Fasting for Whole-Person Wellness: SAMHSA 8 Dimensions Perspective

Embracing Fasting: A Holistic Approach to Self-Care for Social Workers

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Social Worker self-care has all too often become a reactive measure—something we squeeze in after the workday has drained our reserves. BUT, what if certain intentional practices could support our well-being across physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions? Fasting, when approached mindfully and safely, is one such practice.

Fasting is far from being a Johnny Come Lately dietary trend. It can touch every aspect of wellness as outlined in SAMHSA’s 8 Dimensions. For Social Worker Professionals, who are intensely exposed to negativity daily, fasting offers a structured way to nourish body, mind, and spirit while also fostering resilience, discipline, and focus both in and out of the workplace.

If you’re not familiar with SAMHSA’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness Model, it includes Physical, Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, Intellectual, Environmental, Financial, and Occupational. Below is how fasting can positively influence each of those eight.

1. Physical Wellness

Fasting supports physical health on multiple levels:

• Improved Metabolic Health: Enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces blood sugar levels, and promotes fat burning (ketosis).

• Weight Management: Reduces calorie intake while boosting metabolism.

• Cellular Repair: Triggers autophagy, a process that clears damaged cells and supports tissue regeneration.

• Heart Health: Can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, reducing cardiovascular risk.

• Longevity: May extend lifespan by reducing oxidative stress and improving cellular health.

  
  

2. Spiritual Wellness

Fasting is often a deeply spiritual practice:

• Clarity and Focus: Many report heightened spiritual awareness during fasting, which supports meditation, prayer, or reflection.

• Self-Control: The discipline involved in fasting fosters mindfulness and intentional living.

• Religious Connection: Observed in many traditions—Christianity, Islam, Buddhism—fasting can deepen the meaning of spiritual rituals.

  
  

3. Mental Wellness

Fasting can sharpen the mind and protect brain health:

• Cognitive Clarity: Ketone production during fasting supports focus, memory, and mental acuity.

• Stress Resilience: Stabilizing blood sugar and hormone levels may help reduce anxiety and stress.

• Neuroprotection: Increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which supports brain cell health and may lower neurodegenerative disease risk.

  
  

4. Emotional Wellness

The act of fasting can improve emotional balance:

• Emotional Regulation: Supports hormone balance (e.g., cortisol, serotonin) that impacts mood stability.

• Self-Awareness: Encourages introspection and emotional mindfulness.

• Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully completing a fast can boost confidence and emotional resilience.

  
  

5. Intellectual Wellness

Discipline in fasting can spill over into intellectual pursuits:

• Enhanced Problem-Solving: Improved cognitive function supports clearer thinking and creativity.

• Discipline Transfer: The focus and persistence developed through fasting can enhance study, creative work, or professional skill development.

  
  

6. Environmental Wellness

Fasting can reduce your ecological footprint:

• Reduced Resource Use: Eating less lowers demand for food production, packaging, and energy use.

• Sustainable Habits: Fosters mindful eating and can reduce dependence on resource-heavy foods.

  
  

7. Financial Wellness

There can be financial advantages to fasting:

• Cost Savings: Lower food intake naturally reduces grocery and dining expenses.

• Health Savings: Long-term benefits, such as improved metabolic health, may reduce healthcare costs.

  
  

8. Occupational Wellness

Fasting can improve work life:

• Increased Productivity: Many report better focus and steady energy during fasting periods.

• Discipline Spillover: Self-control from fasting can enhance time management and resilience in professional settings.

• Healthier Workforce: Potential for fewer sick days and greater workplace efficiency.

  
  

The Holistic Benefits of Fasting

Think restoration, not restriction.

By aligning with these 8 Dimensions of Wellness, we can view fasting as a holistic practice that supports our full spectrum of health: from metabolic and mental clarity to emotional balance, spiritual growth, and occupational resilience.

For social workers, whose commitment to others often overshadows care for themselves, fasting can become a purposeful, scheduled act of self-respect. As with any self-care tool, fasting works best when tailored to your unique needs, health status, and lifestyle. Approached mindfully, it can be a powerful way to replenish energy, sharpen focus, and strengthen our ability to show up—fully present—for the people we serve.

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that nurtures our well-being. It encourages us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. So, why not consider integrating this practice into your routine?

Requisite disclaimer to be read in fast-talking TV drug ad voice: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or take medication.