The significance of health and wellness has never been more evident than in today’s uncertain and hectic atmosphere. Many use “health” and “wellness” interchangeably; however, the meanings are distinct yet interrelated. In the simplest of terms, health is the state of being free from disease or injury, which is primarily a physical state of being. On the other hand, wellness includes health, but is more than health; it incorporates a holistic integration of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is not just a fad or trend, but the realization that achieving and embracing health and wellness as a lifestyle is fundamental to a long, rich, and meaningful life.
Recognizing the Difference: Health or Wellness
Health is most often defined as the absence of disease or injury. It is the state where the body is functioning well, and all its systems are balanced. Wellness is proactive and ongoing. Wellness is a process of change that fosters activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to the state of holistic health. Again, wellness is the process, while health may be the destination.
Wellness is multifaceted and diverse. Generally, it refers to physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental wellness to name a few. True wellness requires a simultaneous focus on each of these areas for full equilibrium.
The Elements of Health and Wellbeing
1. Physical Wellbeing
Physical wellbeing refers to maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, enough sleep, and regular medical check-ups. When we stay physically active, we strengthen the heart, circulation, increase immunity and energy levels, etc. Eating foods full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains will optimize our body’s ability to function at its best and provide it with the nutrients it needs. Additionally, sleep is an important part of physical wellbeing. Adults should try to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night, which allows the body to repair itself and prepare for the next day. Regular screening and preventative care can help eliminate possible health concerns before they affect our lives, ultimately leading to a healthier result and longer lives.
2. Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Mental health is a crucial part of our wellbeing. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. An individual can enjoy overall wellbeing while maintaining good mental health. This then allows a person to manage the pressures of life, make meaningful connections with others, make sound decisions, etc. Emotional wellbeing is being aware of your emotions, being able to appropriately express your feelings, and being able to cope with stress.
There are several ways to help maintain emotional wellbeing, including mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and therapy. Navigating life in a world that seems to thrive on anxiety and stress brings a new need for awareness and support around mental health, as it directly impacts our overall wellbeing in one manner or another.
3. Social Well-Being
Humans are social creatures, and the relationships in our lives impact both happiness and longevity. Social wellness is determined by the extent to which we develop and foster relationships with supportive, nurturing, and true relationships. These relationships can be oriented around family, friends, colleagues, or community. Social wellness can be enhanced by spending time with family, co-facilitating activities, volunteering as a group, etc., both develop a sense of belonging and purpose. When in good healthy supportive relationships individuals tend to experience less stress, more joy, and a strong sense of worth.
4. Intellectual Well-Being
Intellectual wellness is part of person-centered wellness; intellectual wellness consists of keeping the brain engaged and active. Intellectual wellness can be achieved by being a lifelong learner, learning new hobbies, reading, and engaging in puzzles, debates or engaging discussions. Stimulating the brain can help improve memory, increase creativity, increase knowledge, and develop a greater world view. Ongoing personal and professional development can increase self-confidence and motivation, and support personal and career growth.
5. Spiritual Well-Being
Spiritual wellness is about searching for meaning and purpose in life. Spiritual wellness does not have to relate to religion (it can). For many, spiritual well-being is about connecting to something greater than oneself, whether through prayer, meditation, nature, or personal reflection. Spiritual wellness is encouraged with practices of gratitude, mindfulness, and compassion. Spiritual wellness is often invaluable for many individuals when faced with distress and it helps them make life choices that are consistent with their life values.
6. Environmental Wellness
A significant amount of our health and wellness can be connected to our surroundings. Environmental wellness relates to one’s relationship with the Earth, including awareness of the way we engage with our surroundings. This includes reducing the amount of waste we produce, conserving energy, and making environmentally sustainable choices.
Living in a clean, safe, and engaging physical environment can also impact your physical health by supporting well-being, reducing stress, and enhancing support of your relationship with nature. You can engage with nature through participating in a green space or, for example, decluttering your home.
Developing a Personal Wellness Plan Beginning a healthy and well lifestyle is based on the choices you choose to make. Wellness does not seek perfection but rather seeks continual and purposeful choices. A personal wellness plan starts with self-awareness. Ask yourself the following:
- Are you sleeping enough and exercising enough?
- Are you consistently eating healthy and nutritious meals?
- Are you in healthy and fulfilling relationships?
- Do you have strategies to cope with stress?
Are you learning and developing continually? Identifying realistic and measurable goals in each area of wellness is an important first step. For example, you can aim to walk 30 minutes each day, meditate 3 times a week, periodically call a friend or family member, or read 1 book every month. It is the small, sustainable changes that will help build lasting habits for life.
The Contribution of Society to Health and Wellness
Although individual engagement is vital, it is important to highlight the part that society plays in health and wellness. Access to public health care, education, wholesome food, clean water, safe shelter and mental health services should be included as part of all people’s basic human rights. Employers, governments procurement, schools, and communities need to bring together all factors that establish conditions conducive to making good life choices and healthy behaviors.
Conclusion
Health and wellness require lifelong, attention, effort, and commitment. They are more than mere physical well-being; they constitute the balance of a healthy body, mind, and spirit. By addressing health and wellness holistically and seeking balance in life, an individual grows their quality of life, resilience, and fulfillment. In a world with so many challenges, it is wise to invest in health and wellness, or at least necessary.
