Getting healthy means something different for everyone. However, many common health goals can be achieved by making simple changes to your daily habits.
Multiple definitions of health exist, ranging from a narrow biomedical definition (the absence of negative biologic circumstances, such as altered DNA, abnormal physiologic states or disease) to the broad World Health Organization definition: “Health is a state of being capable of realizing aspirations and coping with challenges in life.” [1]
Physical
Physical health is the state of a person’s body, from their physical strength and fitness to whether they have an illness or injury. It is influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, diet and exercise, and sleep patterns.
The ideal state of physical health is when an individual experiences high energy levels, has no chronic conditions and can complete daily activities without limitations. Those with poor physical health may have numerous health complications, lower than average fitness levels and limited ability to engage in regular activities.
Maintaining healthy physical wellbeing is important because it helps to reduce risk of disease, and can also boost mental health by releasing endorphins in the brain that promote feelings of happiness and contentment. Getting enough exercise, eating a balanced diet and managing stress are all key components to maintaining good physical health.
Mental
Mental health is an important part of overall well-being and contributes to our ability to think clearly, interact with others and make a contribution to society. It can be affected by many factors such as physical health, work or school environment, life experiences and relationships. Some people have a mental illness that can cause changes in behaviour or mood, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can range from mild and only affect a person occasionally to severe and impact on everyday functioning, such as phobias or suicidal thoughts.
Like the weather, mental health can go through periods of bright and positive bursts and dark stretches when you may need some extra support. Resilience – your inner strength to deal with stressful situations – is also a factor in mental health and is important for everyone.
Social
When you think of health, it’s likely that physical symptoms come to mind first, like a cold or a sprained ankle. But your well-being has other dimensions, including social health.
Social health isn’t about the number of friends you have or whether you socialize regularly; it’s about how connected you feel. If you prioritize connection with loved ones and others, and if you participate in your community (whether that’s through volunteering, playing sports, or simply having a friendly conversation at the grocery store), you’re likely to have good social health.
The role of social science in health promotion has expanded since the 1948 redefinition of “health” as a state of mental and social well-being, not just absence of disease or infirmity. The field of social health has also been boosted by the development of more sophisticated research methods.
Spiritual
Spiritual health may not be a traditional topic of conversation when discussing mental health, but it can be a critical part of well-being. Believing in something bigger than yourself can help you overcome challenges and feel supported. It also contributes to a sense of peace and purpose.
Our interviewees defined spiritual health as having positive feelings about a higher power, themselves and others; having balance and calmness; feeling vitality and empowerment; and having hope and satisfaction. Other indicators of spiritual health include having moral virtues such as generosity, altruism and compassion, humility and honesty.
A person’s spirituality may play a role in their mental wellness in helpful and unhelpful ways, depending on their experiences. They may have been raised in a religious environment that was harsh and punishing, for example.
Financial
Financial health often flies under the radar, but it’s one of the most important aspects of overall wellness. It’s not just about money—it’s about paying your bills, having robust savings, and putting a plan in place for your future. While past research and interventions have focused on poverty reduction strategies such as food security, housing security, or income level, efforts that focus on the whole picture of economic hardship are needed to address structural racism in our financial, health, and social systems. The Building Wealth and Health Network is one such initiative that is working to fill this gap.
Presented by the Building Wealth and Health Network, a trauma-informed, financial empowerment program that uses peer support.