People who are healthy function well and live longer than those who are sick. Their families and communities function better, students master lessons more easily, workers are more productive.
Health can be defined in multiple ways, from a narrow biomedical definition to a broader committee definition that incorporates the ability to participate in life activities and to feel a sense of well-being.
Physical
Physical health is the normal functioning of your body and is one aspect of total well-being. It includes regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep. Maintaining your physical health decreases your risk of disease and promotes emotional and mental wellness.
The term “physical health” is defined in many different ways and may be subject to differing interpretations. Generally, it is viewed as a continuum with people at the top of the range experiencing optimal health. This includes high energy levels, absence of chronic health conditions and an ability to perform daily activities with ease.
People at the bottom of the continuum may experience a lack of energy, chronic health conditions or limited physical capacity. These factors are typically the result of a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
Mental
Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication and learning. It’s also key to relationships, emotional well-being and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity.
Many people have a mental health concern from time to time, like depression or anxiety. A concern becomes a mental illness when symptoms occur frequently and interfere with work, school and home life.
Mental illness is treatable. The best treatment plans include medication and talk therapy (psychotherapy). In some cases, mental health conditions can be related to or mimic other medical conditions. This is why it’s important to talk to a doctor about any concerns you have. They may need to run tests or refer you to another professional for care. Some people may not seek treatment for a mental illness because of stigma and the belief that it’s not “real” or serious.
Social
As human beings, we cannot live untethered from our social environments. We carry the mental imprints of our relationshipal past with us throughout our lives, and health is shaped by the availability and quality of a person’s social ties.
Social health – the quality of an individual’s relationships – is one of the many determinants of health that must be considered when seeking to improve population health. The enabling of social health is a public policy imperative, and should be motivated by the goal of advancing human rights.
Structural inequalities lead to varying patterns of social health across populations, and these shifts are often evident during times of pandemic or other major disruptions in a society’s functioning. Considering the role of social health as a health outcome, and not just a predictor of other health outcomes, has important implications for the design of healthcare interventions such as social prescribing (Warner et al., Citation2019).
Spiritual
The spiritual component of health includes a person’s connection to a higher power, their belief system and moral values. It also involves a sense of community, which can be found in places of worship or by joining groups that focus on wellness practices like meditation or yoga.
In MHI’s qualitative research, participants described the definition, components and indicators of spiritual health through conventional content analysis and individual in-depth interviews. This approach was chosen because it allowed experts to offer their personal perspectives and experiences.
Those with good spiritual health typically display hope, forgiveness and self-acceptance, commitment, a sense of meaning and purpose and clear values. They experience peace and a balance between themselves and others and the nature. They also engage in the practice of service, which helps people find fulfillment in their work.
Emotional
Emotional health is a state of being that encompasses everything you think, feel, and do throughout the highs and lows of life. It includes your ability to effectively manage your emotions, express them appropriately, and cultivate resilience to weather the storms.
Being emotionally healthy is also linked to higher productivity and success, healthier relationships, and life satisfaction. It also helps you keep problems in perspective, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain a sense of contentment and self-worth.
Just like your physical health, emotional wellness is an ongoing process. It requires a commitment to practicing self-care and prioritizing your mental health—including getting enough sleep, managing stress, and talking with a trusted friend or counselor. Check out these six tips for better emotional health to get started.