Dimensions of wellnessWell-being is more than simply the absence of disease. It is the full integration of social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, intellectual and physical wellness. These seven dimensions act, and interact, in a way that contributes to the overall quality of life.
Over the next few issues of the NCMS Bulletin, Jason Horay, MS, ATC, CHES, the NCMS Plan Health Promotion Coordinator, will take you on a journey through each aspect of well-being, offering personal reflections and examples of ways to enhance each dimension within your workplace, community, and at home.
We encourage you to share this content with colleagues using social media and to share your ideas and personal experiences for enhancing your well-being by posting comments to the blog.
The series begins with the following article by Horay on Occupational Well-being
Occupational well-being is the ability to get personal fulfillment from your job while maintaining balance in your life. The desire to contribute in our careers, and to make a positive impact on the organizations we work in, and to society as a whole, leads to occupational well-being.
It is important for your overall well-being to do what you love and to love what you do. When you are doing what you are meant to do, you deepen you sense of meaning and purpose.
Choice of profession, job satisfaction, career ambitions, and personal performance are all important components of your path’s terrain.  I chose a career in health promotion because I recognized the personal satisfaction and enrichment felt when working with clients on individual behavior change and creating an overall culture of health at client medical practices.
While traveling on the path toward occupational well-being, I’ve been able to contribute my unique gifts, skills, and talents to my work that are both personally meaningful and rewarding.
I encourage you to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I enjoy going to work most days?
  • Do I have a manageable workload at work?
  • Do I feel that I can talk to my boss and co-workers when problems arise?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it may indicate an area where you need to improve the state of your occupational well-being.  Below are some additional examples of how to enhance your occupational well-being throughout the day:
At Work

  • Attend conferences to refine your skills
  • Expand your task set
  • Enhance your work/life balance
  • Seek out career counseling/coaching
  • Connect your purpose with your career
  • Create connections with your co-workers
  • Participate in continuing education online

In the Community

  • Attend classes at a community college
  • Volunteer
  • Attend professional networking groups

With Your Family

  • Seek work/life balance and boundaries
  • Create a separate, dedicated space to work at home
  • Turn off all notifications and devices when at home