Wellness Is More Than Just Fitness – Discover More

Arpan hits the gym every day. He spends his nights researching how to improve his workouts and prepping his weekend meals, and he takes his vitamins every day. Regardless of his time in the gym, he gets anxious, drained, and, at times, isolated like Ted Lasso on the pitchside.

Arpan's story might be real to you. That's because it's quite a common one. Many of us believe that wellness is solely about physical health. In reality, true wellness includes mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. So, let's look at why this myth is quite common and how we can achieve true wellness!

Physical wellness is the most tangible part of health, so much so that they are often used interchangeably. And on the surface, it does make sense. You can measure your physical health by seeing how much you exercise, how much protein you eat, how much water you drink, and how much sleep you get every night.

For Arpan, physical wellness was his main focus. He was too into the holistic wellness misconception. He exercised regularly, ate nutritious meals, and prioritized his sleep, not responding to his colleagues after 6 pm. Yet, despite his Zeus fitness, he felt an unexplainable void.

Wellness, however, is multidimensional. It includes mental, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Each dimension has its role in keeping you in tip-top shape and contributing to a balanced and healthy life.

Mental Wellness

Let's break it down. It encompasses our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, managing stress, empathizing with others, and making decisions. For Arpan, neglecting his mental wellness led to feelings of anxiety and stress.

You can improve your mental health by practicing mindful techniques, seeking therapy, and using stress management techniques. Mindfulness meditation, for instance, can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Therapy gives you the space to explore your thoughts and feelings with a professional and gives you strategies to cope with mental health challenges.

Emotional Wellness

This essentially involves understanding and managing our emotions. It involves recognizing, accepting, and expressing our feelings in a healthy way. Arpan's emotions were down in the dumps, as he found it difficult to cope with his feelings of isolation and emotional exhaustion.

Develop your emotional intelligence by recognizing and managing your emotions and those of others. Building resilience and practicing self-care are also essential. Try journaling. Talk to a trusted friend, or try hobbies your mom would hate you to try, like drumming or getting tattoos, to truly express your emotions in a positive way.

Social Wellness

Social wellness is all about the quality of our relationships and how you can "rizz" up people. Having supportive networks, excellent communication skills, and a sense of belonging is a great way to be socially there. Despite his Hrithik Roshan abs, Arpan felt socially isolated, which worsened his general wellness.

Remember to cultivate meaningful relationships and engage in social activities. No more 'intimacy, without commitment' you see on Bumble. Try to make deep and meaningful relationships with the people around you. Join clubs like Cult Fit, volunteer, and just spend time with friends and family!

Spiritual Wellness

Just like the monk who sold his Ferrari, having a sense of purpose and meaning in life can go a long way. It can come from religion, spirituality, or even a personal philosophy. For Arpan, the absence of spiritual wellness contributed to his feeling empty.

This can be achieved through meditation, prayer, or personal reflection. Participating in community service or activities that align with your values and beliefs can also help! Finding and nurturing a sense of purpose can help you provide direction, comfort, and a deeper connection to the world.

The story of Arpan, or more like Ar-pain, shows us how all of these are interconnected and come together to bring out the best in us. True wellness is achieved when we balance and integrate our lives physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects.

To achieve holistic wellness, remember that wellness includes mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. It is essential to split all these dimensions up, see where you stand and regularly make adjustments. Here are some ways you can go about it:

Physical Wellness: Try to maintain your exercise routine, eat a balanced diet, and sleep for 7-8 hours a night. Yoga, strength training, HIIT, stretching, or even bouldering are great ways to have fun and shed some pounds!

Mental Wellness: Practice mindfulness, seek therapy, and manage your stress well. Try pranayama exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and time management strategies—they will definitely contribute to mental wellness.

Emotional Wellness: Develop emotional intelligence, build resilience, and engage in self-care activities. Practices like gratitude journaling, setting healthy boundaries, and engaging in creative outlets can improve your emotional wellness.

Social Wellness: Create actual relationships, join social groups, and spend quality time with your friends and family. Developing strong communication skills and being empathetic can help you feel comfortable socially.

Spiritual Wellness: Engage in activities that give you a feeling of purpose and meaning, like meditation or community service. Exploring nature, participating in spiritual or religious communities, and reflecting on your values and goals can also improve your spiritual wellness.

Addressing and nurturing each dimension can help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life. Remember that these changes will not happen overnight, and it is vital to recognize that wellness is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires regular attention and effort.

Now, we know that wellness is not just about physical health. It goes so much deeper than that. Wellness includes mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. Arpan's story shows us that focusing on just your physical health shape leaves out the other important aspects of health.

To achieve true wellness, remember to nurture all these dimensions of well-being. Doing so lets you live healthier, happier, and more balanced lives. Remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination, requiring a comprehensive approach to thrive truly.