| Aspect | Wellness | Health |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A holistic concept that encompasses various dimensions of well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, and spiritual aspects. | The overall state of well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects, with an emphasis on the absence of illness or disease. |
| Scope | Encompasses a broader and more comprehensive view, addressing multiple dimensions of well-being beyond just the absence of illness. | Often focuses on the absence of illness or disease and the individual's physical and mental capacity to function optimally. |
| Holistic Approach | Emphasizes a holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of different dimensions of well-being. | May address specific areas of well-being, but the emphasis may vary based on the context, such as physical health or mental well-being. |
| Dimensions | Encompasses multiple dimensions, including physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational, environmental, spiritual, and cultural well-being. | Typically addresses physical health, mental health, and sometimes social well-being, with less emphasis on multiple dimensions. |
| Preventive Focus | Emphasizes preventive measures, lifestyle choices, and positive habits to promote overall well-being and prevent illness or disease. | Often includes preventive measures but may also focus on diagnosing and treating specific health conditions or diseases. |
| Lifestyle Choices | Encourages individuals to make positive lifestyle choices that contribute to their overall well-being, such as healthy eating, exercise, stress management, and social connections. | Emphasizes healthy behaviors but may not explicitly address the broader spectrum of lifestyle choices that contribute to holistic well-being. |
| Quality of Life | Tied to the quality of life and how individuals experience and enjoy their lives in various dimensions. | Often associated with the absence of disease and the individual's ability to perform daily activities, work, and maintain functional capacity. |
| Personal Responsibility | Encourages individuals to take an active role in their well-being, make informed choices, and engage in activities that contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life. | Often involves personal responsibility but may also involve medical interventions for the treatment of specific health conditions. |
| Examples | Examples include engaging in regular physical activity, practicing mindfulness, fostering positive relationships, pursuing intellectual growth, and maintaining work-life balance. | Examples include regular exercise, balanced nutrition, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and seeking medical care when needed. |
While both wellness and health are concepts related to well-being, wellness takes a more holistic approach by considering multiple dimensions of well-being, while health often focuses on the absence of illness and the capacity to function optimally. Wellness encourages individuals to actively pursue a balanced and fulfilling life across various dimensions.