The Wellness Equation: Balancing Physical, Mental & Emotional Health

Defining Wellness

W ellness is a term commonly used in healthcare settings to describe a health approach emphasizing care for the entire being. This means caring for a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Holistic medicine is a healthcare discipline built on the belief that physical, mental, and emotional well-being are all interconnected. Holistic medicine promotes practices that nurture a person’s entire well-being. To foster wellness, people must make conscious choices that support a healthy well-being.

The importance of physical wellness

Physical wellness is one of the pillars of well-being. Nutrition is a big part of physical wellness, and healthy eating means limiting intake of sugar, salt, and saturated fats. Eating a well-balanced diet filled with lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats keeps the body in optimal shape. Exercise is another component of physical wellness. Engaging in physical activity helps to increase blood circulation, decrease stress, build bone, and boost muscle mass, along with other benefits.

Supporting mental health and wellness

Mental illness is the most well-known example of mental imbalance. However, mental health focuses on mental functioning and the brain’s capacity to operate normally. Mental wellness is not only about illness. Mental wellness includes emotional regulation, the ability to build a solid support system, maintaining a positive attitude, and the strength to deal with life’s challenges. Strong mental health means living a life of purpose and having a sense of direction in life. Mental wellness is the foundation of strong well-being.

Balancing emotional wellness

Emotional regulation is an important component of mental wellness and serves as the basis of emotional wellness. An emotionally stable individual knows how to identify an emotion, understands why these feelings arise, and develops healthy ways to respond and cope with different emotions. Stress management is an integral part of emotional wellness, and regulating stress through physical activity, meditation, and other practices will reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Getting an adequate amount of rest will also enhance emotional regulation and improve mental clarity.

The journey to a healthy well-being

Physical, mental, and emotional wellness are all connected and work together to create a whole individual. Many activities like exercising improve all 3 of these elements by strengthening mental resolve, releasing mood-boosting hormones, and supporting cardiovascular health. To achieve balance, people should give equal attention to all these wellness components. When a single element is out of whack, this can negatively impact the other elements and lead to health issues. Taking a holistic approach to health and incorporating some of these approaches into a daily lifestyle will help people achieve a balanced well-being.

Talk to a professional

People that feel like an area of wellness is lacking should seek the advice of a medical professional. This person may need to undergo some evaluation to determine the root cause of any physical, emotional, or mental imbalance. Patients should consult a healthcare professional to learn more about holistic medicine and other approaches that promote a positive well-being.