The terms health and wellness are sometimes used interchangeably. Although one cannot have one without the other, they are two distinct concepts with distinct meanings.
“A state of total physical, mental, and social well-being, not only the absence of disease or infirmity (illness),” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Wellness is defined by the World Health Organization as “the optimal condition of health of individuals and groups,” as well as “a good attitude to living.”
People frequently mix the terms health and wellness and use them interchangeably. Despite the fact that the two notions are completely different, you can’t have one without the other. So, what’s the difference between health and wellness, exactly? Let’s look at the different meanings of health and wellbeing, how they coexist, and how to improve each.
The main distinction between health and wellness is that health is the end objective, while wellness is the active process of getting there. You can’t have health unless you’ve first achieved wellness. General fitness has a direct impact on wellness, which is critical for living a healthy, happy, and satisfying life.
Definition of Health
The World Health Organization defines health as “a condition of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not only the absence of disease or disability,” as defined by the WHO. Furthermore, social, economic, and physical factors are all important drivers of health. Individual qualities and behaviors are included in health regardless of ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, economic status, or social status.
Definition of Wellness
Wellness is defined by the World Health Organization as “the best condition of health for individuals and groups,” as well as “a happy attitude toward life.” “The quality of being in excellent health, especially as an actively sought objective,” according to Merriam-Webster.
Wellness, in its broadest sense, is an active and dynamic process of change and progress that attempts to improve overall wellbeing. Emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual wellness are among the eight elements of wellness.
Wellness vs. health
While you cannot select your health, you get to choose wellness by living a responsible life and taking proactive efforts to improve your health. The diagnosis of a disease/illness, the tendency to disease, and any unforeseen harm are all considered part of one’s health.
Wellness is a dynamic process of growth and change that allows you to achieve your maximum potential in terms of health and well-being. It is linked to actively participating in activities, making decisions and lifestyle changes, reducing risk factors that can hurt a person, focusing on nutrition, eating a balanced diet, and practicing spiritual practices that promote overall health.
Wellness has a direct effect on overall health, which is critical for living a healthy, happy, and satisfying life, according to health and wellness criteria. The main distinction between health and wellness is that health is the end objective, while wellness is the engaged process of getting there.
Knowing the difference between the two is important for a variety of reasons. For starters, while we may not always have control over our health, we do have the ability to make proactive actions toward wellbeing.
The following examples will help you understand the difference between health and wellness:
• Health: A family history of heart disease, an early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, or a traumatic brain injury.
• Wellness: Making the decision to consume a well-balanced diet, exercise more frequently and visit the doctor on a regular basis.
Before you create individual health objectives, consider what you truly desire from your new phase. Goals can be guided by considering the following questions:
• Why do you want to reduce weight in the first place?
• What influence would positive adjustments have on your life?
• Are you doing it for yourself or to please other people?
• Is this a short- or long-term objective?
• What aspects of your life do you wish to concentrate on?
• Do you have a support system in place?
Finally, knowing what you actually want from your health and wellness will assist you in developing a personalized plan that is right for you.
Furthermore, most people believe that obtaining a specific number on a scale determines their health. However, as previously stated, you can’t have true health without first attaining wellness.
Actions or conditions that raise a person’s chance of sickness or harm are known as risk factors. The following are some of the risk factors that can be hazardous to one’s health:
- Smoking is a significant contributor to lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- Alcohol consumption can result in liver damage, stroke, heart disease, and cancer.
- Sexually transmitted illnesses, such as the human immunodeficiency virus, are communicated through unprotected sex (HIV).
- High sports and physical activity: This might result in fractured bones and other injuries.
How many different types of wellness exist?
Wellness is a broad and multidimensional concept that encompasses more than simply physical health. Physical, intellectual, emotional, environmental, social, and spiritual well-being are among the six dimensions.
- Physical: Physical wellness improves physical fitness, which means a person’s ability to prevent illness and diseases is improved. Exercise promotes mental and physical well-being. Increased physical activity in daily life, such as walking, cycling, walking the dog, taking the stairs, and trekking, can help you avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Physical wellbeing is promoted by proper nutrition, eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water (eight glasses per day), and having enough sleep.
- Intellectual: Learning, problem-solving, and creativity provide mental activity and develop a positive mindset. Psychological problems can be avoided by people who study new things and push their minds.
- Emotional wellbeing refers to a person’s ability to deal with difficult conditions. Emotional wellbeing is defined as a person who is conscious of their own feelings and empathises with others’ sentiments.
- Environmental: Being aware of our part in enhancing rather than degrading our natural environment, as well as maintaining and living in a safe and healthy physical surroundings, improves wellness.
