What Does Wellness Really Mean?

The word wellness is used quite often to describe various health related things in the media. But what does it really mean? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, wellness is a noun defined as: the quality of state of being in good health especially as an active sought goal. Although it is qualified as a noun, I like to think of wellness as more of a verb because as in the definition, it is active. Wellness is ever adapting because our lives are always changing. The wellness we may have experienced five years ago is no longer applicable and our wellness may change form to meet our needs today.

Wellness of the self can be integrated into all domains of our lives. Especially important is the wellness of our body, mind, and spirit. Fortunately, we can define what health is for ourselves because we have the power to direct this positive process. Moreover, we can help each other get there. Wellness of the self often requires outside help so that we may learn what our body, mind, and spirit necessitates.

Wellness is more than this year’s buzz word. It is the participation in your own health of body, mind, and spirit. This could mean eating a healthy diet and exercising, spending time with supportive friends and family, enjoying time outdoors and doing things that bring you peace, or joining a spiritual community.

Wellness does not mean perfection because it is not possible to have all parts of our lives in active health at all times. Instead, we strive for balance. This is where the action part of wellness comes in, as it is within the process that we can find health. Much like the saying, happiness is not a destination but the journey.

Written by Kathryn Chambers