The Wellness Wheel
Early adulthood is an important period to evaluate and develop one’s identity. Vital to that process is an understanding of what it means to be a healthy person: a person who is in the process of becoming the kind of human he or she was designed to be. This process challenges individuals to look at the different aspects of the human person and soul, and committing oneself to continued growth in all areas, not just a select few. The Wellness Wheel is an excellent tool to guide evaluation and reflection in six key areas. One of our counseling staff, or other members of the Hillsdale College staff and faculty, are happy to come alongside students to assist in this journey.
Mental
Spiritual
Emotional
Physical
Social
Behavioral
Components of the Wellness Wheel
The Identification and Expression of Emotion
Questions for reflection:
How easily can you identify what emotion you are feeling at any given moment?
How do you handle stress?
How do you handle other unwanted emotions such as depression, anxiety, grief, anger, shame, hurt?
Which emotion(s) is/are the most difficult for you to process in a healthy manner?
What do others say about you and your emotions?
Our Choices and Will
Questions for reflection:
Are you using your time effectively?
Are there compulsive habits in which you are (or others believe you are) engaging in or are engaging in excesses such as alcohol, drug use, sexual behaviors, self-harm, eating issues, shopping, sleeping, digital consumption, social media, and video games?
Is one or more of the above items consuming a large portion of your daily schedule in thought or action?
Do you feel excessive guilt about any of the above behaviors? How motivated are you to set and achieve goals in life?
How would you rate your current level of health related to your behaviors?
The Treatment and Care of our Bodies
Questions for reflection:
How much sleep do you get on a daily basis?
Do you know the foods of which a nutritious diet consists?
How often do you eat a nutritious diet?
How many times a week do you exercise?
What type of exercise and for how long?
What do others say about you and your level of physical health?
Our Thought Process and Prospective on Life
Questions for reflection:
How healthy are your thoughts?
Are you self-deprecating or frequently have a negative disposition towards people or life?
How often do you engage in negative/destructive thinking and about what are you thinking?
Are you able to let go of or resolve negative thinking before it has a negative impact on you?
How effective are you at solving life’s problems and making decisions? How are you challenging yourself intellectually?
What do others say about your thought life, attitude, and problem-solving?
Our Connection to Something Higher
Questions for reflection:
What are your spiritual beliefs?
What are your beliefs about: the creation of the world, God, morality, and the afterlife?
How are you seeking to develop the spiritual aspect of yourself?
What is the purpose of your life?
By what set of values do you live your life?
How well do your choices and behaviors match the above values?
The Quantity and Quality of Relationships
Questions for reflection:
How would you define a quality relationship?
How many quality friendships do you have?
How many people know you intimately (i.e. your past joys/trauma/history, present stressors/successes/level of functioning, future dreams/aspirations/fears, as well as your gifts, talents, passions, weaknesses)?
What things don’t you talk to people about?
Why aren’t you close to those with whom you were close to in the past?
What do your arguments with friends, family, and loved ones reveal?
How easily do you forgive others?
How easily do you ask others for forgiveness?
What do others say about you socially?