What is Wellness?

“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit-the realization that  everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our well-being.” —Greg Anderson

There was a time when I defined health and wellness as the same thing, simply meaning the absence of illness. Over time I’ve come to realize that health and wellness are interconnected, but they are not the same. Health is more about our state of being-our physical, mental and emotional condition, whereas wellness extends beyond that. Wellness is about alignment, a state of flow where we are in harmony with ourselves and the world around us. It is achieved when our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs are met, enabling us to live with balance, purpose and vitality.

Physical wellness means providing your body with the essential care it needs to function optimally. This includes staying hydrated, nourishing yourself with a balanced and healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring you get enough rest. It’s about making mindful choices that support your body's well-being and recognizing the importance of daily habits that contribute to its overall health and vitality.

Mental wellness involves nurturing our cognitive function and overall mental health. It includes cultivating a positive mindset, embracing continuous learning, and managing stress effectively. Just as we are intentional about what we put into our bodies; we must also be mindful of what we expose our minds to. Engaging with uplifting content, pursuing intellectual growth, practicing gratitude, and embracing a positive outlook all play a vital role in maintaining a healthy, balanced mind.

Emotional wellness is closely linked to mental well-being and involves recognizing, understanding, and managing our emotions effectively. It requires self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience to navigate life's challenges with greater ease. Cultivating emotional wellness means honoring our feelings and needs, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, staying physically active, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

Spiritual wellness is about finding purpose and meaning in life. It involves self-reflection, mindfulness, and a connection to something greater than us. This journey is unique to each individual and may include practices such as spending time in nature, engaging in prayer or meditation, volunteering, or expressing creativity through art, music, dance, or writing. By nurturing our spiritual well-being, we enrich our mental, emotional, and physical health, fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment and inner peace.

True wellness is achieved by cultivating daily habits that support every aspect of our well-being as no single area is more important than another. We may be in peak physical health, but without purpose, meaningful relationships, or a connection to something greater than ourselves, our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being can suffer. Our overall wellness is shaped by the choices we make and the habits and routines we develop over time. The journey begins with awareness—recognizing whether our current choices are fostering wellness or steering us toward imbalance and illness. With this awareness, we can consciously shift toward healthier choices that enhance our overall well-being. Small changes, like adding a nutritious salad to our meals, replacing negative news with an uplifting podcast, or taking a walk in nature, can have a profound impact. These simple yet intentional choices bring us closer to a balanced and healthy life.

Creating wellness involves understanding that we are inherently worthy and deserving of all the goodness life has to offer—and we truly are! It stems from believing in ourselves and recognizing that we are capable of far more than we ever imagined. It comes from embracing the truth that we are divine creations, endowed from birth with everything we need, including the wisdom to cultivate wellness in our lives. By honoring the magnificent, divine beings that we are, we open ourselves to living a vibrant, fulfilling, and deeply satisfying life.

We are all meant to live a profoundly glorious life, one that radiates with purpose, joy, and boundless potential. We achieve this by cultivating wellness in all areas bringing us into harmony with nature and aligning ourselves with our true essence unlocking the limitless beauty that life has to offer, living fully, fearlessly, and gloriously-which is truly why we are here!