What is Wellness?

…..Eh…maybe

Often times you will hear people promote health and wellness in their mission statements. What does this mean exactly, and what is the difference between the two?

Each word has many definitions depending on where you look but the main difference is that health usually pertains more to the physical state of the body and the absence of disease or pain. When someone says they are healthy, they generally mean they do not have any illness. Wellness goes several step beyond merely the absence of illness and describes a well-rounded life; involving more than just physical aspects. The Wellness Institute ( https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/what-is-wellness/) (and many others) define wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health”. This involves six realms that, together, lead to a well-lived life. The realms are:

1. Physical: a healthy body through exercise, nutrition, sleep, etc.

2. Mental: engagement with the world through learning, problem-solving, creativity, etc.

3. Emotional: being in touch with, aware of, accepting of, and able to express one’s feelings (and those of others).

4. Spiritual: the search for meaning and purpose in human existence.

5. Social: connection with, interacting with, and contributing to other people and our communities.

6. Environmental: a healthy physical environment free of hazards; awareness of the role we play in bettering rather than denigrating the natural environment.

This can be a lot to digest all at once, and can be downright overwhelming for someone who is having trouble with multiple dimensions of wellness at once. However, it can also be illuminating for someone who feels they are “crushing it” in one area-such as physical exercise- but still don’t feel well or feel like “something is missing”. That person may be neglecting several other realms and this leads to their discontent.

Sadly, modern western medicine rarely seeks to address more than one or two of these areas, and the practitioners or business that try to fill in the gaps are often seen as ‘woo-woo’ and lacking substance; though science is catching up with the benefits of some centuries old practices such as meditation and gratitude. We believe there can be a successful middle ground. There are concrete steps one can take to improve each of these realms; which, in congregate, can make substantial changes to someone’s health and happiness…aka their wellness.

Some of you may already live well-rounded, happy lives and are simply looking for personal or performance training, others are looking for guidance beyond simply sets, reps, and workout plans. We are able to cater to each of these pursuits and wellness activities can easily be worked into your session as you would like.

So what is wellness to you? Where are you thriving and where can you improve? The way you eat, the way you move, the routines you make, the way you interact with your friends and community, your spiritual or mindfulness or meditation practice, solving challenging or engaging problems? There are brass tacks tips and activities that can help you overcome any deficits in any of the above areas; you don’t have to be afraid or embarrassed and you do have the power to feel better.

Contact us to find out more about how we can work to help your wellness.