Health vs. Wellness — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 15, 2024
Health is primarily the absence of disease or infirmity, while wellness emphasizes a holistic integration of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Difference Between Health and Wellness
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Health traditionally refers to the physical condition of being free from illness or injury. It's often assessed through measurable criteria such as disease presence, physical function, and life expectancy. Whereas wellness is a broader concept that includes not only physical health but also emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Wellness is about living a life full of personal responsibility and therefore taking proactive steps for one's entire well-being.
While health can be seen as a condition at any given time, wellness is more about the long-term and involves continuous effort. Wellness encompasses the choices and activities aimed at achieving physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional well-being, and spiritual fulfillment. This distinction highlights the difference between surviving and thriving.
Health is often categorized into two types: physical and mental health. Physical health pertains to the body's ability to function properly, involving nutrition, physical activity, and body fatness. Mental health, on the other hand, involves cognitive and emotional aspects, focusing on how individuals think, feel, and behave. Wellness, however, incorporates these aspects into a larger framework that also includes social, occupational, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions, creating a more comprehensive approach to a person's life.
The pursuit of health typically involves diagnosing and treating diseases to attain a state of bodily function that is deemed normal or healthy. It can be relatively passive, as in the absence of disease, one may not actively seek to improve their health status. Wellness, in contrast, is inherently proactive and dynamic, requiring active awareness, choices, and actions towards a more successful existence. It's about adopting habits and behaviors that promote overall health and longevity.
While health can be seen as somewhat static—a state to be achieved and maintained—wellness is dynamic, evolving with lifestyle changes and personal growth. Wellness involves a change in mindset, recognizing that personal decisions and behaviors have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. It encourages personal development and self-care practices that go beyond just physical health, aiming for a balanced and fulfilled life.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The absence of disease or infirmity
A holistic integration of physical, mental, and social well-being
Focus
Disease and physical function
Overall quality of life, including emotional, psychological, and social well-being
Approach
Often reactive (dealing with health issues as they arise)
Proactive (taking steps to improve all aspects of well-being)
Dimensions
Primarily physical and mental
Physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, intellectual
Goal
Achieve and maintain health
Achieve overall personal well-being and fulfillment
Nature
Can be seen as static
Dynamic and evolving
Compare with Definitions
Health
Involves diagnosing and treating diseases.
Access to healthcare is essential for maintaining health.
Wellness
The act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes.
Wellness routines include meditation, balanced eating, and regular physical activity.
Health
Can be influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices.
A balanced diet is crucial for long-term health.
Wellness
A holistic approach that includes emotional, occupational, and spiritual well-being.
Employee wellness programs often include stress management resources.
Health
A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
Regular exercise contributes to good health.
Wellness
Emphasizes personal responsibility and proactive steps.
Choosing to walk or bike to work promotes physical wellness.
Health
Measured by life expectancy and disease prevalence.
Public health initiatives aim to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases.
Wellness
Involves continuous effort and personal growth.
Attending workshops on personal development contributes to intellectual wellness.
Health
Focuses on the individual's physical condition.
Preventive medicine is key to improving overall health.
Wellness
Aims for a balanced and fulfilled life.
Balancing work and leisure activities is crucial for social wellness.
Health
Health, according to the World Health Organization, is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." A variety of definitions have been used for different purposes over time. Health can be promoted by encouraging healthful activities, such as regular physical exercise, and by reducing or avoiding unhealthful activities or situations, such as smoking or excessive stress.
Wellness
The condition of good physical and mental health, especially when actively maintained by proper diet, exercise, and avoidance of risky behavior.
Health
The overall condition of an organism at a given time.
Wellness
The quality or state of being in good health.
Health
Soundness, especially of body or mind; freedom from disease or abnormality.
Wellness
The process of learning about and engaging in behaviors that are likely to result in optimal health.
Health
A condition of optimal well-being
Concerned about the ecological health of the area.
Wellness
A healthy state of wellbeing free from disease;
Physicians should be held responsible for the health of their patients
Health
A wish for someone's good health, often expressed as a toast.
Health
The state of being free from physical or psychological disease, illness, or malfunction; wellness.
Her mental health is really affected by stressful environments.
Health
A state of well-being or balance, often physical but sometimes also mental and social; the overall level of function of an organism from the cellular (micro) level to the social (macro) level.
The directors are concerned about the financial health of the project.
Health
Physical condition.
Health
In shape, in forme.
Health
(obsolete) Cure, remedy.
Health
(countable) A toast to prosperity.
Health
(video games) The amount of damage an in-game object can withstand before it is destroyed.
The enemies on this level have a lot of health.
Health
(obsolete) A warrior; hero; man.
Health
The state of being hale, sound, or whole, in body, mind, or soul; especially, the state of being free from physical disease or pain.
There is no health in us.
Though health may be enjoyed without gratitude, it can not be sported with without loss, or regained by courage.
Health
A wish of health and happiness, as in pledging a person in a toast.
Health
A healthy state of wellbeing free from disease;
Physicians should be held responsible for the health of their patients
Health
The general condition of body and mind;
His delicate health
In poor health
Common Curiosities
How can wellness be achieved?
Wellness can be achieved through a balanced lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, mental health care, and engaging in activities that promote overall well-being.
Why is wellness considered proactive?
Wellness is proactive because it involves actively making choices and engaging in behaviors that improve health and well-being, rather than simply reacting to health issues.
Is mental health considered part of health or wellness?
Mental health is a component of both health and wellness, affecting physical well-being and being an integral part of achieving overall wellness.
What role does prevention play in health and wellness?
Prevention is key to both health and wellness, aiming to prevent disease (health) and promote a holistic and balanced lifestyle (wellness).
Can you have good health but not wellness?
Yes, it's possible to be free from disease (good health) but lack balance and fulfillment in emotional, social, or other areas of life (wellness).
What is the key difference between health and wellness?
Health primarily focuses on the absence of disease and physical function, whereas wellness is about achieving holistic well-being across multiple life areas.
Can wellness change over time?
Yes, wellness is dynamic and can change over time as individuals make different life choices, undergo personal growth, and face various life stages and challenges.
Can pursuing wellness improve one's health?
Yes, engaging in wellness activities can lead to improvements in physical and mental health by reducing risk factors for disease and enhancing overall well-being.
How do social relationships affect wellness?
Strong social relationships contribute to emotional and social wellness by providing support, fostering a sense of belonging, and enhancing life satisfaction.
What is an example of a wellness activity?
Practicing yoga regularly is an example of a wellness activity that benefits physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
