The 6 Dimensions of Deep Health: Thriving means more than diet and exercise

Photo by Ashley Batz - Unsplash

When most of us hear the word “Health & Wellness”, we think of diet, weight loss, and hours spent in the gym. Yes, “Physical Health” is indeed important, and definitely something to strive for.  But let’s not forget that it’s one piece of the puzzle.

True thriving comes when we acknowledge that health is multi-dimensional.  Deep Health is a state of well-being that goes beyond the physical to include all areas of life.  This concept has completely altered my view on health and wellness, and has changed my approach to personal self care.

You can think of it like a web; when one strand weakens, the whole structure feels the strain. But when each strand is tended to, we create balance, flow and resilience for a holistic way of life.

These are the six interconnected dimensions that make up Deep Health:

1. Physical

This is the one we’re most familiar with, how our body feels and functions. It’s about energy levels, sleep quality, nutrition, fitness, and the ability to move through life with strength and vitality.

2. Emotional

Emotional health is our ability to feel, process, and regulate emotions. It’s resilience in the face of stress, the capacity to navigate ups and downs.  It’s the space to truly feel without judgement or overwhelm.

3. Mental (Cognitive)

Mental health is about having a supportive mindset. But, it’s also about clarity, focus, memory, problem-solving, and the ability to learn and adapt. A sharp, flexible mind supports better choices and helps us handle life’s challenges with perspective.

4. Relational (Social)

We are all wired for connection. Relational health reflects the quality of our relationships and support systems. Do we feel seen, heard, and supported? Do our connections nurture us, or drain us?

5. Environmental

Our surroundings matter. Environmental health includes the spaces we live and work in, access to nourishing food, clean air and water, nature, safety, and even the sensory details that impact how we feel in our daily lives.

6. Existential (Purpose)

This is the deeper dimension: meaning, values, and a sense of direction. It’s knowing who we are, what we stand for, and what gives our lives purpose. Without it, even perfect physical health can feel empty.

These six dimensions don’t exist in isolation, they constantly influence each other.   Think of this: Poor sleep (physical) can make us irritable (emotional), foggy (mental), and impatient with loved ones (relational).  A strong sense of purpose (existential) can inspire healthier habits (physical) and better focus (mental).

When one area is out of balance, it ripples outward. But when we nourish even one dimension, the benefits spread too.

Deep Health is not about perfection.  Life is fluid, and some dimensions will always need more care than others. The key is awareness by noticing which area needs our attention, and then taking small, sustainable steps that create real change over time.

Take a moment to pause and ask yourself:

✨ Which dimension of your deep health feels strongest right now?

✨ Which one needs a little more attention?

I use the framework of Deep Health as a tool in my coaching because it brings

the bigger picture into focus. When we look beyond diet or exercise and consider the emotional, mental, relational, environmental, and existential dimensions too, we start to see what’s really shaping our wellbeing.

This holistic lens helps us uncover hidden patterns, discover where small shifts can make the biggest impact, and create sustainable changes that feel authentic and purposeful.