Wellness and well-being are terms that have developed significantly worldwide over the last decade. A lot of attention has been placed on both to enhance how we can live our best lives regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
But what are they, exactly? How are these terms defined and are they really all that different from each other?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, ‘wellness’ is ‘the state of being healthy, especially when you actively try to achieve this. ‘ Well-being, on the other hand, is considered ‘general health and happiness, a state of emotional/physical/psychological well-being’.
Within these definitions you could say wellness is the day-to-day pursuit of attaining a sense of well-being. To put it simply, the difference can be seen as action versus result.
These five actions from Mental Health Ireland show how many countries acknowledge the importance of our mental health and how daily wellness plays a role.
This advice applies to everyone who wants to get on the path to well-being:
Connect
Make time each day to connect. Connect with the people around you; your family, friends, coworkers and neighbours. By staying connected and nurturing these relationships we may feel happier and more secure, giving us a better sense of purpose.
Be active
Look for ways to be active everyday. Go for a walk or a run. Step outside. Cycle, play a game, garden or dance. Discover a physical activity you enjoy which suits your lifestyle and level of mobility and fitness. Research has shown being physically active can improve your mental health and well being.
Take notice
Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Be Curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Pay attention to the present moment – to your thoughts, feelings and to the world around you.
Keep learning
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Cook a new recipe. Take on a new responsibility. Setting yourself a new challenge and learning a new skill will increase your confidence which can improve your mental health and well being.
Give
Giving to others is good for you. Do something nice for someone else. Thank someone. Volunteer your time or join a community group. See yourself and your happiness linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and create connectedness with the people around you.
