Health and wellness are frequently used interchangeably, but their origins and meanings are different. According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
In contrast, wellness is an active process of becoming aware and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. It includes all six dimensions of health – physical, emotional (mental), intellectual, social, environmental and spiritual.
Physical Activity
Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also help with insomnia and improve your sleep quality and energy levels.
Aim to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week. It’s also a good idea to do muscle strengthening activities twice or more a week to build strong muscles.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle that requires energy expenditure. This includes activities like walking, cycling, wheeling, sports and active recreation as well as everyday tasks and household chores.
Healthy Eating
The foods you eat play a vital role in fueling your body, acquiring nutrients and lowering your disease risk. The quality of your diet also affects your longevity, your mental health and your overall well-being.
Healthy eating is a long-term change to your eating habits that includes a variety of nutritious foods. It helps you get the number of calories you need (not overeating or undereating) and a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins/minerals.
Diets that emphasize whole or minimally processed plant foods are good for your health and our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They can be part of a range of dietary patterns that include fewer red and processed meats, sugary foods and drinks and refined grains.
Social Interactions
Social interactions refer to the reciprocal influence that people exercise over one another during face-to-face encounters. They can also include technological mediated social interaction such as texting, skyping, or messaging.
Studies have shown that social relationships can affect health in several ways. They can promote mental health, reduce stress, improve physical health, and reduce mortality risk (Mirowsky and Ross 2003; Thoits 1995).
Social ties are potentially a resource that can be harnessed to enhance population health. However, if they are overburdened or conflicted, they can undermine the health of individuals.
Mental Health
Excellent mental health can help you deal with the stress of life and make it easier for you to stick with healthy routines. It can also help you build strong relationships and enjoy a rewarding career.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which people realize their own abilities, can cope with normal stresses, are able to work productively and fruitfully, and are able to contribute to their community.”
Mental health is determined by patterns of thoughts, emotions, behaviours and body reactions. It can be influenced by the environment, lifestyle and social support.
Mental health can be treated using medications or psychological therapies. These therapies focus on changing thought patterns and behaviors that affect your health.
Environment
Environmental wellness is a health-promoting strategy that can help you to feel happier and more fulfilled. It involves spending time in natural environments like parks, beaches, forests, gardens and farms.
Nature also provides many ecosystem services, such as absorbing and detoxifying pollutants. These ecosystem services are essential for the survival of both plants and animals.
A healthy environment can also be a source of renewable and non-renewable resources, which include food, energy, water, wind, and metals. The earth’s environment is continually recycling these materials, which help the planet to function.
However, a number of issues can impede human health and wellness. These issues include air pollution, water pollution, natural environment pollution, climate change, and other environmental stresses.