Defining the Difference for a Happier You
Health and wellness are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial for achieving a happy and fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the definitions of health and wellness in Nigeria, from reputable sources, albeit international sources, and provide a quiz to help clarify the difference.
But before we do this, why is it important to understand the difference? In today’s Nigeria, it is absolutely vital we are aware of our stressors and overall wellbeing. The hustle is real, and if not well moderated, sadly that hustle can be deadly.
Health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. The American Heart Association defines health as “a state of being free from disease or illness, with physical, mental and social well-being”.
Wellness
On the other hand, The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as “an active process of becoming aware of and making choices that support a more successful existence”. And, The American College of Sports Medicine defines wellness as “a multidimensional state of being that includes physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual components”.
Key differences
While health focuses on the absence of disease or illness, wellness encompasses a broader range of factors that contribute to a person’s overall quality of life. Wellness is an active process involving conscious choices to support physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Clearly, wellness is the ultimate target. It is also, the much harder target. In a struggling economy, and one with prevalent unemployment, insecurity, and high inflation, wellness becomes that much more difficult. The so-called silent killer – hypertension, which is caused by sustained and untreated high blood pressure must be carefully tracked and managed in all adults.
But which of the several components of wellness should we track first – the physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual components? That is not an easy question, and the answer will depend on the (qualified) respondent. However, given the knock-on effect of physical health on the other factors of wellness, it’s probably best to start there. This means managing stress through physical activities, eating and drinking (alcohol) moderately, not smoking at all, and sleeping well.
Now let’s bring it all home with a simple quiz to help better understand the concepts of health and wellness, and hopefully see how to improve our application of both in our daily dealings.
Quiz: Health vs. Wellness
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Which of the following is an example of health?
a) Eating a balanced diet to maintain physical health
b) Practicing yoga to reduce stress and improve mental well-being
c) Getting regular check-ups to prevent disease
d) All of the above
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Which of the following is an example of wellness?
a) Taking medication to manage a chronic illness
b) Engaging in regular physical activity to improve physical fitness
c) Practicing mindfulness to reduce stress and improve mental well-being
d) All of the above -
Which of the following is a key difference between health and wellness?
a) Health focuses on physical well-being, while wellness focuses on mental well-being
b) Health is a passive state, while wellness is an active process
c) Health is a short-term goal, while wellness is a long-term goal
d) Health is a medical concept, while wellness is a holistic concept
Quiz: Health vs. Wellness – Mental Health Focus
- Which of the following is an example of mental health?
a) Being free from anxiety and depression
b) Having a strong support network of friends and family
c) Engaging in regular physical activity to improve mood
d) Practicing mindfulness and self-care to manage stress
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Which of the following is an example of mental wellness?
a) Taking medication to manage symptoms of depression
b) Engaging in activities that bring joy and purpose
c) Practicing self-compassion and self-forgiveness
d) All of the above
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What is the primary focus of mental health?
a) Preventing and treating mental illness
b) Promoting emotional well-being and resilience
c) Enhancing cognitive function and productivity
d) Improving physical health outcomes
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What is the primary focus of mental wellness?
a) Managing symptoms of mental illness
b) Cultivating a positive and fulfilling life
c) Enhancing mental performance and productivity
d) Reducing stress and anxiety
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Which of the following is a key difference between mental health and mental wellness?
a) Mental health focuses on treatment, while mental wellness focuses on prevention
b) Mental health focuses on symptoms, while mental wellness focuses on strengths
c) Mental health focuses on pathology, while mental wellness focuses on positivity
d) Mental health focuses on the individual, while mental wellness focuses on the community -
Which of the following is an example of a mental wellness practice?
a) Keeping a journal to track symptoms of depression
b) Engaging in regular exercise to improve mood
c) Practicing gratitude and self-reflection
d) All of the above
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What is the relationship between mental health and mental wellness?
a) Mental health is a prerequisite for mental wellness
b) Mental wellness is a subset of mental health
c) Mental health and mental wellness are interchangeable terms
d) Mental health and mental wellness are distinct but complementary concepts -
Which of the following is a benefit of prioritizing mental wellness?
a) Reduced symptoms of mental illness
b) Improved physical health outcomes
c) Enhanced emotional resilience and well-being
d) All of the above
Last thoughts
Health and wellness are two distinct concepts that are interconnected but not interchangeable. Health focuses on the absence of disease or illness and is in fact a subset of wellness. in contrast, wellness encompasses a broader range of factors that contribute to a person’s overall quality of life. By understanding the difference between health and wellness, you can take a more holistic approach to achieving a happy and fulfilling life.
