What does health and wellness include? A holistic guide to total well-being

September 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. Understanding the true scope of what does health and wellness include is the first step toward a more balanced and fulfilling life that extends beyond simple physical fitness.

Quick Summary

Health and wellness encompass a multidimensional state of being, covering physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, along with environmental and spiritual factors, making it a proactive process toward a thriving existence.

Key Points

Holistic Approach: Health and wellness include multiple, interconnected dimensions beyond physical fitness, such as mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Wellness is a Process: Unlike health, which is a state of being, wellness is an active and intentional process of making choices to live a more fulfilling life.
Physical Foundation: Key to physical wellness includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and preventive medical care to maintain bodily function and energy.
Mental and Emotional Resilience: Managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and developing emotional awareness are crucial for strong mental and emotional health.
Connections Matter: Nurturing strong social relationships and finding meaning through spiritual practices or purpose-driven work are vital for overall happiness and resilience.
Environment Impacts Well-being: The quality of your physical surroundings, from home to the planet, directly affects your health and emotional state.

Understanding the true meaning of health and wellness

Many people mistakenly believe that health and wellness are interchangeable terms. While related, they represent distinct concepts. Health is often viewed as a state of being—the current condition of your body and mind, as defined by the absence of illness. Wellness, on the other hand, is an active, intentional process of making choices toward a more successful and fulfilling existence. It involves conscious effort and a holistic approach that considers every aspect of a person's life.

The key dimensions of wellness

To grasp what does health and wellness include, it's essential to explore its various dimensions. These interconnected areas collectively contribute to your overall well-being, and neglecting one can negatively impact the others. A balanced approach across all these dimensions is key to achieving true holistic health.

Physical wellness: The foundation of vitality

Physical wellness is arguably the most recognized dimension and involves maintaining a healthy body through diet, exercise, and proper care. It's about more than just looking good; it's about feeling energized and functional. Key components include:

Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. This boosts cardiovascular health, builds muscle, and improves mood.
Balanced Nutrition: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains provides your body with the fuel it needs to function optimally.
Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It is crucial for cellular repair, mental restoration, and overall physical health.
Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, screenings, and immunizations can help detect and prevent health issues before they become serious.
Avoiding Harmful Substances: Limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and avoiding illicit drugs are vital for long-term health.

Mental and emotional wellness: Managing your inner world

Mental and emotional wellness focuses on your psychological and emotional state. This dimension includes stress management, emotional resilience, and a positive outlook. Neglecting this area can lead to significant physical and social health problems. Here are some strategies:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Regularly practicing mindfulness can reduce stress and enhance emotional regulation.
Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thought patterns and practice self-compassion.
Stress Management: Identify your stressors and develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as journaling, deep breathing, or spending time in nature.
Emotional Awareness: Learn to recognize and understand your emotions, and express them constructively.
Seeking Support: Don't hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor when facing mental health challenges.

Social wellness: Nurturing connections

Humans are social creatures, and our relationships have a profound impact on our health. Social wellness involves building and maintaining a strong support network, communicating effectively, and fostering a sense of belonging. Strong social ties can provide support during difficult times and contribute to a longer, healthier life.

Spiritual wellness: Finding purpose and meaning

Spiritual wellness is a highly personal dimension that goes beyond organized religion. It involves exploring your values, beliefs, and purpose in life. It's about finding harmony between your inner self and the outside world. Practices like volunteering, spending time in nature, or engaging in reflective meditation can nurture this aspect of wellness.

Occupational wellness: Satisfaction in your work

This dimension centers on finding purpose and satisfaction in your work or career. It's not just about a paycheck; it's about balancing work and personal life and feeling fulfilled by your professional contributions. A healthy work environment, engaging tasks, and positive relationships with colleagues are all part of occupational wellness. For more insights on this dimension, the Occupational Wellness Guide from MentalHealth.gov provides valuable resources for finding balance.

Environmental wellness: Your impact and your surroundings

Environmental wellness recognizes the influence of your surroundings on your health and well-being. This includes living in a safe, clean, and stimulating environment. It also encompasses taking responsibility for your role in protecting the planet through sustainable choices.

Health vs. wellness: A comparison


Aspect	Health (Traditional View)	Wellness (Holistic View)
Focus	Primarily on physical body and absence of disease.	Encompasses all dimensions of human experience: physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational.
Scope	Reactive; addresses illness and symptoms after they occur.	Proactive; emphasizes prevention and making choices for a more successful existence.
Approach	Often symptom-focused, relying on medical interventions.	Lifestyle-focused, promoting daily healthy habits and intentional choices.
Goal	To treat and cure illness.	To thrive and reach one's full potential.

Putting it all together for a balanced life

Achieving true wellness requires a commitment to nurturing all these dimensions. For instance, chronic stress (emotional wellness) can manifest as physical ailments like high blood pressure or poor sleep. Similarly, neglecting social connections can lead to feelings of isolation and negatively impact mental health. By understanding and addressing all facets of wellness, you can create a truly balanced and resilient life. Start with small, manageable changes in one or two dimensions and gradually expand your focus. The journey toward total well-being is a continuous, evolving process, not a final destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most important components of health and wellness are physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These form the core, but true wellness also includes social, spiritual, occupational, and environmental factors, all of which are interconnected and must be addressed for a holistic approach.

Improving your mental wellness involves practices like mindfulness, meditation, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. Additionally, focusing on positive self-talk, developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress, and seeking professional support when needed are all key steps.

Yes, health is often defined as a state of being, such as the absence of illness. Wellness, on the other hand, is an active, ongoing process of making choices towards living a more successful and balanced life. One is a snapshot, while the other is a continuous journey.

Social wellness, which involves strong relationships and a sense of community, can significantly impact physical health. Strong social ties have been linked to lower stress levels, a stronger immune system, and better long-term health outcomes. Isolation and loneliness, conversely, can negatively affect physical health.

Environmental wellness concerns the quality of your physical surroundings and your impact on them. It matters because your environment, from the air you breathe to the safety of your home, directly affects your health. Making sustainable choices also contributes to a healthier planet for everyone.

Absolutely. Occupational wellness, or satisfaction in your work, is deeply connected to other wellness dimensions. Chronic job stress, for example, can lead to burnout that impacts your mental and physical health. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being.

Begin by focusing on one or two dimensions at a time, such as improving your sleep schedule or incorporating a new stress-management technique. The goal is to make small, sustainable changes that build on each other. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and consistency is more important than speed.