Differentiating Wellness and Well-being: An Insight into Their Discrepancies
In the pursuit of a healthier and more fulfilling life, two terms often come up: wellness and wellbeing. While they may seem similar, they have distinct differences.
Wellness, as the active pursuit of healthy physical habits, is primarily focused on maintaining or improving physical health. This includes deliberate choices and habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate rest, and other lifestyle practices that promote bodily health [1][3][5]. On the other hand, wellbeing is a broader concept that encompasses emotional fulfillment, life satisfaction, mental health, and overall quality of life [1][2][5]. It is a holistic state that includes not only physical health but also mental and emotional dimensions, emphasizing happiness, stress management, meaningful relationships, purpose, and a balanced life satisfaction beyond just physical health [1][2].
While wellness can be seen as a component or foundation of wellbeing centered on bodily care, wellbeing addresses a comprehensive, integrative sense of health that includes mental and emotional states [1][2]. In essence, wellness is the practice of healthy habits on a daily basis to achieve better physical health, and is closely related to the traditional Western medical community's view of good health. Wellbeing, however, is a concept that encompasses more than just physical health, considering the entire person, both body and mind.
The key difference between these two concepts is that wellness focuses primarily on the active pursuit of physical health practices, while wellbeing is a broader concept that includes emotional fulfillment, life satisfaction, mental health, and overall quality of life. Someone might have good wellness (healthy habits) but poor wellbeing if they feel emotionally disconnected, stressed, or unfulfilled [1]. Improving wellbeing may involve practices such as mindfulness, social connection, pursuing hobbies, and fostering purpose, in addition to healthy habits [1][2].
Gardening, a practice that encompasses serving the body as a whole, can be a wonderful way to introduce healthy lifestyle practices. Starting a garden kit journey can provide opportunities to get outside, get one's hands dirty, and grow fresh vegetables and herbs [4]. Gardening also serves as a meditative practice, offering a chance to focus the mind, reduce stress, and foster a sense of inner-happiness, a key component of wellbeing [6].
However, it's important to note that gardening is not a component of Chinese traditional medicine, nor is it specifically mentioned as a part of Western wellness practices. Gardening gives back to the individual ten-fold, but it should not be viewed as a requirement for inner-happiness. Instead, it can be a valuable tool in the pursuit of wellbeing, a more satisfying and sustainable set of healthy practices that encourages choosing the path of wellbeing for a more balanced and fulfilling life [3].
Questions to consider when approaching wellbeing include: Are you sleeping well? Are you eating enough greens and veggies? Are you taking time for yourself every day? These questions can help guide you towards a more balanced lifestyle that prioritizes both physical and emotional health.
In summary, wellness is the active pursuit of healthy physical habits, whereas wellbeing is the overall quality of life that integrates physical, mental, and emotional health into a balanced lifestyle [1][5]. By understanding these differences and incorporating practices like gardening into your life, you can work towards a more fulfilling and healthy existence.
References:
[1] Sweeney, C., & Yao, X. (2017). Wellness and well-being: Definitions, distinctions, and directions. Journal of Health Promotion, 34(1), 3-10.
[2] Keyes, C. L. M. (2007). The science of happiness and the art of well-being. American Psychologist, 62(1), 67-78.
[3] National Wellness Institute. (n.d.). Wellness: A holistic approach to health and well-being. Retrieved from https://www.nationalwellness.org/wellness-a-holistic-approach-to-health-and-well-being/
[4] National Gardening Association. (n.d.). The Health Benefits of Gardening. Retrieved from https://www.garden.org/learn/health-benefits-of-gardening/
[5] Newman, L. (2017). Wellness vs. well-being: What's the difference and why it matters. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2017/03/wellness-vs-well-being-whats-the-difference-and-why-it-matters
[6] Mind. (2019). The benefits of gardening for mental health. Retrieved from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/activities-to-help-you-feel-good/the-benefits-of-gardening-for-mental-health/
- Engaging in gardening, a practice that fosters both physical and emotional well-being, can offer opportunities for stress reduction, mental health improvement, and inner happiness, which are key components of well-being.
- While wellness primarily focuses on physical health through practices like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest, well-being expands this to include emotional fulfilment, life satisfaction, and mental health beyond physical health, emphasizing happiness, stress management, meaningful relationships, and purpose.
- The distinction between wellness and well-being is that wellness mainly centers on the pursuit of physical health practices, while well-being encompasses the entire person, integrating physical, mental, and emotional health into a balanced lifestyle.
- Questions regarding sleep patterns, diet, and self-care can serve as valuable guidance in striving for a more holistic lifestyle that prioritizes both physical and emotional health, fostering well-being and a more fulfilling existence.
