Balancing multiple roles are positive predictors of overall life satisfaction (Bryant & Constantine, 2006). And who does not want satisfaction in both their work and/or personal lives? The solution may be in the practice of incorporating and mindfully practicing the six domains of wellness.
Wellness is defined as a holistic framework that addresses a system of interrelated dimensions; these dimensions of wellness include physical, spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and psychological (Normand, 2018; Nuvayouma, 2023). Cultivates wellness can help mitigate the negative consequences associated with stress.
Mindfulness practice is an approach to reduce stress and serves as a venue for self-care (McCollum & Gehart, 2010). It improves well-being and behavioral regulation and positively affects attention, cognition, and stress management, which are all key factors in our wellness (Creswell & Lindsay, 2014; Keng et al., 2011; Smallwood & Schooler, 2015). With even a small amount of effort, mindfulness allows us to stay focused in the moment and provides space to address all six domains:
Physical Wellness: Research has identified that physical activity helps renew the mind and build resilience to manage stress. The physical domain is not only focused on exercise, but it also includes sleep, nutrition, and health maintenance.
Psychological Wellness: requires self-awareness and mindful reflection on self. It also involves an appreciation for individual purpose and motivation to achieve opportunities (Rosen 2017)
Emotional Wellness in leadership: It is the famous “emotional intelligence” test. It is how we connects emotionally and with empathy to others. It is the capacity to connect, understand, reason, and apply appropriate emotions (Mittal & Sindhu 2012).
Intellectual Wellness: activates growth and skills through mental engagement (Ross & Squires 2015). Per Botha (2013), these activities may include: acquire new skills, use research to make informed decisions and obtain diverse viewpoints on topics.
Social Wellness: Research identifies this domain as the interpersonal skills that influence our effectiveness. It fosters development of self-control, access to social support, promotes healthy relationships, and ultimately promotes altruism in the leader (Roscoe 2009).
Spiritual Wellness in leadership: Allows for individuals to have a foundation for ethical decision-making process. It provides an opportunity to find a higher purpose to support long-term vision through interconnectedness (Ross & Squires 2015).
Mindfulness is one approach to support all these six domains and it can help connect one’s actions with the organization’s purpose by helping the leader turn off “autopilot” functioning and focus on the present, with the intent to be a better leader.
So, if are interested in supporting your wellness, please consider contacting Arise Wellness for your self-care class or individual session. We look forward to seeing you at our clinic.
