Ride a bike or walk instead of taking a car Spend time gardening/outdoors

Wellness Daily Plan Intellectual Wellness activities: Write Take a class Read a book Keep up with current affairs (e.g. watch news, read a newspaper or internet) Attend a play Learn about other cultures Occupational Wellness activities: Work Volunteer Pursue hobbies Engage in tasks in your valued life “roles” (i.e. parent, adult child, student, etc.)

Wellness Daily Plan Emotional Wellness activities: Journal Meditate Physical Wellness activities: Take a walk in a park Go to a gym Practice yoga Garden Ride a bike Dance Take medication, vitamins, etc. Emotional Wellness activities: Journal Meditate Help others Watch a movie See a comedy Work on a hobby

-------------------------------------------------------- WELLNESS DOMAIN STRENGTH’S Emotional -------------------------------------------------------- Financial Social ------------------------------------------------------- Physical ------------------------------------------------------ Intellectual Spiritual Environmental Occupational

Bibliography Swarbrick, M. (2012). A wellness approach to mental health recovery. In Recovery of People with Mental Illness: Philosophical and Related Perspectives. Abraham Rudnick,(ed). Oxford Press. Swarbrick, M. (2011). Expertise from experience: mental health recovery and wellness. In Eds. Graham, G., Thornicroft, G., Szmukler, G., Mueser, KT., & Drake, RE. Oxford Textbook of Community Mental Health. Oxford University Press. Travis. J. (2008). Dimensions of wellness (social). http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/wellness/dimensions.html