August is National Wellness Month

Updated: August 1, 2023

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched its Wellness Initiative based on a wellness model Dr. Swarbrick created for people with behavioral conditions.

The Wellness Initiative identifies eight dimensions of wellness, along with basic needs related to each one. The dimensions influence one another and affect a person’s overall health and quality of life. The dimensions are:

  1. Emotional: Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
  2. Environmental: Enjoying good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
  3. Financial: Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
  4. Intellectual: Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
  5. Occupational: Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
  6. Physical: Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep
  7. Social: Developing a sense of connection and belonging; and having a [good] support system
  8. Spiritual: Expanding one’s sense of purpose and meaning in life

What is Wellness? – Global Wellness Institute
10 tips of a healthy life – Harvard Medical School
What is self-care? – International Self-Care Foundation
There’s No “Right” Way to Do Self-Care – Harvard Business Review
Social Wellness – University of New Hampshire
25 tips to improve your financial well-being – Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Intellectual Wellness – University of Toledo
Occupational Wellness – Washington State University
Why Be Spiritual? Five Benefits of Spirituality – Psychology Today
Social Wellness – Cone Health
Dimensions of wellness: Change your habits, change your life – National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Screen4Success | Screening for Health, Wellness, and Wellbeing – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

National Institute of Health: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Emotional Wellness
Environmental Wellness Toolkit

National Wellness Institute
“Six Dimensions of Wellness” – Wellness Resources & Tools
“Multicultural Competency in Wellness” – Wellness Resources & Tools

Mayo Clinic
The importance of self-care during difficult times
Selfcare tips during the pandemic