subject: Wellness Definition - Get Started On Yours [print this page] The definition of wellness is something that can be totally difference from one person to the next. There isn't a wellness definition that everyone accepts as "the one". We all know we want to strive for better wellness, but since we can't really define it how will we know how to get it?
People typically think that physical health is the same as the definition of wellness. It's true that being fit is one of the dimensions of wellness, it's definitely not the only one. The wellness definition is generally thought of as a combination of mental, social, emotional, physical, environmental and spiritual health.
The truth is that you need each piece of this puzzle to achieve overall wellness. Each dimension of the wellness definition is like a spoke on a bicycle tire. If you over achieve in one area, but under achieve in others, you will eventually have a flat tire. Your goal should be development in every area.
A general definition of wellness can be a state of well-being but real wellness isn't that easy. The wellness definition can be summed up like this: the active process of becoming aware of a more successful existence and making choices to support that existence.
This may sound like a pretty complex definition, but it's actually not so bad if you break it down. It's just a process; it's not about a final point of being "well". It's really only being an aware and active participant in your own well being. Your success in this endeavor depends upon what is important to you.
Overall wellness is a process, it does not happen overnight. Trying to make a plan to achieve overall wellness too quickly will seem overwhelming because it's such a large undertaking. The best approach is to think about each dimension of wellness individually and determine what they mean to you. Then you just need to think of some small ideas for each dimension and start working on them. You really can get on the wellness path that easily. Get started!
