The Concept of Wellness: Your Path to a Holistic and Healthy Lifestyle

“Click, clack, click”, went the keys as Neil rhythmically punched an email onto his laptop. He was applying for leave for a few days because his doctor had instructed him to take some time off from work.

At his level, leave was often granted with no questions asked, which was what Neil was hoping for from his manager as he spelt out the first few lines of his leave application. Deep down, however, he knew that taking time off from work wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

Lately, Neil had started to feel the weight of burnout creeping up. His energy levels, which were always high, had dipped, and he found it much more challenging to focus on tasks that had once excited him.

That pressure to always be “on” had taken its toll. Moving past the physical exhaustion, the constant juggling of multiple projects, expectations, and timelines was proving to be a mental strain.

This is not an isolated experience. In a February 2023 survey of 10,243 global workers by US think-tank Future Forum, 42% reported burnout. According to recent reports, a significant portion of Indian employees experience burnout, with figures ranging from around 58% of the workforce.

Wellness today means much more than physical health. It comes down to listening to your mind and body, recognising when rest is required, and permitting yourself to recharge. Taking a break is an integral part of maintaining productivity and mental health.

With its essence remaining the same, the concept of wellness keeps evolving. In ancient times, Ayurveda described it as “harmony between mind, body and soul”. Fast forward to the 19th century, when we talk of intellectual and medical movements, to today’s modern approach.

Wellness has always been multi-layered, looking to strike a balance in all areas of life. Our needs are evolving constantly in an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, as are their dimensions and practices.

Today, we have better access to information and technology, which increases our awareness. Today, wellness is recognised more for its importance and has gone mainstream. It has grown from a niche pursuit to a fundamental aspect of daily life, impacting personal choices, workplace policies and healthcare practices.

According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), wellness is “an active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health”. Wellness is not confused with healthcare; it is a reactive concept focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and cure.

Wellness is broader, proactive and preventive, driven by a person’s self-responsibility to ensure a healthy lifestyle and achieve greater well-being. Suppose health is considered a continuum from illness to optimal well-being. In that case, healthcare stands at one end, which GWI defines as the Medical Paradigm of the periodical and reactive approach to health.

On the opposite end of that spectrum is the Wellness Paradigm, which proactively increases the quality of health through positive habits. Here, we go beyond illness; to speak, wellness is just not the absence of illness.

It is the concept of living life to its full potential. We must look at the wellness concept as a holistic approach that considers different dimensions of a person’s life, from mental and emotional to social and spiritual.

Wellness is a common context often mentioned in the health context. Wellness today is a multifaceted, active process that comes together in a more prosperous and fulfilling life. Health today is a state of well-being that incorporates physical, mental and social factors.

According to the National Institute of Wellness, “wellness” tends to be a more “active process via which people become more aware of and make choices towards living a more successful existence". This is a comprehensive understanding of wellness.

Today, wellness refers to an active, more conscious, self-directed, and continuous process that looks to achieve our full potential as individuals.

It is aimed at a more positive and affirming life. Wellness considers different components, which take into account lifestyle, spiritual well-being, mental well-being and the environment.

According to the World Health Organisation, wellness is the “optimal state of health of individuals and groups”. WHO says that wellness as a whole consists of two points, which are the achievement of an individual’s fullest potential, physical, psychological, spiritual, social and economical, while carrying out an individual’s expectations in the family, community, place of work and worship, as well as other settings.

Wellness refers to a holistic concept that today goes beyond just physical health. It’s all about ensuring balance and harmony across different areas of life, like emotional, social, mental and spiritual well-being.

Wellness means taking proactive steps to care for your body, mind and spirit to ensure long-term health and happiness.

Physical wellness often crops up first. It is about regular exercise, eating healthy, sleeping enough and undergoing routine health check-ups. Mental wellness is just as vital and involves managing stress, cultivating coping skills and encouraging a positive mindset.

Emotional wellness is all about comprehending and expressing your feelings healthily and fostering strong, supportive relationships with others. Social wellness stresses the vitality of meaningful connections with a sense of belonging, while spiritual wellness harps on finding purpose whilst aligning with values that bring inner peace and fulfilment.

Today, true wellness goes beyond perfection and looks at fostering balance, just like work-life balance. It encourages us to pay heed to our bodies, acknowledge our emotions and participate in activities that nurture every aspect of our being. If we prioritise wellness, we can foster a richer and more fulfilling life where we thrive physically, emotionally and mentally.

Wellness comprises mutually co-dependence dimensions: physical, emotional, occupational, spiritual, social, intellectual, financial and environmental. If even one of these dimensions gets neglected over time, it adversely impacts one’s health, well-being and quality of life.

