Anyone who has been around me long enough has heard me say that you and I are multifaceted beings. We are mental, emotional, physical, physiological, and spiritual/existential. These five domains are always working in conjunction with one another. As cohesive as a team as they are, they do not function well when one member is down.

Think of it like your senses. Typically, when one of your senses is diminished, another is heightened. This is similar—except in reverse. When we fall apart in any one of our domains of wellness, we risk the rest of the tower coming down. For this reason, it is imperative that each domain is intentionally maintained.

I believe it is the heart of God for us to navigate our domains of wellness well. In 3 John 1:2, we read: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

God’s emphasis on wellness does not stop there. Scripture draws a direct connection between mental wellness and spiritual growth: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” — Romans 12:2

Regarding emotional wellness, we are called to guard and steady our hearts: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are all the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23

We are also called to be good stewards of our bodies: “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you… therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Physiologically, how we manage stress matters: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22

And spiritually, God calls us to abide in Him: “Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.”— John 15:4–5

This is only a glimpse of what God thinks about you and me operating in maximum wellness.

Why This Matters

I am passionate about building a strong foundation in these areas. Why? Because maintaining a position of wellness equips you to navigate seasons of high stress.

Do you have a plan for managing your:

• Mind
• Emotions
• Body
• Heart
• Spirit

If the answer is “no” to any of these, you may be navigating life in a very exposed way.

So what does a strong wellness regimen look like?

The Five Domains of Whole-Person Care

1. Wellness for Your Mind

What is your mind fixed on? What are you exposing it to?

This may be a season to spend intentional time in Scripture, develop a craft or skill, or surround yourself with people who provide healthy mental stimulation.

2. Wellness for Your Emotions

Do you know what you feel? Why you feel it? Have you given yourself permission to feel it? Do you have a plan for navigating those feelings?

If the answer is “no,” it may be time to begin your journey toward emotional intelligence.

• What does the Bible say about your emotions?
• How does God hold and care for them?
• Who do you have to help you process them?
• Have you considered speaking with a therapist?

3. Wellness for Your Body

Are you getting enough sleep? Eating well? Exercising? Resting?

Are you recharging—or constantly overextended?

Have you been to the dentist? Your primary care physician? Your OB-GYN?

It is important not only to know your body, but to understand what it needs.

4. Wellness for Your Heart

What makes you come alive? What excites you? Who encourages you?

If your heart is dry, your body often follows. The spiritual and physical ramifications of physiological depletion are extensive. You must know what fills your heart and restores your joy.

5. Wellness for Your Spirit

Do you know the Lord? Are you connected to Him?

Are you in your Bible? In prayer? In worship? Do you understand your purpose?

Spending time with God centers every other domain of wellness.

Building a Strong Foundation

Your domains of wellness rely on you to operate at your healthiest capacity. Doing so not only makes you a good steward of yourself, but also allows you to become a healthier version of yourself for others.

Managing your wellness matters to God—and it should matter to you.

When you establish healthy rhythms now, you do not have to scramble when stressful seasons arise.

You’ll already be ready.

Recommended Resources for Whole-Person Wellness

• The Mind Renewed by Timothy Lane & Paul David Tripp
• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
• The Integrated Life by Charles R. Swindoll
• Sacred Rest by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
• Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton
• The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage into Self-Mastery by Brianna Wiest
• Boundaries for Your Soul by Allison Cook and Kimberly Miller