What is Wellness?

Wellness is more than just being physically healthy; it is a preventative and proactive approach to health in which individuals make choices that lead to a successful existence (Locke, 2001).  Originally there were 6 dimensions of wellness created by Dr. Bill Hettler, MD.  They included social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical and occupational wellness (“Health & Wellness”, 2010).  Since then the health promotion field has expanded wellness to include other sub categories.  

The dimensions adopted by New York Institute of Technology, and used by the U.S Department of Health & Human Services include:

• Intellectual Wellness- Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
• Social Wellness- Developing a sense of connection and a well-developed support system, this can be a tremendous resource for wellness
• Emotional Wellness- Developing skills and strategies for being able to cope effectively with stress, challenges, and conflict
• Financial Wellness- Feeling satisfied with current and foreseeable future financial situation
• Spiritual Wellness- Exploring, respecting, and incorporating personal values, beliefs, and the awareness of a being or force that transcends the material life
• Physical Wellness- Recognizing the need for physical activity, diet, sleep, and nutrition while discouraging the use of tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption
• Occupational Wellness- Deriving personal satisfaction and enrichment from participating in work, volunteering, and other activities that that reflect personal values, interests, and beliefs
• Environmental Wellness- Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support our well-being
   (SAMHSA, 2010 and Mental Health & Recovery Board – Erie & Ottawa County, 2011) 

The goal of NYIT's Health Promotion activities is to help students achieve wellness in all dimensions and create healthy lifestyles during college that can be continued post-graduation.    

The office regularly holds workshops and activities on various topics such as stress, sleep habits, sexual health, nutrition and safe driving.  

View information about Immunizations or Health Insurance.

References

Locke, D., Myers, J., & Herr, E. (2001). The Handbook of Counseling. Thousand Oaks, CA:  Sage Publications, pg. 642. 

Wikgren, S., Scott, C., & Rinaldi, A. (Eds.).  (2010). Health & Wellness for Life - Human Kinetics, Health on Demand.  Champaign, IL: Premier Print Group, pg. 2. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – US Department of Health & Human Services. (2010).   (Publication NO. 10-4568).  Washington, DC: U.S.  Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/

Mental Health & Recovery Board – Erie & Ottawa County.  (2011). Wellness & Mental Health. Retrieved from www.mhrbeo.org/