In our programs about building resilience, we strive to provide practical ways we all can adapt in our lives to support our well-being. As parents and caregivers, our daily lives are a delicate juggling act, balancing work, family, and personal well-being. It’s crucial to recognize that true well-being or wellness extends beyond physical health—it encompasses eight interconnected dimensions that collectively contribute to a fulfilling and harmonious life. Let’s look at them, discuss ways to become aware of them, and make choices toward a more aligned life!

This blog will explore a practical reflection activity to help you and your family align your energies across the dimensions. We’ve also recently done this in our work team at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Feel free to adapt the following steps to any group you interact with and/or work with as a team.

Step 1: Review the Eight Dimensions of Wellness

Take a moment to review the eight dimensions of wellness: Emotional, Financial, Social, Spiritual, Occupational, Physical, Intellectual, and Environmental. Acknowledge that each dimension plays a vital role in your overall well-being.

Step 2: Assess Your Current Energy Investment

Consider how much time and energy you’re investing regularly in each dimension. Be honest with yourself. Where have you devoted the most energy? The least? This step sets the stage for understanding your current wellness landscape.

Step 3: Create Your Ideal Vision of Wholeness

Imagine you have 40 Energy Blocks to distribute across the eight dimensions. Devote between 1 and 10 blocks to each dimension based on your ideal visions of a balanced and fulfilled life. This exercise allows you to visualize where you want to allocate your energy for optimal well-being.

Step 4: Reflect on Your Vision: Reconciliation, Rebalance, Values, Inspiration

Now, compare your actual energy investment from Step 2 with your ideal vision in Step 3. What differences do you notice? What areas would you like to improve? Reflect on the list of values below and identify up to five that resonate with you. Are there other values not listed that hold significance for you or your family?

List of values:

Spirituality	Transformation	Social Good	Challenge
Boldness	Stability	Popularity	Family
Legacy	Beauty	Fun	Influence
Service	Pleasure	Growth	Security
Success	Curiosity	Friendship	Peace
Wholeness	Adventure	Love	Community
Creativity	Nature	Gratitude	Integrity

 

Cultivating wellness is an ongoing, dynamic process that requires attention and intention. By engaging in this reflection activity as a family, you’re taking a meaningful step toward fostering a balanced and fulfilling life. Embrace the journey of discovering what wellness means to each family member and celebrate the unique values contributing to your collective sense of wholeness. We’re excited to embark on this wellness adventure and build a foundation for a thriving and balanced as possible life.

Warmly,

Julika