Dr Rukhsana Ahmed, MD, PhD
In recent years a “balanced life” which encompasses managing an individual’s work and life beyond work has drawn significant attention both in popular culture and academic discourse. The concept of a balanced life includes maintaining good health and wellness, which are the two fundamental aspects of a fulfilling life. Although health and wellness are often used interchangeably, these are two different concepts that together create a holistic approach to a fulfilling life.
When we discuss health, the first thing that often comes to mind is illness and disease, which is related to the physical body. However, the World Health Organization has a broad definition for health which includes aspects of both body and mind: “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”. Accordingly, the concepts of health form the foundation upon which we build our daily activities, physical fitness, relationships, emotional well-being, and our abilities to cope with stress and make sound decisions.
Wellness, while being strongly interconnected with health, expands beyond it to include activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a holistic state of health and successful existence. It emphasizes balance and harmony among aspects that contribute to health and involves multiple dimensions of emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational wellness. Together with physical wellness, these dimensions create a framework for a balanced and fulfilling life.
Importance of Health and Wellness
In an age where fast-paced work lifestyles and sedentary habits are common, prioritizing health and wellness is crucial. Achieving proper health and wellness positively influences productivity and performance in various aspects of life and enhances longevity, and mental wellness, and upscales the overall quality of life and happiness. Individuals who give importance to their health and wellness are more likely to engage in activities such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management. These activities contribute to improved immune systems, increased energy, and better mental health. Conversely, individuals who neglect their well-being end up with poor physical health, and mental disorders, increasing their health care costs and reducing their quality of life.
Ways for achieving optimal health and wellness
Out of the key components of health, physical wellness is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. Engaging in physical activities ranging from walking, cycling, running, swimming, and weight and strength training are essential for improved cardiovascular health and flexibility. Secondly, a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is important for the body to function optimally. A wholesome diet should include whole grains, lean proteins, good fats, fruits and vegetables. Consuming nutrition-rich foods reduces chronic illnesses and helps to boost the immune system. Sleep is another important component that plays a vital role in health and helps effective performance. Poor sleep habits contribute to a range of health issues including impaired cognitive function.
Mental health is another crucial aspect of health and well-being. While various factors such as genetics, life experiences and the environment may influence an individual’s mental health, it no doubt affects how we feel, think, and act. Engaging in healthy practices like mindfulness, meditation and other activities that can help reduce stress and anxiety could promote psychological well-being. Cultivating hobbies that bring joy and building relationships and interactions with family and friends can enhance emotional and social wellness. These types of activities are important to reduce feelings of loneliness and enhance the sense of belonging and overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, engaging in and contributing to community activities promotes meaningful connections and a sense of purpose.
Overall, for managing the health combo of physical, mental, and social wellness, it is vital to have regular health screening for early detection of health issues and timely interventions for promoting long-term positive health outcomes. In addition, it is important to take a proactive approach to wellness by staying informed about health and wellness topics. In this way, it would help individuals make informed decisions about their health and well-being and seek timely professional guidance whenever needed.
In this fast-moving era of hectic lifestyles, health and wellness are vital components of a fulfilling life. Understating their interconnectedness is important for individuals to cultivate robust states of well-being. Ultimately prioritizing health and wellness enables individuals to add years to life and life to years and quality of life.
