Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
The Concept of Wellness
Health is more than the absence of disease. The World Health Organisation defines it as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being'. Wellness according to the WHO is more than good health; it is 'the optimal state of health of individuals and groups'. The WHO recognizes that to achieve optimal health an individual needs to reach their full potential in four key areas - psychological, social, spiritual and economic. Interestingly it also includes the roles of individuals and the fulfillment of these 'in the family, community, place of worship, workplace and other settings'.
(Smith, B., Tang, K. & Nutbeam, D., 2006, ‘WHO health promotion glossary: new terms’, Health Promotion International, vol. 21 no. 4 pp. 340-345.)
How might we achieve this?
According to Travis and Ryan in their Wellness Workbook: How to Achieve Enduring Health and Vitality, wellness encompasses 'a process of integration characterized by awareness, education, and growth'. That is the process of achieving wellness requires awareness of your strengths and weaknesses in key areas of your life. This is followed by education leading to change and growth. The process is not rigid; instead it involves 'options, individuality and choices freely made'.
(Travis, J and Ryan, R 2004, Wellness Workbook: How to Achieve Enduring Health and Vitality, 3rd edn, Berkeley, Celestial Arts.)
So the path to wellness is not passive; instead it requires you to consciously take the journey. Improving your health is a good first step and we would love to help you on your journey.