Wellness wheel
The Wellness Wheel demonstrates how the dimensions come together to promote a more complete well-being. Wellness is often considered as physical health when deciding whether someone is feeling well or not well. Healthy eating combined with exercise is necessary for a healthy lifestyle, but they are only one component of total wellness. Wellness has several components, and it is often viewed as a wheel with several spokes. This wellness wheel has six spokes: physical, intellectual, spiritual, career, social, and emotional. It is important to have each component (spoke) at a balanced level to promote total wellness. Wellness is when there is a degree of balance among the areas. Health wellness programming at Clarion University is centered on creating a balance between each of the six health/wellness components.
Physical :: Intellectual :: Emotional :: Social :: Spiritual :: Career
Physical
The physical component recognizes the need for regular physical activity. Individuals who practice physical well-being apply knowledge about exercise, nutrition, fitness, healthy eating habits, and personal hygiene into their daily routines.
Characteristics of Physical:
• Exercises safely and regularly
• Knowledge of nutritional information
• Balanced diet
• Maintaining regular sleeping patterns
• Managing stress through using healthy strategies
• Practicing healthy hygiene habits
• Regular visits to the doctor or health center
• Staying aware of personal health
• Avoids drugs, such as tobacco, that hinder physical health
• Attending the recreational center or joining intramurals
Intellectual
The intellectual component measures the degree to which an individual engages in creative mental activities. An intellectual healthy person uses the resources available to increase their knowledge and skills while sharing them with others.
Characteristics of Intellectual:
• Attending classes
• Completing assignments
• Maintaining an adequate amount of sleep
• Communicating with professors and university staff
• Attending presentations, lectures, programs offered through the university
• Exposing yourself to new experiences
• Maintaining organization skills
Emotional
The emotional component recognizes awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional wellness includes the level in which one feels positive and energetic about the life that they live. Positive emotional wellness also allows one to be sensitive and have empathy towards others.
Characteristics of Emotional:
• Being sensitive towards self and others
• Identifying ways to cope with stress
• Being independent, but seeking help when needed
• Taking responsibility for your own actions
• Attending programs dealing with stress management
• Attending programs that focus on relationship issues
Social
The social component encourages participation in ones community, campus, and environment.
Characteristics of Social:
• Participate in university activities, sporting events, students organizations, and university offered programs
• Become familiarized with all departments on campus
• Volunteer
• Join intramurals
• Develop a roommate contract
• Actively participate in study groups
• Incorporate social, or fun, activities along with upholding obligations
Spiritual
The spiritual component encourages individuals to increase their understanding of the beliefs, values, and ethics, which can help guide a clear path in their lives.
Characteristics of Spiritual:
• Take time to reflect each day
• Relaxation
• Yoga/Meditation Activities
• Religious traditions
Career
The career component measures the satisfaction gained from working and the level one is interested in the work.
Characteristics of Career:
• Visits Career Services on campus
• Choose a major that is related to your interests
• Attend leadership programs
• Attend work related workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs
• Find employment you enjoy
