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We hear the words health and wellness a lot. But what do they really mean, and are they the same thing?
Health can be understood as the state of being free from illness or injury, while wellness refers to the quality or state of being in good health (WHO, 1998).
In other words, wellness is about more than simply being free from illness. It’s an ongoing journey of feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally well.
The rise of wellbeing
In recent years, we’ve seen a global shift toward nurturing well-being rather than simply treating ill-being. Workplaces and communities are recognising that prevention, connection, and self-care are just as important as treatment and medicine.
This wellbeing awakening is helping people understand that we all deserve to feel our best, and that taking a holistic approach through intentional, daily choices can make a real difference.
The science of feeling good
Neuroscience tells us that our brains play a major role in how we experience wellbeing. Feel-good transmitters – dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins – all influence our mood and motivation:
- Dopamine fuels motivation and reward
- Serotonin regulates our mood and promotes calm
- Endorphins reduce stress and pain
- Oxytocin builds love, trust, and connection (Dfarhud et. al., 2014).
Image: Swarnakshi Sharma 2022
The best part? We can naturally boost these feel-good chemicals through simple habits that nourish our bodies and minds.
Everyday habits to boost your wellbeing
Simple daily habits can have a big impact on our overall wellbeing. Here are some evidence-based ways to strengthen your wellbeing naturally:
- Healthy eating increases energy levels and helps manage stress
- Sleeping well strengthens our emotional and physical resilience. Tip: Try to allow at least 30 minutes to unplug and wind down each night.
- Physical activity can improve motivation, lift your mood, and clear your mind.
- Connect with others. Healthy relationships create a support network to lean on, and foster a sense of belonging and purpose
- Be kind to yourself. Acknowledging challenges without judgement and setting realistic expectations encourages peace and progress while reducing stress.
- Do what you love. Hobbies can help keep your happiness and creativity levels high.
- Practice mindfulness. Simple grounding exercises, like deep breathing and focusing on what you can see, hear, and touch can calm a busy mind.
- Setting boundaries helps protect your time, space, and energy and can bring clarity and freedom.
- Notice your thoughts. Awareness that our thoughts impact our feelings, and our feelings affect our actions can help us to regulate our emotions and respond thoughtfully
- Ask for support. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals when you need help – it’s a sign of strength (McEwen & Lasley, 2002).
Wellness begins with you
Remember, wellness is a daily practice, not a destination.
By nurturing your body, mind, and relationships each day, you can create the foundation for a more balanced, connected, and fulfilling life.
References
World Health Organization (WHO). (1998). WHOQOL: Measuring Quality of Life. Geneva: World Health Organization.
Dfarhud, D., Malmir, M., & Khanahmadi, M. (2014). Happiness & Health: The Biological Factors – Systematic Review Article. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 43(11), 1468–1477.
McEwen, B. S., & Lasley, E. N. (2002). The end of stress as we know it. Washington, D.C.: Joseph Henry Press.
