| Aspect | Health | Wellness |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Health refers to the overall well-being of an individual, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects. It is the absence of illness or injury. | Wellness is a holistic concept that goes beyond the absence of illness. It includes active pursuit and maintenance of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. |
| Focus | Primarily focuses on the absence of illness or disease and the body's physiological functioning. | Focuses on proactive behaviors and lifestyle choices that contribute to a higher quality of life and overall well-being. |
| Components | Physical health, mental health, social health, and emotional health. | Physical wellness, emotional wellness, social wellness, intellectual wellness, occupational wellness, and spiritual wellness. |
| Reactive vs. Proactive | Often reactive, addressing health issues or illnesses as they arise. | Proactive, emphasizing preventive measures and lifestyle choices to maintain and enhance overall well-being. |
| Perspective | Narrower perspective, often associated with the medical model of treating diseases. | Broader perspective, emphasizing a positive and holistic approach to living a fulfilling life. |
| Lifestyle Choices | Involves addressing risk factors and adopting healthy habits to prevent diseases. | Involves making positive lifestyle choices that contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life, extending beyond physical health. |
| Goal | Goal is to maintain or restore physical and mental health. | Goal is to achieve a state of holistic well-being, involving a balance of physical, mental, and social aspects. |
| Holistic Approach | Recognizes the interconnection of physical, mental, and social aspects but may place more emphasis on the absence of disease. | Embraces a holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various dimensions and the importance of balance. |
| Examples | Examples include managing chronic conditions, getting vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy diet. | Examples include regular exercise, stress management, social connections, lifelong learning, and mindfulness practices. |
It's important to note that health and wellness are interconnected concepts, and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, wellness is a broader and more proactive concept that extends beyond the absence of illness to encompass the pursuit of a fulfilling and balanced life.