The difference between Health and Wellness: what do they REALLY mean?
The terms health and wellness are often used interchangeably, but did you know that these powerful words have varied meanings, which set them apart? Here, we will unveil the true definition of health versus wellness and why it is so important to understand both of these popular phrases and their strong significance.
Health vs Wellness
Today, we often talk about health and wellness, with work-life balance becoming more important than ever before as well as stress management, mental health, and physical health. But what exactly is health and what is meant by the term wellness? Interestingly, these phrases are commonly used interchangeably yet there is a vast difference between both.
The brief history
While the term health has been used for centuries, dating back to pre-1150, wellness is a term that has become popular more recently. Today wellness is one of the most used phrases since it has become more apparent that taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health is necessary to stay ‘healthy’. Without one aspect, we often find ourselves out of balance, which can result in our bodies experiencing disease.
Wellness as a trend
Today it is not uncommon to see wellness centers, wellness retreats, and wellness-focused classes, which promote self-care, ultimately leading to optimal health. It has also become popular for employers today to offer dedicated wellness days to their staff to promote work-life balance, while many easy-to-use apps have been created to manage wellness routines both at work and at home.
A good balance is key
With that in mind, the simplest way to understand the difference is that while health is the ultimate goal, wellness is the path we take to get there. Other aspects of wellness include our environmental, occupational spiritual, and intellectual wellness, all of which have an impact on each other. You could say that wellness routines have a direct influence on our health objectives and maintenance.
Examples of health vs. wellness
Since these two terms are so often used, it is interesting to view some examples of health versus wellness. The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving our full potential and it is up to us to follow a wellness routine that suits our body, mind, and spirits. Health on the other hand is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
What will help?
Activities such as medical checkups, physical exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet are all aspects of being healthy. Wellness would incorporate your environment and the impact it has on you, your mental health, stress management, work-life balance, self-care practice, and ethical living, to name but a few elements.
Experts on optimal balance
Experts agree that you truly cannot have health without wellness, and while the two terms are similar, they both play a crucial part in keeping us thriving. We all want to achieve optimal health, and by following a lifestyle that incorporates wellness, we can become the best version of ourselves and maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