A well-rounded balance of these dimensions ensures holistic harmony and personal well-being. It’s simple - like a balanced diet requires healthy nutrition, balanced wellness engages the mind, body and spirit.

This multi-dimensional wellness approach emphasises the importance of positivity and eternal motivation for fostering healthy habits to augment one’s quality of life.

Physical Wellness

By maintaining physical wellness, we mean maintaining positive physical health. This is achieved through fitness, nutrition, sleep, weight management and preventive healthcare. Physical health is the most well-known concept associated with wellness.

Studies on workplace wellness programs based on physical activity show that they can enhance workability and health, including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Going beyond fitness or exercise, it is vital to note that enhancing physical wellness can be anything from better access to healthcare to investing in wellness providers that look into different aspects of employee health.

Physical wellness is the cornerstone of overall health, consisting of habits and practices that ensure the body functions at its optimum best. Going beyond exercising and eating well is all about creating a lifestyle that supports the body’s natural processes and fosters long-term vitality.

Physical activity is the main aspect of physical wellness, helping to strengthen the muscles, boost cardiovascular health and ensure a healthy weight. Exercising can range from simple activities like walking or stretching to more intense workouts.

The main aim is to find consistency and an enjoyable activity, making it easier to stick with over time. Nutrition plays an important role in physical wellness. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins gives the body the essential nutrients it requires.

Hydration is essential, too, as water supports digestion, circulation and cell function. Rest and sleep are overlooked but important aspects of physical wellness. Sleeping enough allows the body to repair itself, boosts the immune system and fosters mental clarity.

Prioritising sleep and managing stress ensures you maintain energy levels and encourages overall well-being. Physical wellness boils down to making choices that support a strong, healthy body and help us live a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Mental Wellness

Mental wellness is all about ensuring good cognitive functioning and psychological well-being. This is achieved through easy access to mental healthcare, stress management and counselling.

Mental well-being is just as vital as physical well-being. Today, we are at a place where we can discuss mental health. Conversations about mental health are happening, bringing awareness and better solutions to ensure mental wellness in different aspects of life to the fore.

Putting it simply, we now have better resources for tackling anxiety, stress, depression and other mental conditions. There has also been an increase in investment in mental health benefits.

As our understanding of wellness has begun to shift from programs and circumstances that help to alleviate illnesses or increase health risks, wellness dimensions have come into the limelight, with wellness being related to quality of life and life satisfaction.

Today, mental wellness comes down to maintaining a balanced state of mind and effectively managing whatever life throws at you. It involves fostering mental resilience, clarity and emotional stability.

Important aspects of mental wellness include bringing down stress, developing coping strategies and practising mindfulness. One of the most vital elements of cognitive wellness is self-awareness.

Comprehending your thoughts, emotions, and triggers allows us to respond instead of reacting to stressors. Activities like meditation, journaling, or just taking time to reflect can help us stay centred. Social connections play a big role in mental health.

Building and nurturing relationships ensures emotional support and a sense of belonging. Reaching out when you require help, whether through friends, family, or professional support, is vital.

Properly managing negative thought patterns and cultivating a growth mindset are essential for mental wellness. By shedding light on self-compassion, seeking balance and prioritising mental care, we can ensure a more resilient and peaceful state of mind.

Emotional Wellness

Today, emotional wellness is all about understanding and managing individual emotions, attributes and values. We achieve this by practising mindfulness and learning healthy coping mechanisms.

Mental and emotional well-being are two sides of the same coin. The latter lays stress on emotional management, maintaining a positive outlook on life and fostering healthy relationships.

Studies on the brain and nervous system, as well as social engagement and leisure, mean that our mental and emotional well-being plays an important role in overall wellness. If we don’t feel good in our hearts or minds, we won’t feel good in our bodies.

What we know today about chronic conditions like constant pain, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, and many autoimmune conditions is that when we feel bad for ourselves, when we are not enjoying our lives and social engagements, we undergo worse health symptoms.

Taking into account its benefits and effect on different aspects of health, emotional wellness is gaining importance, especially among the younger set. Emotional resilience has come to the fore today, with people setting boundaries at work to communicate limits or reset when times get tough.

The National Institute of Health has defined emotional wellness as the “capacity to successfully manage life’s pressures and adapt to change and tough circumstances”. It is in essence, the awareness of feelings and expressing them in a healthy manner.

Social Wellness

Social wellness implies developing and maintaining healthy relationships by participating in social activities and contributing positively to the community. Social wellness is a very important part of our lives as social beings because we rely heavily on our relationships and the sense of belonging they give us.

