Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. Those who have no disease or impairment are considered healthy by the medical profession.
However, it is important to recognize that the causes of diseases are complex. They can be due to inherited genes or a result of poor lifestyle choices.
Physical
Physical health refers to the condition of the body, encompassing everything from a person’s fitness level and ability to engage in daily activities, to their ability to seek and receive medical care for illness, injury and disease. It also includes the ability to live a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity, nutritious eating and sleeping habits and avoiding risky behaviors that can lead to unhealthy conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
Teaching students about the core aspects of physical health, such as cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and flexibility, healthy nutrition and proper sleep, helps them build a foundation for overall well-being that supports mental wellness and serves as a platform to achieve success in life. But focusing solely on physical health is not enough.
Mental
Mental health is about having a good quality of life and being able to cope with everyday stresses, achieve personal goals and develop positive relationships. It’s also about having a sense of purpose, hope and resilience.
A mental illness is a diagnosed change in emotion, thinking or behavior that causes distress and affects your ability to function at work or home. It’s a medical condition just like heart disease or diabetes.
Many conditions that are labeled as mental illness can be treated by a combination of therapies including psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Your doctor will help determine the right treatment plan for you.
Social
When you think of health, you probably think about the physical and mental aspects. But there’s another aspect that’s equally important: social.
Social ties influence a wide range of health behaviors, which in turn affect morbidity and mortality risk. Supportive interactions with others benefit immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems, and reduce allostatic load (the wear and tear on the body from chronic stress).
Being socially healthy requires cultivating connections to people you love and belonging to communities. For example, this might include a regular phone call with a friend, volunteering at your local church or nonprofit, and connecting with colleagues outside the office through board games in the break room or meditation Monday gatherings. Addressing differences in SDOH accelerates progress toward health equity, which is a state where everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
Spiritual
Spiritual health encompasses an individual’s beliefs, practices and values. It may include religious practice or nonreligious activities such as following an internal moral compass, finding peace and self-discipline through meditation or developing a sense of purpose and hope.
Our research indicates that a spiritually healthy person has a positive impact on overall health, including physical and mental wellbeing. It can be a source of resilience and helps people accept and live with challenges.
Many people find comfort in religion and feel that a spiritual connection enhances their life. But, for others, these concepts can trigger trauma and distress from negative past experiences with religion or spirituality. Those who struggle with those feelings may not openly discuss their spirituality with healthcare providers. Adding spirituality to the conversation could help reduce stigma and improve care for these individuals.
Emotional
Emotional health is the ability to feel and express emotions in a healthy manner. This includes navigating negative feelings like stress, anger, and sadness, as well as developing healthy relationships.
It also includes having self-compassion and setting boundaries with people or activities that drain your energy. It’s important to recognize that all emotions have value, even those that might be difficult to experience such as sadness or grief.
Being emotionally healthy allows you to work productively, cope with challenges, and feel good about yourself. It’s also essential for cultivating resilience to navigate life’s ups and downs. This can prevent mental health disorders from developing, and enhances your quality of life. It also helps you enjoy the moment and build a strong sense of purpose.