Self Care

Wellness Wheel

The Wellness Wheel offers an integrated overview of human life. The balance of these life functions results in good health and wellbeing. When you look at the wheel, think of it truly as a wheel that needs equal balance all the way around to function properly.

What would it be like if you had a great deal of physical health, but poor emotional health and spiritual health and you wanted the wheel to function as it should? Would the wheel be able to move smoothly?

It would literally clunk and struggle to move forward. Balance is essential as you move through your grief. These domains on the wellness wheel can serve as a guide, so when things are feeling out of balance, you can reflect on the areas of your life that need more attention. With that said, perfection is not the goal. If, for example, you find yourself without a job right now or you are facing health problems, this does not mean you cannot strive for balance in other parts of your life. Remember, the goal is to take care of yourself in such a way that you have continued strength to get through each day, one day at a time.

It is so common to neglect any kind of self care when you are struggling just to get through day to day life after your loss.

Physical Wellness

A perception and expectation of physical health.

• Exercising regularly
• Eating properly
• Getting regular physical check-ups
• Avoiding the use of tobacco or illicit drugs

Intellectual Wellness

The perception of being internally energized by an optimal amount of intellectually stimulating activity.

• Learning because you want to - not because you are told to. Doing the work assigned.
• Learning through varied experiences - reading, writing, sharing and exploration
• Observing what is around you
• Listening
• Finding applications for material learned in the classroom
• Staying current with world affairs/news
• Questioning
• Exposing yourself to new experiences (e.g. arts, theater)

Emotional Wellness

Possession of a secure self-identity and a positive sense of self-regard; also the ability to cope with and/or improve unpleasant mood states.

• Keeping a positive attitude
• Being sensitive to your feelings and the feelings of others
• Learning to cope with stress
• Being realistic about your expectations and time
• Taking responsibility for your own behavior
• Dealing with your personal and financial issues realistically
• Viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles
• Functioning independently but knowing when you need to ask for help

Spiritual Wellness

A positive perception of meaning and purpose in life.

• Being open to different cultures and religions
• Giving your time to volunteer or participate in community service activities
• Spending time defining personal values and ethics and making decisions that complement them
• Spending time alone in personal reflection
• Participating in spiritual activities
• Participating in activities that protect the environment
• Caring about the welfare of others and acting out of that care

Social Wellness

A perception of having support available from family, friends, or co-workers in times of need and a perception of being a valued support provider.

• Being comfortable with and liking yourself as a person
• Interacting easily with people of different ages, backgrounds, races, lifestyles
• Contributing time and energy to the community
• Communicating your feelings
• Developing friendships
• Recognizing a need for "fun" time in your life
• Budgeting and balancing your time to include both responsibilities and relaxation

Occupational Wellness

The positive perception of the environment that one works and lives in.

• Finding satisfaction and worth in your work
• Ensuring your work environment and relationships are comfortable
• Being aware of the natural environment you live in
• Recognizing opportunities that lead you to new skills and acting on those opportunities
• Working to ensure the stability and longevity of our natural resources

Click here to download a checklist to be used as a reminder of some of the things you may be doing for yourself now, and some things that you can do for yourself later. You may want to add things to this list. It is nice way to have a reminder that you need to be priority to yourself as you move through the pain of grief.

Resources are researched, assembled and provided by Lifebanc for personal use only.