Many people think that if they are not sick, then they are well. However, the definition of wellbeing is optimal health and vitality, encompassing physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, interpersonal, social and environmental wellbeing.

Below is a short description of the seven areas of wellness.

Physical: Optimal physical wellbeing requires eating well, exercising, avoiding harmful habits (such as smoking), recognizing the signs of disease, getting regular physical exams, and taking steps to prevent injury i.e. wearing a bike helmet.

Emotional: Optimism, trust, self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-confidence, self-control satisfying relationships, and an ability to share feeling

Intellectual: Openness to new ideas, a capacity to question and think critically, and the motivation to master new skills.

Spiritual: Possess a set of guiding beliefs, principles, or values that give meaning and purpose to life. Spiritual wellbeing is also the capacity to love, have compassion for others, forgiveness, joy and fulfillment.

Social: Good communication skills, developing the capacity for intimacy and cultivating a support network of caring friends and/or family. Social wellbeing also means participating in and contributing to the community, country, and world.

Environmental: Learning and contributing to the health of the planet. Helping to eliminate pollutants, lead paint, and second hand smoke indoors. Environmental wellbeing requires learning how to protect yourself from these hazards and doing what you can to reduce or eliminate them.

Cultural: Develops awareness, appreciation, acceptance and embracement of cultural differences.