What does Wellness Mean to Me?
When you consider the concept of "wellness", what comes to mind? Is it the physical healthiness you feel, or is it how you feel emotionally/mentally? I believe that wellness is a multi-layered concept that includes not only the physical & emotional wellness you experience, but also the constant pursuit of being well and living well. Today on Inspired by Diane, I will be sharing with you all what wellness means to me.
Aspects of Wellness
In my mind, wellness can be internal and external. Your emotional & mental wellness is internal, whereas your physical wellness is external. Wellness is both inward and outward facing. But what is the true definition of wellness?
The Definition of Wellness
According to Webster Dictionary, "wellness" is defined as the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal. As I did more research, I came across this page on Pennfoundation.org, talking about what wellness means. Here is a direct quote that I believe is better said verbatim:
Wellness is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth. It is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
I absolutely love this direct quote because it opened my eyes to thinking about how wellness is not stagnant, nor is it just about your physical wellness. Wellness is constantly changing and growing with us as humans. It is not some hocus pocus idea that is fake. Wellness is real, and it depends on how much work you put into it.
How to Implement Wellness
There are many ways to implement wellness into your daily life. Now that we have recognized the multi-layered nature of wellness, you have to break apart how you work wellness into your life.
For your physical wellness:
do the recommended amount of physical exercise for your weight and age every week
eat food that nourishes you
remember to drink water & stretch your body
For your mental wellness:
practice breath work throughout the day
if you need to, find professional help
remember to take mental health days to physically & mentally relax
For your social wellbeing/wellness:
if you are more extroverted, talk to a friedn & go explore the city
if you are more introverted, take a self-care day and go pamper yourself
don't remain in the house for too long — at least try to go out on a daily walk around the neighborhood
Did you learn something new about wellness today?
Let me know in the comments what wellness means to you, or let me know on social media!
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