Health vs. Wellness: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

You’re scrolling through social media and come across a post about the benefits of intermittent fasting. Or you read an article explaining how mindfulness reduces stress. Or a friend mentions they’re making lifestyle changes to improve their well-being.

Health, wellness, well-being—these terms are everywhere. But do they mean the same thing, or are there important distinctions? In this article, we’ll explore the difference between health and wellness, how they influence each other, and why understanding both is essential for a fulfilling life.

What’s the Difference Between Health and Wellness?

Although “health” and “wellness” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. The main difference is that health is a goal, while wellness is the active process of working toward that goal.

Let’s break down the definitions:

• Health: We often think of health as the absence of illness or disease. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines it more broadly as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
• Wellness: The WHO describes wellness as “the optimal state of health for individuals and groups.” Other experts define it as a “positive approach to living.” In simple terms, wellness is the ongoing, active effort to grow, change, and reach your full potential in order to improve your overall well-being.

Why does this matter? Wellness directly impacts your health, which is essential for a happy, fulfilling life. In other words, you can’t truly have one without the other.

Understanding the difference is key because while we can’t always control our health status, we can consciously choose actions that promote wellness. For example, you might have a genetic risk for heart disease, be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes early in life, or experience an unexpected brain injury. These conditions are part of your health—your state of being.

But you can choose to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and attend medical check-ups. That’s wellness—the active process of living a healthy lifestyle.

Ultimately, you can’t achieve true health without first committing to wellness.

What Are the Dimensions of Wellness?

Wellness involves multiple aspects of health. There are eight key dimensions:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Intellectual
• Social
• Spiritual
• Environmental
• Occupational
• Financial

Each dimension contributes to your overall health and quality of life. Neglecting any one of them can negatively impact your well-being.

Here’s a closer look at each dimension:

• Physical: Covers all areas related to your body, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and avoiding harmful substances. It involves making choices that support good physical health.
• Emotional: Involves recognizing, understanding, and managing your feelings in healthy ways. A key part is resilience—bouncing back after setbacks.
• Intellectual: Focuses on keeping your mind active and engaged through learning, problem-solving, and creative activities.
• Social: Relates to building and maintaining healthy relationships, spending time with loved ones, and communicating with empathy.
• Spiritual: Centers on finding purpose and meaning in life, which may or may not involve religion. It’s about connecting with your inner self.
• Environmental: Encourages living in harmony with the planet through actions like recycling, conserving resources, and spending time in nature.
• Occupational: Involves finding satisfaction and purpose in your work or daily activities, whether you’re employed, volunteering, or caring for family.
• Financial: Focuses on managing money wisely, budgeting, saving, and planning for the future to reduce stress and increase security.

The Importance of Balance

Balance is essential to wellness. It means making time for activities that bring joy and fulfillment—whether that’s working, volunteering, relaxing, socializing, exercising, or sleeping.

Since everyone has unique needs and preferences, your idea of balance may differ from someone else’s. For example, you might prioritize daily exercise, while a friend might focus on volunteering.

It’s also important to regularly reassess and adjust your balance based on life’s changes. During stressful times—such as illness, trauma, or emotional challenges—it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and avoid overextending yourself. Downtime gives you space to process emotions and recharge.

During calmer periods, you might have more energy to support others. Remember, social connection is vital—isolation is not beneficial for wellness.

The goal is to create a well-rounded balance across all eight dimensions, leading to holistic harmony in your health and well-being. Just as a balanced diet supports physical health, balanced wellness engages your body, mind, and spirit.

Tips for Improving Your Health and Wellness

Wellness exists on a spectrum. No one is entirely healthy or unhealthy, but the more healthy choices you make, the closer you move toward optimal well-being.

Here are tips and reflection questions for each dimension:

• Physical Wellness: Stay active, eat nutritious foods, and prioritize sleep. Try activities like yoga, biking, or dancing. Avoid excessive alcohol and drugs.
  • Are you setting small, achievable diet goals?
  • Are you making physical activity fun and regular?
  • Are you getting 7–8 hours of sleep most nights?
  • Have you reduced or quit tobacco, alcohol, or drugs?
  • Do you attend routine health check-ups?
• Emotional Wellness: Develop habits like journaling, mindfulness, deep breathing, or therapy to process emotions.
  • Do you have safe relationships where you can express feelings?
  • Do you use writing, music, or conversation to cope?
  • Have you tried yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises?
  • Do you manage stress in healthy ways?
• Intellectual Wellness: Engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or debating.
  • Have you considered teaching a class or workshop?
  • What new hobbies or skills interest you?
  • Do you explore libraries or bookstores for inspiration?
• Social Wellness: Build connections by socializing, joining groups, setting boundaries, and practicing clear communication.
  • Do you schedule outings with friends or family?
  • Do you stay in touch with loved ones, even from afar?
  • Are you meeting people who share your interests?
• Spiritual Wellness: Find meaning through volunteering, meditation, prayer, or time in nature.
  • Have you identified your core values and beliefs?
  • Do you participate in groups that support your spirituality?
  • Do you take time daily for reflection or meditation?
• Environmental Wellness: Recycle, conserve energy and water, spend time outdoors, and reduce clutter.
  • Do you recycle and buy recycled products?
  • Do you limit power and water use at home?
  • Do you spend time outside in parks or natural settings?
  • Do you declutter your living space regularly?
• Occupational Wellness: Seek work or activities that align with your values and skills. Build a supportive work environment.
  • Does your job or volunteer work reflect your values?
  • Do you communicate openly with colleagues?
  • Do you feel proud and accomplished in your role?
  • Do you celebrate your achievements?
• Financial Wellness: Create a budget, save regularly, reduce debt, and donate to causes you care about.
  • Do you track spending to avoid overextending?
  • Are your savings aligned with life goals?
  • Do you follow a budget for expenses and leisure?
  • Have you considered financial advice if needed?

The Bottom Line

Health and wellness are related but distinct concepts. Health is your state of being, while wellness is the active process of improving it. By addressing all eight dimensions—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial—you can enhance your overall well-being.

If you’re looking to boost your health, consider trying Quitemate. It’s a neuroscience-backed app that has helped millions reduce alcohol consumption and improve every dimension of wellness.