Focus on Flourishing with the Wellness Wheel

Published by Annie Barrett: 
September 29, 2025

When we’re flourishing, life feels vibrant and aligned. We have energy, we feel nourished and rested, our efforts feel meaningful, and our relationships bring us joy. In short: flourishing = thriving.

The opposite is languishing — when we feel drained, stuck, or simply going through the motions.

One tool I often share with coaching clients to help them move toward flourishing is the Wellness Wheel. It’s a simple yet powerful framework for reflecting on different aspects of wellbeing and noticing where balance and support are needed. Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s an active process of becoming aware and making choices that move you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

The Eight Dimensions of Wellbeing

The wheel includes eight interconnected areas of life:

  • Physical Wellbeing – energy, movement, nourishment, and quality sleep
    👉 Reflection: How is your body feeling lately, and what would help it feel more energized and nourished?
  • Mental/Emotional Wellbeing – mindset, stress management, emotional health
    👉 Reflection: What is your current mindset, and how well are you managing stress and emotions?
  • Social Wellbeing – friendships, connections, belonging
    👉 Reflection: Which relationships or connections feel supportive, and where might you want more connection?
  • Recreation/Fun – hobbies, downtime, joy outside of work or school
    👉 Reflection: Are you making time for hobbies, play, or activities that bring you joy?
  • Financial Wellbeing – budgeting, savings, money management
    👉 Reflection: How secure and balanced do you feel with your money management, budgeting, or savings?
  • Career / Occupational Wellbeing – satisfaction with work, study, or leadership role
    👉 Reflection: How satisfied are you with your job, studies, or leadership role, and what could enhance your sense of purpose?
  • Home/Environment – safe, comfortable, supportive spaces
    👉 Reflection: Does your home or work environment feel safe, comfortable, and supportive of your wellbeing?
  • Spirituality – meaning, values, sense of connection and purpose
    👉 Reflection: What practices, values, or moments help you feel connected, grounded, and aligned with meaning in your life?

How to Use the Wellness Wheel

  1. Rate your satisfaction in each area on a scale of 1 (struggling) to 10 (flourishing).
  2. Shade or color the sections of the wheel to match your scores.
  3. Step back and notice: What does the picture reveal about your balance of wellbeing?

Go with your first response — there are no right or wrong answers.

A Gentle Reminder

Flourishing isn’t about achieving a perfect score in every area. It’s about noticing what you need in this season of life and making small, intentional shifts to support balance and growth.

✨ [Download a PDF of the Wellness Wheel here]

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