- Social: A person’s social circles and support networks are crucial to his or her general well-being. A person’s happiness and health are enhanced by relating, participating, and contributing to a community, developing excellent interpersonal ties, and preserving long-term relationships with family and friends.
- Spiritual wellbeing does not imply a specific faith or creed, but rather the search for meaning and purpose in life. Spiritual wellness can be achieved by cultivating compassion, care, forgiveness, and a sense of purpose in life. Meditation, volunteer work, spending time in nature, and other methods can help you attain this.
People in bad health, on the one hand, seek medical help to treat their ailments. People, on the other hand, are proactive in their prevention and want to maximize their vitality. They choose healthy habits that prevent sickness and increase their quality of life and sense of well-being. Wellness is proactive, preventative, and self-responsible for a healthy lifestyle.
Sustainability is dependent on continuous improvement in the various aspects of wellness. These pointers can help you maintain your garden on a daily basis.
Consume Whole Foods
Diet is commonly thought to have a negative impact on physical health. Diet, on the other hand, has a well-established link between food and mental health, including memory enhancement and mood enhancement.
Consuming whole foods rather than boxed and processed foods is a natural strategy to maintain optimal nutrient intake. Including entire grains, fruits and vegetables, lean and plant-based proteins, and healthy fats in the diet.
BistroMD is also a great way to get more whole foods into your diet. To help you maintain a healthy weight, each meal is well-balanced with enough protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber, and healthy fat. All meals also fuel the body for optimal health while reducing meal prep strain.
Exercise on a regular basis health and wellness
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week to maintain a healthy mind and body. Physical activity can help you control your weight, lower your blood pressure, and improve your mental health, among other things.
Break out from the routine of a scheduled workout routine, because the most important thing is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Increase your daily exercise by walking the dog, hiking with friends, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Walking and biking wherever possible not only improves physical and mental health, but it also helps the environment by lowering fuel emissions.
Embrace mental exercises as well.
When it comes to getting physically active, most individuals overlook mental activities. These kinds of activities, on the other hand, can actually help you reach your goals more effectively while also boosting your brainpower!
Daily brain workouts, such as crossword puzzles, learning new abilities, and so on, can help support intellectual wellness. Yoga or other mental and physical activities can help to build a more positive attitude about weight loss.
Get A Good Night’s Sleep for health and wellness
A good night’s sleep is essential for your mind and body, as it allows you to:
- Improves memory and focus
- Reduces stress levels
- Increases daily energy
- Reduces cravings
- Controls hunger levels
Take power naps as needed and get a full night’s sleep on a regular basis to reap these benefits. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that healthy adults get seven to nine hours of excellent sleep each night.
If you’re having trouble getting the appropriate amount of sleep each night, establish a nighttime routine by:
- Sticking to a regular night routine
- Turning off devices
- Assessing and improving your room environment
- Practicing relaxation techniques
If you’re still having trouble sleeping well, go to a sleep specialist or another health care professional. They can not only provide further suggestions but also guarantee that a sleep condition is not preventing you from obtaining enough rest.
Allow yourself a day of rest.
Allow yourself days of relaxation and rehabilitation in addition to getting enough sleep every night.
Make a point of doing something spontaneous one day a week or planning a weekend getaway you can look forward to. This makes the entire “dieting” process more pleasurable – because life is meant to be enjoyed!
Even if you can’t travel away every weekend, make the most of your free time by doing tiny things you enjoy. This might be as simple as going for a leisurely stroll, a park stroll, or enjoying an evening resting while watching a movie.
Take use of social support as health and wellness
For overall well-being and a sense of purpose, social circles and support networks are essential.
Though the findings are not surprising, a 75-year-old study revealed that healthy connections make us happier and healthier. One of our most basic desires as humans is to feel connected to others.
Gather your biggest supporters, such as family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and form a support group. Inviting them over for a home-cooked meal or an exercise class is another way to get them engaged in your shared goal.
Take pleasure in the journey for health and wellness
One can set a weight loss and health goal for themselves. Sustainability, on the other hand, necessitates a proactive approach to the various aspects of wellness.
Do not feel overwhelmed by major tasks on your own. Instead, focus on modest tasks, re-evaluate your strategy as needed, and surround yourself with encouraging people. Also, appreciate the process of gaining personal fulfillment and wellbeing by embracing the trip!
Recapping the State of Health and Wellness
While the terms “health” and “wellness” are frequently used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. The aim is health, and wellness is a proactive strategy to achieving it. Understanding the distinction is crucial to living a happy life. While one’s health cannot always be modified, one may always take an active and constructive approach to wellbeing.
Overall, putting your best foot forward in all aspects of your life can result in improved health and fitness.