This dimension is even more critical today as we face a loneliness epidemic. Because of COVID-19, many employees have been forced to work remotely, which has taken them away from their colleagues and thrown a spanner in the work of social interactions.

Social habits can improve mental and physical well-being - with the National Institutes of Health citing six strategies in their social wellness kit that can help achieve this:-

• Fostering healthy connections.

• Looking after oneself while also taking care of others.

• Depending on social support for physical activities.

• Shaping the health habits of your family.

• Fostering a strong bond between children and their caregivers.

• Building stable relationships.

Taking these solutions to the workplace, online platforms, mentorship programs, team-building events and peer support networks are all a great way to fight back the loneliness epidemic and cement the significance of the workplace as a social hub.

Social wellness is all about fostering and maintaining a supportive network that encourages a sense of trust, belonging and mutual respect. Healthy social interactions contribute to emotional well-being and give support when life throws up challenges.

At the core of social wellness lies communication. Open, honest and empathetic communication fosters bonds with friends, family and colleagues. It is vital to set boundaries to safeguard your mental health while nurturing positive connections. Social wellness is all about creating a sense of community.

Engaging in group activities, volunteering or participating in social clubs or online communities can fine-tune your sense of purpose and help you develop new relationships. Cultivating social wellness needs balance.

Spending time with others is vital, at the same time, we need solitude and personal space. A strong and supportive social network boosts overall well-being, providing resilience during tough times.

Intellectual wellness

Intellectual wellness refers to the practice of exercising mindfulness for your brain health and taking part in activities that stimulate the mind. It involves upskilling, expanding your knowledge and challenging your thinking.

You learn new skills and take part in brain-stimulating activities, which can improve your memory, focus and clarity. You are more open to new ideas and beliefs. You experience an improved mood and an expanded mindset.

You might be able to plan ahead and bring down stress. Intellectual wellness means taking part in activities that stimulate the mind, boost creativity and promote lifelong learning. It’s all about challenging the brain to grow and develop through diverse experiences, knowledge and perspectives.

One key aspect of intellectual wellness is constant learning. Whether through formal education, reading or exploring new hobbies, intellectual growth ensures the mind is sharp and engaged. It goes beyond memorising facts - and develops the skills to think critically, solve issues and make informed decisions.

Engaging in stimulating conversations and looking for new ideas plays a huge role. Exposing yourself to different viewpoints broadens your understanding while nurturing open-mindedness.

It is vital to stay curious and not shy away from challenges that push you beyond your comfort zone. Intellectual wellness means balancing screen time with activities that boost cognitive function. Writing, learning a new language and puzzle games - all are a great way to ensure the brain remains active.

Intellectual wellness is all about nurturing the mind through a host of enriching experiences, ensuring that it is adaptable, curious and resilient in the face of a constantly changing world.

Spiritual Wellness

When we say spiritual awareness or wellness, what exactly do we mean? It implies finding a purpose, value and meaning in life. This is done by taking part in activities that align with your values and beliefs.

Spirituality means being connected to something far more significant than yourself and having a bunch of values, morals, principles and beliefs that foster a sense of purpose, providing meaning to life and then implementing those principles to guide your actions.

Anyone who wants to practice spirituality should be allowed without interference or conflict from employers. Practising spirituality will make you healthy, more focused, communicative and engaged. You will possess a sense of purpose and confidence, so you can concentrate on your work.

Spiritual wellness might impact physical health through better stress and anxiety management and the development of healthier habits. Spiritual awareness is all about fostering a sense of purpose, connection and inner peace.

It all boils down to exploring and nurturing your beliefs, values and sense of meaning in life. Spiritual wellness is free of any specific religion or doctrine - it is a personal journey that can manifest in different forms through meditation, reflection on life’s deeper questions or prayer.

At its very essence, spiritual wellness helps you align your actions and your values, encouraging a sense of fulfilment and harmony. It pushes you to look for balance, practise mindfulness and connect with something greater than yourself.

Spirituality is all about practising gratitude, forgiveness and self-compassion, resulting in spiritual well-being and encouraging a more positive outlook on life. Spiritual wellness can involve moments of introspection and stillness, during which you can recharge and reconnect with your inner self.

Occupational Wellness

Occupational wellness refers to finding satisfaction and fulfilment in your work, achieved through realistic goals, self-care, work-life balance and professional development opportunities. By occupational wellness, we mean the satisfaction, fulfilment and balance that a person gets in their work.

