Wellness is a common term that is often misunderstood to mean
good health. However, wellness is not about health alone. It includes
many other factors.Major factors that contribute to a person's wellness are:
- pollution free living environment
- healthy food
- ability to balance between career and family
- mutually beneficial relationships
- access to fitness programs
- religious faith
Meaning of the term 'wellness' has undergone a change over the years and accordingly the definition of the term has also been changing. 'Wellness is generally used to mean a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being' -Wikipedia.
According to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.
Wellness is essentially a state of the mind and body and so different sections of the society perceive the term differently. The poorer sections of the society understand wellness to mean access to the basic necessities of life - food, shelter and basic medical care. The rich and the affluent people consider wellness to mean 'management of the body'. Membership of health clubs and gyms, driving expensive cars, eating out in the best restaurants are a few of the factors that are thought to constitute their wellness. In general, it can be said that the factors that contribute to health and happiness are also the factors that contribute to wellness.
Health and happiness
Wholesome food, water, proper living conditions, proper working atmosphere and good personal hygiene promote good health. Healthy eating habits, family, environment, work, money and security, health services, social support, spirituality, and leisure are the major factors contributing to one's health and happiness. In the developing economies, malnutrition and contagious diseases affect health. Obesity is a cause for concern all over the world. We know that obesity is the cause for major diseases.
Increasing income, resulting in decrease in physical activity is cited as the main reason for obesity. Change in eating habits, eating junk food, addiction to fast food and spending long hours sitting in front of computer and TV are causing illnesses. Competition and increased working hours deny people the leisure time to relax with the family and friends. Lack of leisure time causes pressure and stress which are the two major factors driving people to depression, suicide and addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Maintaining good relationships, reducing stress, moderate eating, good sleep and physical exercises and fitness programs will promote wellness.
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