8 Dimensions of Wellness Series

Kick off the new year with intention and insight! 

Join Illinois Extension educators and local experts to explore the 8 Dimensions of Wellness—key areas that contribute to a balanced, fulfilling life. Each Wednesday in January, from 1 - 3 pm, we’ll dive into two dimensions through interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and thoughtful discussion. The programs take place in Moline at the Butterworth Education Center (Jan 7, 21, 28), and Deere Wiman Carriage House (Jan 14). Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $10 per week, or $35 for all 4 weeks. Includes light refreshments, a take-home self-assessment, and a related wellness item each week.  

What Are the 8 Dimensions of Wellness? 

When most people think about “health,” they focus on eating well and staying active. But true wellness is so much more than physical fitness. Wellness is believed to have eight dimensions—physical, financial, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, vocational, and intellectual. Each plays an important role in our overall well-being, and when they work together, they help us feel more balanced, energized, and fulfilled. Focusing on just one dimension can help but understanding how they connect is what truly brings life into harmony.

This series invites you to reflect on your current wellness, explore new strategies, and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. Sign up for the weeks you prefer or save if you attend all four weeks. 

Weekly Topics & Presenters

January 7 – Physical & Spiritual

• Physical Wellness: Discover how Tai Chi can improve muscular strength, balance, and overall well-being. Participants will engage in a guided demonstration with warm-up and cool down while learning about the health benefits of this practice. Presenter: Kristin Bogdonas, Illinois Extension Food and Nutrition Educator
• Spiritual Wellness: Explore indigenous spiritual traditions from around the world and how they can inspire resilience and clarity in daily life. Through experiential activities, participants will reflect on their own spirituality and learn practices that awaken and enrich personal meaning. Presenter: Kathleen Collins, Mental Health Specialist.

January 14 – Environmental & Emotional

• Environmental Wellness: Our surroundings profoundly affect our health and happiness. Learn how nature-inspired design in homes, landscapes, and communities can enhance well-being, strengthen environmental stewardship, and foster deeper connections. Presenter: Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator.
• Emotional Wellness: Reset after the holidays with arts-based practices that reduce stress and gently regulate the nervous system. Participants will engage in expressive visual arts activities—no experience required—that promote emotional grounding. The session also includes strategies for sharing these practices with children and teens to help them manage big feelings. Presenter: Elaine Kaple, Illinois Extension 4-H Metro Youth Educator.

January 21 – Intellectual & Vocational

• Intellectual Wellness: Keeping the brain active is essential at every age. Learn lifestyle factors that support brain health and explore puzzles, games, and challenges that stretch the mind while enhancing thinking skills. Presenter: Kara Schweitzer, Illinois Extension Family Life Educator
• Vocational Wellness: Career paths often shift, and adapting to change is key. Discover how to build new skills, pursue continuing education, and embrace vocational growth. Presenters: Kole Shuda & Olivia Gonzalez, Black Hawk College PaCE Department.

January 28 – Social & Financial

• Social Wellness: Staying socially connected is not only good for the soul—it’s vital for brain health. Learn how social engagement supports cognitive resilience and emotional well-being, along with strategies to maintain meaningful connections. Presenter: Tessa Hobbs-Curley, Illinois Extension Family Life Educator
• Financial Wellness: Fraud is a growing threat to individuals and institutions alike. Hear real cases from Blackhawk Bank & Trust and gain an inside look at how scammers operate. Participants will learn to spot red flags, protect personal information, and take proactive steps to avoid becoming victims. Presenters: Amy Hood, AVP New Accounts Officer, and Jennifer Kline, Fraud & Wire Officer, Blackhawk Bank & Trust