People often use the terms health and wellness interchangeably. Although a person cannot have one and not the other, they are two different concepts that are quite variable, and their meanings are different.
World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (illness).”
WHO defines wellness as “the optimal state of health of individuals and groups,” and wellness is expressed as “a positive approach to living.”
The primary difference between health and wellness is that health is the goal and wellness is the active process of achieving it. You truly cannot have health without first achieving wellness. Wellness has a direct influence on overall health, which is essential for living a robust, happy and fulfilled life. Overall physical wellness encourages the balance of physical activity, nutrition and mental well-being to keep your body in top condition. Obtaining an optimal level of physical wellness allows you to nurture personal responsibility for your own health understanding the difference between health and wellness, in short, health is a state of being, whereas wellness is the state of living a healthy lifestyle. Health refers to physical, mental, and social well-being; wellness aims to enhance well-being.
Emotional Wellness
Emotional wellness deals with an individual's self-image. This involves feeling and expressing a wide range of emotions, and learning how to manage those emotions instead of being controlled by them. It is important to express all emotions even if at times that means anger, jealousy, sadness, etc., but what is even more important is to act appropriately so that they help you and not hurt you or someone close to you. By managing your emotions, you can help increase your desire to participate in activities you enjoy, help others with concerns they may have, and develop more sound relationships between others and yourself.
Environmental Wellness
Environmental wellness is needed for optimal personal health. This involves maintaining a quality food supply, decreasing violence, maintaining good air and water quality, recycling more often, and protecting ourselves from hazards. It is important to live a lifestyle that is respectful of our environment. This includes respecting nature and those species living in it. It is just as important to show respect for others living in our environment as it is to show respect for the physical environment itself.
Intellectual Wellness
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Intellectual wellness involves critical thinking, mastering new skills and creativity. Individuals can increase their levels of intellectual wellness by talking to someone with a different viewpoint, finding out about international happenings, or by reading a book for enjoyment. Having a well-rounded knowledge about a variety of subjects has great impact on the perspective with which we see ourselves, others, and the larger community.
Spiritual Wellness Spiritual Wellness
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Spiritual wellness deals with concepts such as a set of guiding beliefs, principles, or values that give meaning and purpose to one's life - for example, joy, love, compassion, forgiveness. Spirituality allows us to find the inner calm and peace needed to get through whatever life brings. When we are "in tune" with this aspect of wellness, we can find meaning in life events, comfort when things aren't going well, the beauty in life, the ability to be compassionate towards others, and individual purpose.
Social Wellness Social Wellness
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Social wellness involves satisfying relationships, support to and from those in our lives, and good communication skills. Individuals interact with others every day. Therefore, it is important to have skills to relate with other people in a variety of settings and to peacefully resolve interpersonal conflicts when they arise. Social wellness also deals with being part of the community and enjoying all it has to offer. This involves not only being part of the local community but also the country and the world.
Physical Wellness Physical Wellness
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Physical wellness involves attitudes and behaviors that optimize the functioning of the body. Physical wellness encourages regular physical activity to achieve cardiovascular fitness, muscle flexibility and strength, and stress relief. It emphasizes balanced nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption. This dimension of wellness promotes taking care of one's body for optimal health and functioning.