Wellness is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being that does not only include the absence of disease or infirmity.
It also includes the individual’s individual characteristics and behaviors without a distinction of race, religion, political beliefs, economic or social condition.
Wellness comprises eight different components, including emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical and social wellness.
Physical
Physical wellness is a holistic approach to living that promotes physical health and functional ability. This includes nurturing one’s body through regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest along with minimizing harmful behaviors.
Physical fitness is generally achieved through proper nutrition, moderate-vigorous physical exercise and sufficient rest with a formal recovery plan. Practicing this form of wellness can improve flexibility, strength, and aerobic health, prevent illness and injury, and manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
Students who are physically fit have more energy, greater focus and productivity, and better memory. They also have less stress and are at a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Emotional
Emotional wellness is the ability to accept and process our emotions. It involves expressing feelings, coping with stress and adapting to change and difficult times.
It also involves maintaining a positive attitude and enjoying life more often. It is an ongoing, lifelong process that takes a lot of work and focus.
People with emotional wellness tend to have a strong sense of self, are rarely complainers and enjoy the good things in their lives. They are able to handle their emotions and have a higher level of empathy, humor, compassion and understanding.
Emotional wellness can be difficult to achieve, especially if you have been through trauma or experienced an abuse of alcohol, drugs, or other substances in the past. Getting help from a professional can make it easier to cope with emotions. It can also provide you with the tools you need to better manage your emotions. For example, a therapist can give you strategies to improve your emotional health.
Social
Social wellness, or the connections people have with others, plays a major role in overall health. It reduces stress, improves your endocrine system and enhances your immune system.
Developing healthy relationships with people can be easy or challenging at different times in your life, but it is never too late to make the effort to build and maintain positive social connections. It can be as simple as joining a club or organisation, or volunteering for a community project.
It is also important to keep in touch with old friends and family members, as it helps us build our social support network. Rekindling friendships with people who respect and love you for who you are is an excellent way to boost your social well-being.
The connection between social health and overall health has been proven to be a significant factor in longer, healthier lives. Medical researchers are finding that people who are socially healthy have a stronger endocrine system, better cardiovascular function and enhanced immune systems.
Spiritual
Spiritual wellness is the ability to live a life that has meaning and purpose. This is achieved through a belief in something beyond your own self and a set of values, principles and morals that guide you to live your best life possible.
While you can find many different ways to improve your spiritual health, here are some of the most common:
Defining and Redefining Your Core Values
The practice of identifying your core values allows you to have a framework for how to live and to determine if these values have changed over time. It also helps you identify what matters most to you so that you can make positive changes in your life and to be true to yourself.
Writing in a journal is another great way to express your thoughts and feelings. It can help you relieve stress, boost your mood at work, and improve emotional wellness.