Wellness is defined as ‘the state of being in good health, especially as a pursued goal’; whereas health is ‘the state of being free from injury or ill-health’. Health focuses on the physical and mental body being free from illness, injury, or disease. Health is a goal you work to achieve. For example, managing chronic conditions such as lowering your blood pressure, or losing weight are goals to be achieved.
Wellness addresses the broader spectrum of your body encompassing the overall balance of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It speaks to the way you live your everyday life. It is not an end to be achieved; rather it is a lifestyle that you adopt. “Wellness is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”-The World Health Organization.
Why is wellness important? Wellness is important because if we want to function successfully in the world we need to be well. Due to higher stress, longer work days and constant multitasking, it is more difficult to find the time to act on wellness goals; however maintaining an optimal level of wellness is absolutely critical to live a higher quality of life. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our wellbeing. We need to prioritize our own wellness in order to subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness and ensure positive social interactions. Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth. “Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential”-The National Wellness Institute.
There is growing interest in changing the way we take care of ourselves; not just our bodies, but also our minds, spirit, and community. There is a shift, a switch from mere reactivity; trying to treat or fix our problems, to a proactive and holistic approach of addressing and preventing problems.
Consumers are placing more value on health and wellness than on material objects these days. The global wellness industry is booming, and men are the finally catching up to trend of self care. Gone are the days that getting a pedicure is just for women, or a massage is just a luxury. Society is becoming more accepting of taking care of one’s self to prevent injury or mental breakdown. But there are still many who are always ‘too busy’. You have control of your life and have the ability to create your future by what you choose to do. You can choose to be busy, to be too tired etc. or you can choose you! Schedule it in to your week and make ‘you’ time a priority; you won’t regret it.
Blog Post by: Alethea Austin