Wellness

In this Article (Index)

What is Wellness all about?

• Let's define Wellness
• Wellness in Western Society
• More Wellness resources

Let's define Wellness

Every day we hear more and more about Wellness in the media and news, our friends, and work colleagues mention it, but what exactly is it? What does wellness mean?

There are many definitions of wellness, below we mention a few of them:

What is Wellness?

• It is the state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort.
• An approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.
• The process of learning about and engaging in behaviors that are likely to result in optimal health.
• A healthy balance of mind, body, and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being.
• An active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.

In a way, wellness is encompassed by the definition of Health because both involve an active attitude: just like health, wellness is not the result of disease, genes, or environment; it is the outcome of active behavior and lifestyle choices.

Well-being has been defined as the combination of feeling good and functioning well; the experience of positive emotions such as happiness and contentment as well as the development of one's potential, having some control over one's life, having a sense of purpose, and experiencing positive relationships... Kai Ruggeri, Eduardo Garcia-Garzon, Áine Maguire, Sandra Matz & Felicia A. Huppert (1)

Wellness in Western Society

Increased affluence and the modern consumer society encourage you to acquire goods and services in pursuit of the "good life," a vain chase where consumers try to gain status by association with trends, brand-names, and status symbols.

You waste time, energy, and money in this search of "happiness": worries about being able to keep up with the Joneses, financial strain, working long hours creates stress that upsets your internal balance.

You dedicate less time to genuine enjoyment, real face to fact social interactions, outdoor activities. Sedentarism gains a hold on you as you sit at your desks at work. Lack of exercise also contributes to your stress.

The outcome is a lack of sleep, stress, anxiety, and maybe even depression.

Positive changes for wellness

The key is to change some of these habits, and focus on your inner wellbeing, deal with your worries constructively and positively.

Focusing on your inner wellbeing, and taking care of your body through exercise, relaxation, and diet will help you feel both physically and mentally better.

This "Wellness philosophy" means that you can attain mental and physical wellbeing by restoring the balance to your mental and physical parts.

The outcome: self-acceptance, happiness, balance, and an overall sense of wellbeing.

Because wellness is not (only) about improving our physical fitness or losing weight through exercise, or balanced diets, or body care, it also works on the mind, on the spiritual aspects of your inner self.

It is also about mental fitness, internal energy, and vitality, developing positive ethical and personal values, keeping your mind alert and active (mental fitness), aging well, learning how to relax, balance your work with your free time, and sleep better.

Exercise, sports, and fitness will keep your body healthy and also help you vent the stress that builds up inside of you.

Relaxing also helps you cope better with stress. A positive vital outlook, self-fulfillment, and acceptance are also tools to improve your mental health and your feeling of wellbeing.

Wellness centers, spas, specialized wellness providers are places where a relaxing environment helps you reconnect with your inner self.

Read more about Wellness on our website and visit some of the resources listed below:

More Resources about Wellness

Each of the following webpages has links to many resources covering subjects such as Energy and Vitality, aging well, sleeping better, mental fitness, relaxing and meditation, body care, cosmetics, and beauty tips:

Energy & Vitality

Energy is physical, Vitality is psychological. Where does our body get its energy from? How can we become more vital and energetic?

More...

Aging Well

Many age-related health conditions can be prevented by modifying lifestyle and behaviors. Learn the positive lifestyle changes you can make to age well and live longer.

More...

Sleep Better

The secret to better sleep: A good night's sleep is very important for your health and wellbeing. Here are scientific-based tips to sleep better every night.

More...

Mental Fitness

Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness: it helps you cope with life's challenges, be independent, and keep your brain in top shape.

More...

Relaxation & Meditation

Relaxation and Meditation Techniques. Learn how to manage stress and control how your body responds to anxiety or stressors.

More...

Body Care

Taking care of your physical appearance: tips to care for your skin and body. Pamper yourself naturally. Advice on homemade cosmetics and natural remedies for your body.

More...