Most people go through life thinking that health and wellness are the same thing with the same overall purpose. However, the difference between them is somewhat shocking. To learn about this is sure to raise your awareness of how you are doing with your health and wellness.
Read the list below to see why it is important to know what it means to have health vs. wellness.
Health
The definition and main point of health is to be mostly fine and functioning despite the existence of any health issues, injuries, illnesses, diseases, and more. Someone with a few health problems can actually be considered healthy, if the problems aren’t affecting their lives or feelings of well being. You can be a healthy person with unhealthy habits. You can be a healthy person even if you don’t frequently eat right or exercise. It can just be a thing of luck. If you have a good social life, you feel good mentally, and you feel fine physically, you are healthy.
Wellness
Now, the big difference is that wellness shows you are really trying. Wellness means you are doing the best you can and pursuing your top potential. You make good choices, you pay close attention to your body, and you get treatment for your health problems that make you feel better. Those who can say they are well are those who are actively trying to be well. If you are constantly eating bad foods, avoiding exercise, and avoiding healthy activities, you are not well. However, you may still be in luck and healthy. “Wellness is also comprised of eight different components, including emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual wellness.”
So, now that you know they are different, there should be a much more clear picture in your head of how you are doing. Are you just sliding by, hoping to stay lucky and healthy? Or are you going to actively treat your mind and body to good choices that will benefit you in the present and future?
Try thinking about your daily life and making some lists of the things you would like to do to achieve wellness.
