• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggies Don't Bite
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easter
  • Recipes
  • Shop
  • Resources
  • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Easter
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Resources
    • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home ▸ Real Food Real Conversations Podcast

    Constantly Moving Along the Wellness Continuum

    Last modified: June 22, 2021. Originally posted: August 4, 2021 By Sophia DeSantis

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Orange smoothie in a jar with a strawberry on the rim and overlay text on wellness

    The wellness continuum is a sliding scale with no end. The goal is to move towards wellness, but each moment can take us in any direction.

    Overlay text on wellness with a turquoise background and a photo of an orange smoothie in a glass jar
    Click here to subscribe

    Wellness isn't simply the absence of disease. It's a multidimensional continuum that encompasses both sides of health. The goal is to move towards optimal wellness, but the reality is we move up and back with every situation.

    Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

    Subscribe now! Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More

    What is Wellness?

    The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as "an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence."

    Basically it means you are practicing habits that move you towards better mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing so that you can achieve your full potential.

    The illness-wellness continuum shows a visual interpretation that shows how wellness is not simply the absence of disease, in fact there is a neutral point that depicts neither illness or wellness.

    The Illness-Wellness Continuum 

    This visual of the concept of wellbeing was first proposed by John Walton Travis in 1972. People generally associated wellness with the absence of illness. But through his illustration he showed that overall wellness includes many factors.

    Not only is there the absence of physical disease, but it takes emotional and mental health into account as well. Just because someone doesn't have physical disease, it doesn't mean they don't suffer from mental disease.

    Photo of two rainbow colored arrows on one line going opposite directions with overlay text on wellness

    Dimensions of Wellness

    There are many factors when it comes to wellness. While many focus on the physical and mental aspects, other areas come into play as well.

    1. Physical Wellness- the state of your physical health meaning how you eat, sleep and move your body affects your overall wellbeing.
    2. Emotional Wellness- the state of your feelings and emotions and how you cope with relationships and life in general.
    3. Social Wellness- how you interact with others.
    4. Spiritual Wellness- using your beliefs and values to live a meaningful life and develop a world view.
    5. Intellectual Wellness- keeping your brain stimulated by engaging in activities that are creative and challenge you.
    6. Environmental Wellness- making sure your environment allows your well-being to thrive.
    7. Occupational Wellness- enriching your life through work that is fulfilling and rewarding.

    The Importance of Wellness

    Being able to live life to your full potential requires you to be in a positive state of wellness. Our body cannot function at it's best if we are in a state of disease, whether it is physical or emotional.

    As we move towards wellness, we start to see many areas of our life improve. From our physical health, to the state of our relationships.

    Like Newton's First Law of Motion states that a body in motion remains in motion. This can be applied to the motion towards wellness. If we start with one are and work to improve on it, then we are motivated and able to work on other areas.

    This will come together to affect all areas of wellness and will help our overall wellbeing.

    Examples of Wellness

    There are many ways that you can work on your overall well-being. Here are some examples for all dimensions of wellness.

    • Focus on eating wholesome nutritious food.
    • Move your body each day.
    • Meditate.
    • Participate in activities that challenge you and make you step out of your comfort zone.
    • Do something nice for a friend to show them that you care.
    • Practice mindfulness.
    • Surround yourself with people who contribute positively to your life.
    • If you belong to a church, attend activities.
    • Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
    • Monitor how much social media you take in
    • Start a new hobby.

    These are just some examples, there are many things you can do to improve your overall state of health in order to live your best life.

    Don't forget to download this healthy habits guide to help you along the way!

    Click here to subscribe
    A photo of a signature saying Sophia with a blueberry as the letter O

    PS- If you liked this episode of Real Food Real Conversations, please subscribe and leave me a review!

    And tag me on Instagram whenever you're listening! I reply to all my messages!

    « Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Cobbler
    Understanding The Illness Wellness Continuum »

    Reader Interactions

    Questions or comments? Let me know below! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Sophia and I love food. As a food photographer, plant-based recipe creator, and client-centered health coach, I focus on helping people feel empowered instead of overwhelmed when it comes to overall health and wellness. Let me help you eat more plants!

    More about me →

    Click here to subscribe

    Vegan Easter Recipes

    • Brown bowl on a dark surface with an orange colored hummus dip topped with spices and chopped parsley.
      Roasted Carrot Hummus Recipe
    • A frosted piece of carrot cake on a black plate with shredded coconut on it.
      Incredible Vegan Carrot Cake (Gluten-Free)
    • A blue surface with a grey towel and glass jars on it filled with carrot cake oats and spoons inside.
      Healthy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
    • A tall glass jar in front of another jar both filled with peach colored smoothies topped with shredded carrots, chopped pecans and coconut.
      Healthy Carrot Cake Smoothie (Vegan)

    Trending Recipes

    • Pile of three pieces of spanakopita on a white plate
      World's Best Greek Vegan Spanakopita
    • Looking for the perfect way to start your day? This vegan oatmeal recipe is the ultimate creamy delicious choice and it comes together in mere minutes! #veganbreakfastrecipes #easymeals
      The Best Creamy Vegan Oatmeal Recipe
    • A collage of a burrito, sandwich, past bowl and taco bowl.
      Easy Vegan Meal Plan For a Week
    • A purple smoothie bowl in a cream bowl topped with fruit, granola and nuts on a dark grey blue towel.
      How to Make a Thick Vegan Smoothie Bowl
    Cookbook cover with a burrito, burger and fries on a white table with a black background

    Amazon | Barnes & Noble

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Logos of websites that listed places this site has been featured

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Click here to subscribe

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Press

    Copyright © 2013-2023 Veggies Don't Bite