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

3. 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)
3 Swarbrick, M. (2009). A wellness and recovery model for state hospitals. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, (25), 3

4. 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

6. 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).

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.)

16. 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

17. 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.)

18. 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

19. --------------------------------------------------------
WELLNESS DOMAIN STRENGTH’S
Emotional
Financial
Social
Physical
Intellectual
Spiritual
Environmental
Occupational

20. 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)