The terms “health” and “wellness” are often used interchangeably. However, for many of us, they carry distinct meanings and encompass various aspects of our lives. Let’s dive deeper and compare Health vs Wellness in regards of Balancing the Triad – Body, Mind, & Spirit.
Physical Health vs. Physical Wellness
Physical health usually refers to the absence of diseases or medical conditions. It’s a fundamental aspect of our well-being encompassing factors like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest. Physical health often means meeting measurable parameters such as weight (the scale lies to you all the time), body mass index (BMI, doesn’t account for muscle), cholesterol levels, and blood pressure (high is usually a lifestyle disease). You’re generally just adhering to medical guidelines and recommendations.
On the other hand, physical wellness delves beyond the simple absence of illness. There is the emphasis on regular exercise for strength and flexibility, balanced nutrition for overall vitality, and optimal rest. This time you’re not doing it just to meet some “medical” guidelines, instead you’re doing it for yourself. You’re being proactive and engaging in activities promoting a sense of vitality and longevity so you can live a full and functional life.
Mental Health vs. Mental Wellness
Mental health revolves around psychological well-being and includes emotional stability, resilience to stress, and coping with life’s challenges. Mental health issues may include anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, to manage these concerns seek professional help as needed.
In contrast, mental wellness goes a step further by promoting positive psychological growth. It involves practices like mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection to foster emotional intelligence and self-awareness. You’re improving your analytic mind, expanding your creative side, and being aware of and using your subconscious. Mental wellness is nurturing your mind through activities that bring joy and a sense of purpose.
Spiritual Health vs. Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual health centers around one’s beliefs, values, and sense of purpose in life. It doesn’t necessarily refer to religious beliefs but encompasses a broader sense of connection with something greater than oneself. People may explore their spiritual health through religion, nature, or personal philosophies.
Spiritual wellness takes spiritual health to a deeper level by emphasizing inner peace, harmony, and a sense of transcendence. It encourages individuals to explore their inner selves, engage in practices like meditation or yoga, and seek a sense of purpose that aligns with their values. Spiritual wellness provides a profound connection to one’s inner self (Personal Spirituality), the people you’re around (Communal Spirituality), and the world around you (Environmental Spirituality).
While health primarily concerns the absence of illness, wellness encompasses a broader perspective that goes beyond “basic” health. Understanding the distinctions between Physical, Mental, and Spiritual health vs. wellness allows you to make informed choices and embark on journeys promoting your overall well-being. Achieving wellness in these dimensions can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life, where you’re not just surviving, you’re thriving.