Is there a relation between health and wellness

People often use “health” and “wellness” interchangeable. However, the two concepts are different, but it’s not possible to have one without the other. Health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Wellness is defined as the active pursuit of lifestyle choices that helps in reaching the state of holistic health. The definition of the two concepts makes it evident that there is a strong link between health and wellness. A person exercises regularly to reduce weight – here regular exercise is a component of wellness, and reduced weight makes the person healthy. So, increased physical fitness leads to better health, which again enhances overall wellness.

Relation between health and wellness

Health and wellness are intricately related, and both have an impact on our happiness. In layman’s lingo health is the goal, and wellness is the journey or the process to reach the purpose. An understanding of the difference between the two concepts allows us to make conscious decisions to achieve wellness. For instance, a health condition like a tendency to develop heart disease or early diagnosis of type I diabetes requires wellness activities like adoption of healthy diet and regular physical exercises. Most people attribute reaching a point in the scales to attainment of physical health goals. But the goals cannot be achieved without reaching wellness. If weight loss is the health goal, certain lifestyle changes are necessary to achieve wellness, which leads to physical fitness – the health goal.

How to improve health and wellness

The health goal can be attained and sustained only by improving the various components of wellness. These components (of wellness) have to be improved on a regular basis to reach your purpose of better health.

Consume whole foods

Most people view diet as having direct relation to our physical health. But food has also been found to have a strong link to mental health, which impacts memory and mood. The best way to get adequate nutrition is by eating whole food and avoiding processed food. Consume a diet of whole grains, proteins, vegetables, fruits, fibre and healthy fats, which support healthy weight while providing nutrients for optimal health. And it’s important to indulge yourself to the occasional cake and champagne.

Physical exercises

Regular physical exercises for at least 150 minutes per week keeps the mind and body healthy. It doesn’t mean you have to do workouts regularly without taking a break from the structured regimen. The idea is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle by incorporating physical activities like taking long walks, hiking and using steps instead of the elevator. Both walking and biking improves physical and mental health, while reducing environmental pollution.

Mental exercises

People trying to achieve physical fitness, do not give much thought to mental exercises. But mental exercises are linked to physical fitness as they help in achieving health goals by boosting mental strength. Studies have shown that regular brain exercises support mental wellness. For instance, a person who practises yoga, involving physical and mental activity, has a healthy attitude towards weight loss and is more likely to succeed in the goal.

Adequate sleep

Sleep is essential to maintain the health of your body and mind. People who get quality sleep at night have better memory and concentration, lower stress levels, are energetic, and have reduced cravings for food in between meals. The benefits of adequate sleep can be availed by taking power naps as and when needed, and by fulfilling the daily required hours of sleep at night. Healthy adults need seven to nine hours of night-time sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Days of rest and relaxation

Allow yourself to take a day off, every week, for rest and relaxation. Do things spontaneously like taking a long drive or going for a weekend trip. The idea is to make your health goal (for e.g. dieting) enjoyable. Sometimes it’s not possible to get away on weekends; So, do small things that you enjoy – a leisurely stroll, take a walk in the park or watch a movie.

Improve social networks

Our social circles and networks are vital for wellbeing and achieving physical health goals. Human beings need to feel connected to others in social relationships to be happy and healthier. It’s a basic need that has to be fulfilled for overall wellness. Family, friends, neighbors and colleagues at workplace are the strongest supporters of our goals. Enlist their support by inviting them over to healthy meals cooked at home or to join a gym, where both can workout together.

The bottom line

Achievement of health goal and its sustainability depends on going through the above steps to wellness. Physical health goals can be overwhelming if you target large feats. But taking on small tasks, re-strategizing, embracing positive social circles and enjoying the journey towards the goal can be fulfilling and achievable.