What is wellness vs health?
Understanding Wellness vs. Health
Health
Health refers to a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is often considered a static condition—someone is healthy or not healthy based on specific measurements or diagnoses. Health is typically measured by medical assessments, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, or the presence of illness.
Wellness
Wellness is a broader, more active concept. It involves making conscious choices toward a more successful and fulfilling existence. Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth, encompassing several dimensions, such as:
- Physical wellness
- Emotional wellness
- Social wellness
- Intellectual wellness
- Spiritual wellness
- Occupational wellness
- Environmental wellness
Wellness focuses on optimizing well-being and quality of life, not just the absence of disease. It is proactive and preventive, encouraging healthy habits, stress management, and work-life balance.
Key Differences
- Scope: Health is often about the state of your body and mind, while wellness is about actively pursuing a balanced and meaningful life across multiple domains.
- Approach: Health can be passive (e.g., being free from illness), whereas wellness is active and ongoing, involving lifestyle choices and self-care.
- Measurement: Health is commonly measured by medical criteria; wellness is measured by overall satisfaction and functioning in daily life.
In summary, health is a goal or state, and wellness is the journey and lifestyle choices that help you achieve and maintain that goal.