When people think about wellness, they often think of it as a preventive approach to health. That’s because it focuses on eight major areas of personal health, or life domains: physical, mental, social, spiritual, environmental and economic wellbeing.
These dimensions are interconnected and affect one another. For instance, if you improve your mental health, it can positively impact your physical health and vice versa.
It’s a moral failing
Why Wellness Sells explores the rhetorical power of wellness and reveals its harmful effects on society. It traces how public interest in wellness is driven by two opposing philosophies of health: restoration, where people use natural health products to restore themselves to prior states of wellness; and enhancement, where they strive to achieve maximum wellness by optimizing their body’s systems and functions.
Wellness is often sold to consumers as a solution to complex health issues and rising levels of stress, and it is often promoted as a way to prevent diseases. This appeal to nature and magical thinking is a big part of why it’s so popular, and it’s the reason it can be such a lucrative business for companies selling natural health products.
It’s a pre-illness state
The concept of wellness has been around for quite some time, spanning the spectrum from fitness to nutrition to mental health. Increasingly, consumers are seeing the value in an all-encompassing approach to health and well-being that incorporates multiple components of human functioning, such as a diversified diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.
However, as Derkatch points out in Why Wellness Sells, the latest iteration of the wellness hype is a lot more complicated than you might expect, thanks in large part to its marketing and media cousins. For starters, it’s not uncommon to see a product or service pitched as the holy grail of wellbeing, accompanied by a multi-page glossy brochure and an accompanying sales pitch that is sure to enchant even the most jaded consumer.
It’s a fashion trend
Wellness is increasingly viewed as a lifestyle choice and a form of self-care. It involves building wellness-affirming habits, routines, and coping strategies to help individuals develop an optimal state of well-being so that they can flourish instead of simply surviving.
The trend is particularly popular among millennials. These consumers place a greater value on their health and happiness than older generations, according to Eventbrite data.
In addition, a growing number of tech-enabled devices are designed to improve the physical and mental aspects of wellbeing. Examples include smart clothing, antimicrobial textiles and fabrics that regulate body temperature or collect vital signs.
It’s a fad
When we think of wellness, we tend to think of people who are physically fit. But, it’s not the only determinant of wellness.
Besides being in good physical health, individuals should also be mentally healthy and happy. Those who are psychologically well are more likely to succeed in all areas of their lives.
In the workplace, high morale is a great way to reduce absenteeism. Employees who have a high morale are more motivated to show up at work and do their best.
Companies that offer wellness benefits are becoming increasingly popular because they can improve morale and productivity among employees. They’re also a great way to attract and retain talent. And, they can save a lot of money on healthcare costs. So, if you’re thinking about starting or expanding your company’s wellness program, you should consider all the benefits it can bring to you and your business.
It’s a business model
A wellness business can be a lucrative venture, but it takes time to build. Fortunately, there are a variety of financial options available to startups in this industry, including bank and start-up loans.
Moreover, investors are scouting for scalable businesses in high-growth industries, such as wellness. Additionally, a strong business plan can help your startup attract funding from angel investors.
To make your wellness business a success, consider creating unique offerings and attracting clients with value-added benefits. Also, be sure to protect your intellectual property through trademarks or copyrights.