What is Wellness?

What is....WELLNESS?

Today we hear this term more than ever before, “Wellness” yet what does it truly mean?


Oddly enough there is no universally accepted definition of wellness. However, there is a set of common characteristics that are seen throughout each attempt of a definition. Well leave it to Charles B. Corbin, author and professor of Arizona State University's Department of Exercise and Wellness who states it best: “Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being.” (Corbin, 2009)

The dimensions of wellness that Corbin is referring to consist of the physical, emotional-mental, intellectual, social, and spiritual dimensions:

·      Physical wellness is a personal ability to function effectively in meeting the demands of the days work; which includes good physical fitness and useful motor skills. In this realm of wellness, adopting a routine including physical activity would contribute to positively influencing this area of wellness. Increasing ones physical health will aid in their overall fitness, which then benefits their overall health in decreasing ones risk factors for such diseases, like high blood pressure and diabetes.

·      Emotional-Mental wellness is a person’s ability to cope with daily circumstances and personal feelings in a positive manner. Being able to manage stress would immensely aid someone in this realm. Managing their stress would help to keep their mindset optimistic and decrease many cardiovascular complications due to stress.

·      Intellectual wellness is a person’s ability to learn and apply information to enhance the quality of living and functioning. One lifestyle behavior to adopt in this realm would be to stay on top of current events, especially in ones field of study. This would keep them well informed rather than being ignorant in what they study.

·      Social wellness is a person’s ability to interact with others successfully and to create significant relationships that improve the quality of life for all people involved. Developing a habit of getting involved with events that happen at work/family. Also keeping close ties with friends and family. These behaviors would contribute to the health of establishing those friendships and building ones social network.

·      Spiritual wellness is a person’s ability to establish a system of values and beliefs, as well as founding meaningful goals to be carried out. One behavior that someone could benefit from is seeking his or her purpose in life. This brings about many questions that may cause one to experience life at a different and more meaningful life once understood.  (Corbin, 2009)

Written by: Nick Reyes, CPT

Resource:

Corbin, C., Welk, G., & Corbin, W., Welk, K.  (2009).  Concepts of Fitness and Wellness:  A Comprehensive Lifestyle Approach. New York: McGraw Hill (8th Edition).