In this dimension of wellness, personal satisfaction and enrichment in one's life is derived from participation in work and volunteer activity as well as other activities and tasks. How and where we spend the majority of our days is often dictated by our interests and goals, and it can impact our overall happiness, self-worth and well-being. Our physical well-being goes hand-in-hand with performing occupational duties and impacts our overall well-being, too.

Here are some practical tips for optimal occupational well-being:

• Consider your work space and mechanics while working in your position. Do you need some professional advice on proper mechanics or body posture? Have BJC's ergonomics experts evaluate your work area and make recommendations to make you more comfortable in your work space.
• Include some personal items in your work space -- photos, trinkets, etc. Making your space “yours” helps reduce stress.
• Organize your space to minimize clutter and rid yourself of old, unnecessary items that bog down your area.
• Talk to your supervisor or manager about the positive aspects of what you do in your line of work, as well as what else you could be doing to be an even better worker. Implementing suggestions from constructive criticism can create peace of mind in your job setting and ensure you’re always looking to be a better employee.
• Make time for your hobbies. Having interests outside of work is important to decompressing.
• Develop functional, transferable skills — such as customer service — in your current position.
• Look into taking a course for enrichment in your current occupation or activity, or pursue some activity of interest to you and complete a class or course to help you develop new skills necessary for that transition.

Would you like more suggestions for improving your physical well-being or other areas of the eight dimensions of wellness? The wellness professionals at BarnesCare are here to help! Contact BarnesCare for more information.