Appendix 1: Wellness Wheel (Handout 1)
Handout 1 is a two-page PDF of a Wellness Wheel worksheet that shows the Wellness Wheel and gives descriptions and examples of the nine dimension of wellness.
Download Handout 1: Wellness Wheel Worksheet:
Wellness Wheel Tips and Strategies
Physical wellness: Taking care of your body through physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and mental well-being. For example:
- Engage in some form of physical activity every day for at least 30 minutes
- Eat a variety of healthy foods
- Get an adequate amount of sleep every night (7–9 hours)
Emotional wellness: Making time to relax, reduce stress, and take care of yourself. Paying attention to both positive and negative feelings and understanding how to handle these emotions. For example:
- Practice mindfulness
- Start a gratitude journal
- Pay attention to self-talk and shift toward positive self-talk
- Track emotions daily to look for patterns and possible triggers
Academic/career wellness: Expanding your knowledge and creating strategies to support continued learning. For example:
- Set up academic goals
- Create a study schedule and plan ahead
- Form a study group
- Connect with a mentor to further your understanding of career ideas
- Review your short- and long-term career goals regularly to make sure you are on track
Social wellness: Taking care of your relationships and society by building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships and fostering a genuine connection with those around you. For example:
- Make an effort to keep in touch with individuals who are supportive
- Practice active listening skills
- Join a club or an organization to meet new people
- Be mindful of commitments you make – know your limitations (don’t spread yourself too thin)
Creative wellness: Valuing and actively participating in arts and cultural experiences as a means to understand and appreciate the surrounding world. For example:
- Play an instrument or make music
- Engage in the visual arts
- Try creative writing
- Engage in creativity through movement (dance)
Spiritual wellness: Taking care of your values and beliefs and creating purpose in your life. For example:
- Volunteer
- Meditate
- Express gratitude
- Practice forgiveness and compassion for yourself and others
Environmental wellness: Taking care of what is around you. Living in harmony with the Earth by taking action to protect it and respecting nature and all species. For example:
- Spend time in nature
- When possible, travel by walking, riding your bike, or taking public transportation
- Recycle and compost
- Use reusable water bottles and shopping bags
Financial wellness: Learning how to successfully manage finances to be financially responsible and independent. For example:
- Create and maintain a budget
- Pay your bills on time
- Pack your lunch to limit how often you eat out
- Meal plan before grocery shopping
Intellectual wellness: Being open to exploring new concepts, gaining new skills, and seeking creative and st