Health, well-being, and wellness are related but distinct concepts. Health is a state of being, well-being is a broader sense of overall satisfaction, and wellness is the active pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
Breakdown of Key Differences
Here's a more detailed look at the nuances:
| Concept | Definition | Focus | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health | A state of being free from illness or injury. It encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects, often used to describe the presence or absence of disease. | Objective state, absence of disease or infirmity. | Having normal blood pressure, not having a cold, absence of mental illness. |
| Well-being | A positive state of existence characterized by happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. It includes physical, mental, emotional, social, and often spiritual aspects. | Subjective feeling of thriving and flourishing in various life domains. | Feeling happy and content, having strong social connections, feeling fulfilled in your work, experiencing inner peace. |
| Wellness | The active pursuit of behaviors and lifestyle choices that lead to a state of holistic health. It involves making conscious decisions to optimize physical, mental, and social health. | Active process of making choices towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. | Regularly exercising, eating a balanced diet, practicing mindfulness, volunteering in the community, getting enough sleep, managing stress. |
Health vs. Wellness
While health is a state, wellness is a process. You can have poor health (e.g., a chronic illness) and still strive for wellness by managing your condition and making healthy choices. Conversely, you can be in good health but neglect wellness by engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
Well-being Encompasses More
Well-being builds upon the concept of health. It isn't just about the absence of disease; it's about a broader sense of flourishing and satisfaction in life. It considers not only physical and mental health but also emotional, social, and even spiritual aspects.
In summary:
- Health is the state of being free from illness.
- Well-being is your overall sense of happiness and thriving.
- Wellness is the active pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
