Health is a multidimensional phenomenon that requires a holistic approach. A purely functional definition reduces health to the absence of disease and ignores other aspects of health.
A social-justice approach recognises that differences in health are systematic rather than random. This is an important feature for understanding the causes of health inequalities.
Physical
Physical health involves the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate rest along with avoiding harmful substances and seeking medical care when necessary.
The core elements of physical health are cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and flexibility, nutrition, and mental wellness. Each plays a significant role in overall well-being and functionality. Achieving and maintaining physical health is complex, however, because there are numerous obstacles that can hinder individuals from living a healthy lifestyle. These hurdles range from environmental conditions to personal issues like lack of motivation and financial constraints. Contemporary understanding of physical health encourages a holistic approach that addresses these obstacles in order to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Mental
Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning and resilience. It enables us to cope with difficulties, work productively and contribute to our communities.
Symptoms of mental illness can be mild and do not interfere with daily living, such as some phobias (abnormal fears). Other symptoms may be severe and require care in a hospital, such as hallucinations or delusions.
While there is no clear definition of what makes an illness mental, it can include any condition that affects the way you think, perceive or feel. Early diagnosis and treatment, usually a combination of counselling and medication, can help you manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.
Social
Social health is an important component of overall well-being. It encompasses relationships with others, community involvement, and a sense of belonging.
Researchers have a long history of linking social conditions with health outcomes and exploring the reasons for variation in such effects across societal groups. For example, sociologists have played a key role in establishing that social ties impact mental health, health behavior, and mortality risk.
Social support systems promote mental and physical health by reducing stress and improving mood. They also reduce allostatic load, a measure of wear and tear on physiological systems that engage in stress responses (e.g., endocrine and autonomic systems, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). In addition, supporting relationships have direct physiological effects on stress hormones and immune function. These effects can be immediate and cumulative.
Spiritual
Spiritual health can include beliefs about a higher power, community, and a sense of meaning and purpose. It can also help people find resiliency through difficult times. Studies show that a person’s spiritual health is related to their mental and physical well-being. Spirituality is linked to more peace living with HIV, decreases depression and anxiety in patients with traumatic injuries, and improves quality of life in cancer patients.
The Global Gen Z Survey found that respondents across generational cohorts and countries report that spiritual health is important to them, with more than 80 percent in Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Vietnam saying it is very or extremely important. However, spirituality is a highly personal thing. If a person’s experiences with religion and spirituality have been negative in the past, they may close themselves off to these concepts.
Emotional
Emotional health is a similar concept as mental health but it dives into the emotions you have and how well you manage them. This includes the ability to think positively, have a positive outlook on life and build healthy relationships.
An emotionally healthy person is someone who knows that their feelings don’t control them. For example, if Sam makes a mistake at work, he doesn’t let that influence his entire outlook on life and instead focuses on what he can learn from the experience. He also develops healthy coping strategies to manage his stress. These are all signs of emotional wellness. Emotional health is a skill that can be developed through healthy habits and strategies like journaling, exercising and having supportive relationships.