Exploring Balance with the Wellness Wheel
Tonight, my husband and I sat down after dinner to try the Wellness Wheel—a simple yet insightful tool for reflecting on balance across different areas of life. I used it to assess my current state, while my husband chose to reflect on his past year. The process was not only enlightening but also sparked meaningful conversations about our priorities and well-being.
We began by rating each category—health, emotions, finances, career, spirituality, fun and leisure, relationships, and personal growth—on a scale of 1 to 10. While the scoring is subjective, that’s part of its value; it invites personal reflection and honest dialogue. After rating, we shared why we chose those scores and used a set of guiding questions to dig deeper.
For example, in health, I asked:
- How satisfied am I with my physical well-being?
- Am I maintaining healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sleep?
In relationships, we considered:
- How meaningful are my connections with family and friends?
- Am I investing time and energy into nurturing those bonds?
These prompts helped us gain clarity about what’s working and where there’s room for improvement.
Once we finished scoring, we took a moment to express gratitude for the areas we felt satisfied with. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s lacking, but pausing to celebrate what’s already going well felt grounding. Then, we turned our attention to the lower-scoring categories. We imagined what a 10/10 in those areas would feel like and brainstormed steps to get closer to that vision.
Some of these actions were personal, like setting goals for my fitness journey or carving out time to read the books waiting on my shelf. Others were shared commitments, like planning adventurous activities for the coming year—surfing and camping are already on our list!
Why the Wellness Wheel Matters
Life is complex, and asking yourself, “How are you feeling?” can sometimes feel too broad to answer meaningfully. The wellness wheel breaks that question into smaller, actionable parts, offering a clearer picture of your overall well-being. I found it invaluable for understanding not just myself but also my husband’s perspective. Knowing where he stands helps me show up for him in ways that truly matter.
The Beauty of Active Adjustment
We’ve decided to revisit the wellness wheel regularly—maybe monthly, quarterly, or annually. It’s a great way to check in, track how we’re doing, and align our actions with our values. Striving for perfect balance in every area might be unrealistic, but that’s not the point. Life is dynamic, and the key is staying adaptable and intentional.
I encourage you to try it, too—whether alone or with someone close. Take time to reflect, celebrate, and make small adjustments. You might be surprised by the clarity and direction it brings to your life!