What is wellness?

Wellness is an oft-heard buzzword among those looking to live a healthy lifestyle, but it's also something of a mystery. People aspiring to be the best version of themselves with a strong body and mind may be curious about how various wellness strategies can help them achieve that goal. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. Some experts break wellness down into four categories: spiritual, social, psychological, and physical. Similarly, the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program says wellness is promoted through self-care, including four key strategies: rest, relaxation, replenishment, and release. Although the terms wellness, health and well-being often are interchanged, each of these factors are their own unique entity. Health The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign says health often is defined as the absence of illness and disease, so various physical, social and mental conditions fall under the health umbrella. Well-being Although there are different definitions for well-being, the term generally refers to living a fulfilling life in which a person feels content. The World Health Organization says well-being is "a positive state experienced by individuals and societies." Wellness The whole-health organization Take Care® says wellness refers to the pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that create health. Wellness acts as the plan or individual pursuit to achieve health and thus a greater sense of well-being. Better understanding of the niche components of overall health and wellness can help people enjoy physical and mental benefits and live more fulfilling lives. Promoting wellness The following are some avenues for pursuing wellness. · Self-care · Routine medical exams and immunizations · Healthy diet and exercise habits · Being aware of one's feelings · Cultivating an optimistic outlook · Learning ways to avoid or manage stress · Being open to new ideas and perspectives · Engaging in social activities, volunteerism and contributing to the community · Finding meaning or purpose The concepts of wellness, well-being and health seem interchangeable, but there are some distinctions that set them apart. A combination of all three ultimately adds up to a healthier individual.