Life often feels like a juggling act, and finding balance can seem overwhelming. Wellness is more than just physical health—it’s about thriving in all areas of life. Here are 13 realms of rest and wellness, each offering unique ways to nurture yourself, along with examples to help you get started. I wrote a previous blog on rest and navigating the lowpoints of adulthood. I did some more research, and have additional areas for you to reflect on in your life:
Caring for your body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, and preventative care.
Examples: Go for a walk, hoop with the mandem, cook a nutritious meal, or schedule a routine health checkup.
Building meaningful connections and a supportive network of relationships. This focuses more on the quantity and diversity of these relationships.
Examples: Host a gathering with friends, hoop with the mandem, join a club, or make time for family game nights.
Managing emotions, developing self-awareness, and building resilience to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Examples: Practice gratitude journaling, attend therapy, or engage in deep conversations with a trusted friend.
Cultivating a healthy mindset, reducing stress, and fostering creativity and focus.
Examples: Meditate, declutter your space, or try a brain-teasing activity like crossword puzzles.
Caring for your senses by reducing overstimulation and creating soothing environments.
Examples: Light a calming candle, listen to nature sounds, or spend time in a visually serene setting.
Exploring your purpose, values, and connection to something greater than yourself.
Examples: Meditate, attend a faith service, or reflect during a nature walk.
Engaging in artistic or imaginative activities that allow self-expression and joy.
Examples: Paint, write poetry, or take a dance class that inspires you.
Developing a healthy relationship with money and feeling secure in your financial future.
Examples: Create a savings plan, track your spending, or seek financial education resources.
Living in harmony with your immediate surroundings, and possibly taking steps to protect and preserve the planet around you too.
Examples: Start recycling, declutter your space, or add plants to your home for a fresh atmosphere.
Finding purpose and satisfaction in your work while maintaining a work-life balance.
Examples: Set career goals, take breaks during the day, or attend a professional development seminar.
Nurturing healthy and fulfilling close relationships with partners, family, and friends. This focuses more on the quality and depth of these relationships.
Examples: Plan a date night, hoop with the mandem, have an honest conversation, or practice active listening.
Pursuing knowledge, curiosity, and personal growth through lifelong learning.
Examples: Read a book, learn a new language, or enroll in an online course.
Engaging with and honouring your cultural identity while learning about others.
Examples: Attend a cultural festival, explore your family and cultural heritage, or learn about a new tradition.
Takeaway
By tending to these realms of wellness, you can create a more balanced and fulfilling life. Start with small, intentional steps, and remember that wellness is a journey, not a destination.
The photo used for this blog was an example of physical, social, cultural and relational wellness. I was playing in the RiseUp League with my brothers and some friends. We won the championship.
Further Reading
For more guidance on rest and wellness, explore these resources that helped inform this blog:
https://ideas.ted.com/the-7-types-of-rest-that-every-person-needs/
https://stride.com.au/dimensions-of-wellness/environmental-wellness/
https://stride.com.au/dimensions-of-wellness/intellectual-wellness/
https://uwaterloo.ca/mechanical-mechatronics-engineering/mme-wellness-program/nine-dimensions-wellness/cultural-wellness
https://spokane.wsu.edu/wellness/occupational-wellness/
https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering-wellness-program/the-nine-dimensions-wellness/relational-wellness
If you want to understand what types of rest you may need, consider the following rest quiz:
https://www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/