It involves finding individual and professional growth opportunities, ensuring a healthy work-life balance and feeling valued and recognised where you work. Unlike the other aspects of wellness that we looked at, this one links directly to employee well-being.

Employers play a vital role in this. By laying emphasis on this dimension of the wellness concept, they can foster an environment where workers thrive personally and professionally, ultimately ensuring a happier and more productive workforce.

There is definitely a connection between occupational wellness, employee engagement and loyalty. Some good examples of how companies can support occupational wellness include flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities and access to wellness providers.

Occupational well-being is the satisfaction, fulfilment and balance we experience in work. It comes down to feeling valued, engaged and aligned with your job’s purpose while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

This aspect of well-being stresses finding meaning in your work, feeling motivated by tasks and fostering a positive relationship with colleagues. Achieving occupational wellness means being in a career that is in line with your skills, interests and values. It involves setting clear goals, looking for opportunities for growth and feeling challenged.

A supportive work environment, with open communication, recognition and professional development, is very important. Work-life plays a crucial role in occupational well-being.

Making time for personal life, self-care, and relaxation is vital unless you want to experience burnout like Neil. Prioritising physical and mental health, setting boundaries and practising stress management techniques assist in sustaining a healthy work routine.

Environmental Wellness

Environmental wellness refers to the practice of valuing and caring for the spaces that we live in and the effect that they have on our well-being.

We must be aware of how our surroundings impact our thoughts and feelings. We must be mindful of how our actions impact the environment. We must be considerate of the future of the environment.

We must minimise our contribution towards environmental destruction and make sure that we treat everyone fairly when it comes to environmental decisions.

Our sense of safety, comfort and connection with our physical surroundings is our environmental well-being. It takes into account how our surroundings, community, and the self interact.

Living in closer harmony with the world and the community can enhance environmental well-being. Wellness starts with your immediate surroundings. Your mental condition, productivity and emotional well-being are all influenced by your personal space.

Environmental health means not just our own space but also bigger communities, geographic areas, and the planet as a whole. Environmental wellness means living in a caring and healthy environment while being aware of and respectful towards the environment in which we live.

People who stay in places with incessant rain and overcast days might experience seasonal depression, which can ruin their emotional, social and spiritual health, amongst other things. Having a nice atmosphere around you and doing your bit to safeguard the environment can make you feel more fulfilled holistically.

Financial Wellness

Financial wellness is a holistic term that considers your relationship with money and its impact on your life. It is not just about how much you earn but how you manage and perceive your finances. Achieving financial wellness means you aren’t constantly stressed about money.

You have a clear understanding and a proper plan for managing it. By understanding and aiming for financial wellness, you make a commitment to your overall well-being that can mean a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Financial wellness is vital because financial stability can result in overall life satisfaction and security. Financial concerns do not control you. Financial wellness refers to the ability to meet basic needs and manage money in the long and short term.

Financial wellness means learning how to manage your money and establishing a personal budget. It means not living beyond your means. It implies making a plan to pay back any loans. You build up good credit.

Financial wellness means thinking long-term, like setting up a savings account, setting up investments and/or a retirement account. It means not allowing money to be the driving force of your life or an indication of your self-worth. It implies donating some of your money to a cause you believe in.

Money impacts financial wellness. You need to know how to manage your money to know what you have and don’t. Financial wellness is very important for overall health. If you are in a good space financially, it means you are in a good space in your life.

Achieving balance through wellness means actively managing various aspects of your life, like physical health, mental well-being, relationships, personal interests and work, by implementing healthy habits and putting aside time for hobbies and social connections.

Balance begins with self-awareness. Take time out to reflect on which areas of your life require more balance - whether it is work, relationships or personal time. You must use this understanding to craft a daily routine that blends work, relaxation and self-care.

As life shifts, adjust the routine to fit the new flow. Incorporate mindfulness into the day, whether you enjoy meals without distraction or a meditative walk. Such moments of mindfulness can bring down stress and augment overall well-being.

Set realistic and achievable goals, break down objectives into smaller bite-sized tasks, and celebrate the small wins to stay motivated and be on track without feeling overwhelmed.

Your relationships with others play an important role in achieving a balanced lifestyle. Regular catch-ups with family and friends, as well as taking part in community activities, are essential for enriching your emotional well-being.

Also important is mastering the art of rest and recharge. Make sure you sleep well, enjoy some downtime and set boundaries - all of which are essential for balancing your mental and physical health.

Creating a balanced lifestyle is a personal journey that evolves over time. It’s all about making small, consistent changes that align with your needs and values. Focusing on mindful practices and routines sets the stage for a balanced, fulfilling and sustainable life.