Wellness is one of the greatest and most powerful words in the English language. Unfortunately, it is also one of the least understood. Wellness is not solely a question of genetics or even of diet and exercise. It’s first an awareness of our considerable potential and then an understanding of our accountability for its use. According to the World Health Organization, Wellness is “the state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The phrase Wellness can also be seen as an analogue to the medical term homeostasis.
Dr. Halbert L. Dunn began using the phrase high level wellness in the 1950’s however the concept of wellness became popular in the 1970’s.
By definition, Wellness is the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind especially as a result of deliberate effort. Also referenced as an approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to emphasizing treating diseases.
The National Wellness Institute has defined wellness as “a conscious self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential. A multidementional and holistic encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and the environment. Wellness is always positive and affirming.
Wellness is an Active Process
through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.
Wellness is a Choice
A decision we make every day to move toward disease or move toward optimal health and maximum life.
Wellness is a Process
An awareness that there is no end point but that health and happiness are always possible in the present moment, the here and now.
Wellness is a Way of Life
A lifestyle sensitive and responsive to all the dimensions of body, mind and spirit; an approach to life we each design to achieve our highest potential for well-being now and forever. No matter what our state of health, Wellness calls for continuing improvement and self-renewal in all areas of life. Wellness seeks more than the absence of illness; it searches for new levels of excellence. Wellness dedicates its efforts to our total well-being.
Wellness is more than just the absence of disease
Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth. There are many interrelated dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, environmental, and occupational. Each dimension is equally vital in the pursuit of optimum health.
Social Wellness
Perform social roles effectively and comfortably and create a supportive network.
Occupational Wellness
Enjoy your occupational endeavors and appreciate your contributions.
Physical Wellness
Maintain a healthy body and seek medical care when needed.
Intellectual Wellness
Have an open mind when you encounter new ideas and continue to expand your knowledge.
Emotional Wellness
Understand your feelings and cope effectively with stress.
Spiritual Wellness
Develop a set of values that help you seek meaning and purpose.
Environmental Wellness
Respect the delicate balance between the environment and ourselves.
Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit-The realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.