Explore the nuanced differences between health and wellness and their impacts on our wellbeing. Learn ways to enhance both in your life, and understand how they work together to foster a healthier and more fulfilling existence.

Key takeaways

• Health is complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, influenced by lifestyle and socio-economic factors.
• Wellness is an active pursuit of holistic health via lifestyle choices.
• Health is a state, wellness is an active process.
• Being physically healthy doesn't guarantee wellness, and vice versa.
• Improve your health and wellness with regular check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, sleep, and positive relationships.

In today's world, the terms "health" and "wellness" are used ubiquitously. They often seem to be used interchangeably, leading many to believe they are one and the same. However, there are nuanced differences between the two that can influence how we approach our overall wellbeing. Let's delve into these concepts to better understand their implications.

What is the meaning of health?

Over the years, the definition of health has significantly shifted. Traditionally, it centred around being free from disease or ailments. Today, the scope of health has broadened considerably, encapsulating a more comprehensive view of our wellbeing.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides a widely accepted definition of health. According to WHO, "health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Health refers to a state of being, influenced by various health determinants such as socio-economic status, lifestyle behaviours, occupation, education, social connections, and more. While certain health determinants like lifestyle choices are within our control, others like genetics are beyond it.

What does wellness mean?

Wellness, on the other hand, tends to refer to the active pursuit of holistic health through deliberate lifestyle behaviours and choices. It is a more comprehensive concept, covering a person's physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.

Your wellness is shaped by your everyday choices. This includes things like the food you consume, the physical activity you engage in, the way you manage stress, and the people you interact with. It's an active and continuous process of making choices towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Distinguishing between health and wellness

Health and wellness, while related, carry distinct connotations:

• Health is a state of being, whereas wellness involves a conscious intention to engage in specific activities that foster wellbeing.
• Wellness is an active, practical process, whereas health may be more of a passive state.
• Wellness adopts a holistic approach, incorporating physical, mental, and emotional aspects, while traditionally, health has focused more on physical health. However, this has evolved over time to become more comprehensive.
• Wellness is the pursuit of balance in the mind and body, which directly influences health.
• Health tends to focus more on the presence or absence of disease.
• Health is often viewed as a component of wellness.

It's important to note that being healthy doesn't necessarily guarantee wellness, and vice versa. For instance, you could be physically healthy and free of chronic health conditions, but not experiencing wellness due to low fitness levels or a lack of motivation. Similarly, you may be free of mental health conditions but feel dissatisfied with your career, negatively impacting your overall wellness.

How to improve your health and wellness

While distinguishing between health and wellness is informative, it's crucial to understand that both are integral to your overall wellbeing.

Here are some general strategies to infuse more health and wellness into your life:

• Regularly attend health check-ups with your doctor
• Consult a counsellor or psychologist to navigate through challenging times and to nurture your mental health
• Aim to eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates
• Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy
• Prioritise good quality sleep
• Work towards fostering a healthy relationship with food and your body
• Invest time and energy in nurturing positive social connections

If you have concerns about your overall health and wellness, it's important to seek advice from a healthcare provider.

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