What is health and wellness?
Health and wellness are two distinct terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they are distinct concepts that are subject to change and have distinct meanings. According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of total physical, psychological, and social wellbeing, and not just the absence of illness or disease. On the other hand, wellness is a state of optimal health for individuals and groups. Health is the goal, while wellness is the process of attaining it. Ultimately, health cannot be achieved without wellness, which has a direct impact on overall health and is necessary for a robust, content, and fulfilling life.
Health versus wellness!
It is not possible to select a state of health, however, one can make a conscious decision to prioritize wellness by living their life in a responsible manner and taking proactive steps to improve their health. Wellness is the process of actively engaging in activities, making informed decisions and lifestyle changes, managing risk factors that can cause harm, and engaging in nutrition, balanced diet, and spiritual practices that promote holistic health. Certain risk factors can be detrimental to good health, such as smoking, which can lead to lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, drinking alcohol, which can damage liver function, stroke, heart disease, and cancer, and unprotected sex, which can spread sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. Additionally, extreme physical activity/sports can result in broken bones and other forms of injury.
How many dimensions of wellness are there?
Physical health is only one aspect of wellness; it is comprehensive and complex. Physical, intellectual, emotional, environmental, social, and spiritual wellbeing are among its six aspects.Physical fitness improves wellbeing on the physical level; a physically fit individual is better able to fend off illnesses and disorders. Invigorating physical and mental wellbeing is exercise. By engaging in more physical exercise on a daily basis, such as walking, cycling, walking the dog, using the stairs, and trekking, one may avoid leading a sedentary lifestyle. A person’s physical fitness is promoted by having appropriate nutrition, eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water (eight glasses per day), and getting enough sleep.
There are many different facets to wellbeing; physical health is only one of them. Its six dimensions include physical, intellectual, emotional, environmental, social, and spiritual wellness.A physically active person is better equipped to ward against diseases and disorders, which enhances wellness on a physical level. Exercise is good for your physical and mental health. One may avoid having a sedentary lifestyle by getting more physical activity on a regular basis, such as walking, cycling, walking the dog, utilizing the stairs, and travelling. Having the right nutrition, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and drinking eight glasses of water a day will all help someone stay physically healthy.
Environmental: Maintaining and living in a healthy physical environment free of risks and being aware of the part we play in enhancing rather than demeaning our natural environment promotes wellbeing.
Social: A person’s support systems and social networks are crucial to their general wellbeing. A person is kept happier and healthier by relating to, engaging with, and contributing to their community, developing positive interpersonal interactions, and sustaining enduring ties with family and friends.
Spiritual: Spiritual wellbeing refers to the pursuit of life’s meaning and purpose rather than religion or personal belief on the part of the individual. Spiritual wellbeing is aided by learning to be compassionate, loving, forgiving, and having a purpose in life. You may do this by meditating, giving back to the community, being outside, etc.
On the one hand, patients in poor health seek the assistance of the medical community for sickness treatment. On the other hand, those who prioritize prevention take full use of their energy. They choose behaviors that increase their quality of life and feeling of wellbeing while also enhancing their health and preventing sickness. Proactive, preventative, and motivated by personal accountability for leading healthy lives, wellness.
