Maintaining positive mental health is crucial to living a fulfilling life, but it can be a challenging balancing act. Many different factors contribute to your mental well-being, from your personal and social life to your occupation and spirituality. When one or more areas of your life are out of balance, it can lead to your mental health feeling “off.”

When our mental health is challenged, this balancing act becomes even more complicated. Thankfully, therapists, psychologists, and other clinicians have developed various tools to help manage mental wellbeing. One of the most helpful tools is the Wellness Wheel, a simple and easy-to-use resource that helps you track your mental health and make adjustments in certain areas.

What exactly is the Wellness Wheel, and how can it help you work on your mental health and wellness? The Wellness Wheel recognizes the multifaceted approach that is the most effective way to work toward mental well-being. It’s a visual tool that helps you understand the factors that affect your mental health and make healthier decisions that contribute to a balanced, meaningful life.

The Wellness Wheel comprises eight dimensions that work together to support your mental health:

• Emotional Wellness
• Physical Wellness
• Intellectual Wellness
• Social Wellness
• Environmental Wellness
• Occupational Wellness
• Financial Wellness
• Spiritual Wellness

Each of these dimensions plays an important role in maintaining positive mental health.

• Emotional wellness consists of your thoughts, emotions, and ability to deal with challenges in your life.
• Physical wellness involves caring for your body and listening to the cues it gives you.
• Intellectual wellness means engaging in mentally stimulating and creative activities that engage your mind.
• Social wellness involves the connections between you and your family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and anyone else in your life.
• Environmental wellness refers to your surroundings.
• Occupational wellness means working in a career that brings meaning and purpose to the work you do.
• Financial wellness involves making responsible choices about living within your means.
• Spiritual wellness involves recognizing and understanding your purpose in life.

By looking at each of these dimensions and making adjustments where necessary, you can work towards better mental health and well-being. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Start by assessing your current level of wellness in each of the eight dimensions of the Wellness Wheel. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 for each dimension, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.
2. Identify areas of your life that need improvement. Which dimensions of the Wellness Wheel are you scoring low on? These are the areas that need the most attention.
3. Create a plan of action. For each dimension that needs improvement, identify specific actions you can take to improve your score. For example, if you scored low on physical wellness, you might create an exercise routine or plan healthier meals. If you scored low on social wellness, you might join a club or organization to meet new people.
4. Implement your plan. Start taking action to improve your mental health in the areas that need attention. Set specific goals and track your progress over time.
5. Reassess your wellness wheel periodically. As you make progress, reassess your scores on the Wellness Wheel to see how you’re improving. Celebrate your successes and identify areas that still need work.
6. Seek professional help if necessary. If you’re struggling with mental health issues that you can’t address on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide guidance and support to help you achieve your goals.

Using the Wellness Wheel can help you take a holistic approach to mental health and well-being. By identifying areas that need improvement and taking action to address them, you can improve your overall mental health and lead a more fulfilling life.

However, if you’re struggling with mental illness, it can be challenging to work on your wellness alone. Seeking help from a therapist can make a massive difference. Our team is dedicated to helping you explore your life and create more balance and the change you want. Our Chicago therapists are available in person in our Lakeview offices and via telehealth. Schedule with us today!

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice.
The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed health care provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.