No time to read? No probelm. Tanya includes an audio version, so she reads the newsletter to you.
There are 8 interconnected elements that support our overall health, and
our mental health depends on all of them working together in harmony.
I’ve listed the “8 dimensions of wellness” in alphabetical order so they
can be easier to remember:
- Emotional Wellness
Emotional wellness doesn’t come from avoiding negative feelings & people.
It comes from building your resilience, learning to self-soothe, and
surrounding yourself with people who uplift you. - Environmental Wellness
Our surroundings directly affect our mood and stress levels. Environmental
wellness means creating spaces that feel nurturing and inspiring. It can be
as simple as decluttering your desk, adding plants, or spending more time
outdoors. - Financial Wellness
Financial stress can quickly erode our mental health. Financial wellness is
about feeling secure in your present and future and knowing you can meet
your needs without constant worry.
You can quickly build good habits, confidence, and a sense of control by
making small, specific, & consistent steps (i.e. auto-transfer $50 to savings
every week or month). - Intellectual Wellness
Intellectual wellness comes from learning, problem-solving, and flexing
your creativity. Reading, taking a class, or trying a new hobby can keep
your mind active & engaged. - Occupational Wellness
Work takes up a big portion of our lives, so it’s no surprise that any level of
dissatisfaction at work can drag down our mental health.
Think about one small change you could make to your workday that would
make it more enjoyable – and then take action. Even tiny adjustments – like
moving your desk for better light – can lift your energy.
- Physical Wellness
This is the wellness most of us know best – where we focus on good
nutrition, movement, quality sleep, and preventive health care. Physical
wellness gives us the energy to do the things that matter to us.
It’s also important to have a level of enjoyment in our movements – instead
of making it a punishment for what we ate. Joyful movement is far more
sustainable than rigid exercise routines. - Social Wellness
Humans are wired for connection which comes from nurturing relationships,
building a support system, and feeling a sense of belonging.
Schedule “connection time” into your week the same way you schedule
appointments. A 10-minute call with a friend can be just as important as a
workout. - Spiritual Wellness
This is about purpose, meaning, and alignment with your values. It can be
expressed through religion, meditation, time in nature, or acts of service.
Spiritual wellness can ground you when life feels uncertain.
Start and end your day with a grounding ritual to reconnect with what
matters most to you.
A truly balanced life doesn’t mean giving all 8 areas equal time every day –
it means not forgetting any of them for too long. Think of your “overall”
wellness like the spokes of a wheel: if one breaks, the whole ride gets
bumpier.
Better mental health starts with awareness. Notice where you’re strong,
and where you’ve been running on empty. Then make small, consistent
changes. Over time, you’ll find that balance isn’t about perfection – it’s
about giving yourself the consistent support you need to thrive.
Keep seeking, keep learning, and keep showing up for yourself. As
always, I’m here when you want some help.
Tanya MacIntyre is a Certified CBT Specialist, Mental Health Professional,
and founder of Red Roof Recovery and Mental Health Fitness Alliance
(MHFA).
DISCLAIMER: This content is not intended to constitute, or be a substitute
for, medical diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard medical advice from a
doctor, or delay in seeking it, because of something you have watched,
read, or heard from anyone at Red Roof Recovery.