Wellness is a term that is frequently used, but it can be challenging to define. According to Pfizer, wellness is “the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving.” Essentially, wellness refers to the pursuit of an overall sense of well-being, which includes physical, emotional, and social health. Wellness is not just about avoiding illness. It is a proactive approach to achieving and maintaining optimal health.
Wellness involves making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, managing stress, avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking, and staying up-to-date on medical checkups and vaccinations. Additionally, wellness includes social well-being, such as developing and maintaining solid relationships with family and friends and participating in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. In a study published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, researchers identified the following seven dimensions of wellness:
Physical wellness
This refers to taking care of your body through regular exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking.
Emotional wellness
This refers to the ability to cope with the challenges of life and manage your emotional health. It involves developing a positive self-image, being aware of your emotions, and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Intellectual wellness
This refers to maintaining mental stimulation and intellectual curiosity through learning, reading, and engaging in creative activities.
Spiritual wellness
This refers to the belief in something greater than oneself and developing a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Environmental wellness
This refers to the ability to recognize the impact of your surroundings on your health and well-being. It involves taking steps to protect the environment and living in harmony with nature.
Occupational wellness
This refers to finding meaning and fulfillment in your work and developing a healthy work-life balance.
Social wellness
This refers to developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with family and friends and contributing to the community.
Wellness is a holistic approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. By making small, positive changes to our daily habits, we can improve our physical and mental health and live a more fulfilling life.