What is the difference?
We often use these words as meaning the same thing.
Health can be explained as a state of being free from disease, illness or injury. A state of complete physical and mental health and not just the absence of disease or infirmity.
When I consider Health holistically, there are 5 things that I look at:
- Sleep: Are we getting enough, and how do you feel in the morning?
- Stress management: How do you manage your feelings of “Stress”?
- Hydration: How much water are you drinking daily, is it enough?
- Exercise: Are you exercising and is it the best type for you to do to meet your goals?
- Nutrition/Diet: When and what are you eating?
Wellbeing can also be explained as a state of being comfortable, healthy or happy. There are range of perspectives in what may constitutes wellbeing, however the one I have found the most useful is that wellbeing is sustained by 8 areas of consideration.
These are:
- Physical: Regular, sustainable exercise of some form is important. It is recommended that 30 minutes a day of walking improves all aspects of physical health. Our bodies were made for movement. Anything from wriggling up to high intensity elite training.
- Nutritional: Eating regularly daily, with plenty of vegetables and fruit, good quality protein with each meal and a small portion of starch/grains.
- Emotional: This aspect of wellbeing encompasses our individual ability to manage our feelings. Recognising we have feelings and that is okay! Working with how we feel and getting support when we need it.
- Social: This is about connecting with people in a positive way. Building strong relationships and developing strong attachments within our communities.
- Spiritual: This is commonly viewed as a sense of purpose, direction, or meaning, without which, values can slip. Many cultivate their spirituality through meditation or prayer. This process is very personal and is different for each of us.
- Intellectual: This process is about continually engaging the mind. This can be achieved in an infinite number of ways. Reading, puzzles, continued learning, personal growth, community service.
- Financial: To be financially well is to live within your means and plan appropriately for the future. Baby steps in reducing debts and saving are often the beginning. Also working out what is enough to live well. This awareness reduces a significant amount of anxiety about always thinking we need more.
- Environmental: Environmental wellbeing is how we interact with our immediate personal surroundings and the larger community. This means where you live and work. It is the relationship between us and our environment. So, how we support our wider environment? How can it support us? Climate Change!
Just some things to think about. Hope you enjoy the read.
