Wellness in the cultural dimension is the ability to create and maintain a positive environment that values inclusivity and mutual benefit. It is a strong sense of citizenship/belonging and positive contribution to one’s home, community, school, organization, neighborhood, city, province/state, and country. Cultural wellness incorporates a sense of awareness, understanding, and respect for different cultures, genders, sexual orientations, ableness, income/education levels, and other aspects of diversity.

Similarly, it includes awareness and understanding of, as well as respect for, one’s own cultural background. Cultural wellness also includes avoiding damaging biases and stereotypes, ensuring a positive, inclusive, equitable environment, and standing-up for others in cases of injustice, as well as respect for, and adherence to, laws and regulations.

Here are some tips for staying culturally well:

• Get to know and appreciate your own unique identity
• Work to understand and value differences in others
• Check your biases
• Get involved in activities outside of your comfort zone that create connections
• Engage in volunteer activities
• Give back to others and your community
• Study abroad