Defining The Difference of Wellness and Wellbeing

Wellness means functioning optimally in the environment we’re in. This can take many forms and requires adaptation and customization for each individual person. Wellness also requires periodic variation and change to remain sustainable. Wellness is an active process of fulfilling one’s purpose and pursuing healthy activities that support the health of the individual and their ecosystem. The steps we take versus the end result is the difference between wellness and wellbeing.

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as, “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.“

World Health Organization (WHO):

Definition: The WHO defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

The CDC describes wellness as “the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about life.”

American Psychological Association (APA):

The APA views wellness as “a positive approach to living that emphasizes the whole person.”

International Well Building Institute (IWBI)

IWBI, focusing on the built environment, links wellness to “how the spaces we inhabit impact our minds and bodies.”

The Active Pursuit of Wellness Refers to

The National Wellness Institute defines the subject in the following manner:

• • “Wellness is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving one’s full potential.”

• • “Wellness encompasses lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment.”

• • “Wellness is positive, affirming, and contributes to living a long and healthy life.”

• • “Wellness is multicultural and holistic, involving multiple dimensions.”

Exploring Frameworks: Guiding the Path to Wellness

There are many frameworks that define and aid in the management of the necessary activities to be and feel well.

Six Dimensions of Wellness – National Wellness Institute:

When professionals pair the right wellness activities together, they are able to achieve their full potential and support their surrounding ecosystem to do the same.

Our wellness can mean many different things and we want to ensure we create a manageable plan that makes sense for our life.

A similar, proven framework is the Eight Domains of Wellness: Physical, Emotional, Social, Environmental, Personal Values, Occupational, Intellectual, Financial. 

Workplace Wellbeing is the Result of Wellness in Action

Wellbeing is said to be the end state or result of the wellness activities that hold our life together. We use our wellness to achieve or maintain our wellbeing.

Wellness and wellbeing, while closely linked, do diverge in their aims. While wellness entails the cultivation of healthy practices and positive routines, wellbeing emerges as the radiant blossom of these efforts. Wellbeing, the holistic outcome of wellness, transcends physical vitality. It embodies contentment, balance, and a profound alignment with one’s core values and purpose. The journey of wellness is the vehicle, and wellbeing is the destination—an intricate tapestry woven by conscious choices and active participation.

Crafting a Personal Wellness Plan: Making Sense of Life

We can take many approaches to the management of our wellbeing. For example, it is best to do at least a monthly review of our wellness action plan so that we are adequately prepared for each area included. We can also perform this at more rapid succession or space it out at greater length.

Other ideas are to choose one day per week to work on a specific domain of wellness. Or dedicate two hours each weekend to all or one area of our wellness. These are just a few examples and when working with a dedicated wellness coach, you can better organize what activities make the most sense to do and when.

Defining Personal Purpose in Wellness

The important thing to consider is what does wellness mean to us. Wellness starts with personal virtues and how we wish to organize and guide our life.  How do we define wellness and what do we want to focus on. This will give us a sense of purpose and empowerment and will provide the discipline to carry out the necessary activities when we are due to and when our motivation fades.

In the intricate tapestry of modern life, wellness emerges as a dynamic force that propels us toward personal fulfillment. As we navigate the journey of wellness, we embrace the beauty of adaptation, the necessity of change, and the power of conscious choices.

This journey culminates in wellbeing – a state where our intentional efforts come together to create harmony within ourselves and the world around us. Through personalized strategies, well-defined purpose, and a commitment to growth, we harness the potential to thrive in a world that continually transforms.

Reach out today about a wellness plan for you or your organization!

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