What is Wellness?

Here are SIX key aspects of wellness according to scientific research, and two ways to consider it a way of being.
1. Physical Wellness:

• Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility, and overall bodily function. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity​.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports physical health by providing essential nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight. Proper nutrition is linked to better immune function, energy levels, and prevention of diet-related diseases​.
• Sleep: Adequate and quality sleep is crucial for physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.

2. Mental and Emotional Wellness:

• Mental Health: Good mental health is characterized by the ability to manage stress, maintain positive relationships, and cope with life's challenges. Mental wellness practices include mindfulness, stress management techniques, and seeking professional help when needed​.
• Emotional Well-being: This involves understanding and managing emotions, developing resilience, and cultivating positive feelings such as happiness and contentment. Emotional wellness is linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression and improved quality of life​.

3. Social Wellness:

• Social Connections: Strong social networks and healthy relationships contribute significantly to overall wellness. Social support can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance the ability to cope with adversity​.
• Community Engagement: Being involved in community activities and having a sense of belonging can foster a sense of purpose and contribute to social wellness​.

4. Environmental Wellness:

• ​Healthy Environments: Living in a clean, safe, and healthy environment supports physical and mental health. Access to green spaces, clean air, and water, as well as safe housing, are critical components of environmental wellness​.

5. Occupational and Financial Wellness:

• Work-Life Balance: Achieving a balance between work and personal life is important for reducing stress and preventing burnout. Occupational wellness involves finding satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s work while maintaining balance with other life areas.
• Financial Health: Financial wellness involves managing resources to live within one’s means, reducing financial stress, and planning for future financial stability. It’s linked to lower stress levels and better overall health​.

6. Holistic and Preventive Approach:

• Preventive Care: Emphasizing prevention through regular health screenings and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Holistic Health: Acknowledging the interconnection between body, mind and environment in promoting wellness. This holistic view supports integrated approaches to health and well-being.

Wellness based on Mindfulness:
Present Moment Awareness: Mindfulness encourages living in the present, paying full attention to what is happening in the here and now, without judgment. This helps reduce stress and anxiety by preventing overthinking about the past or future​
Self-Awareness and Acceptance: Mindfulness promotes self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping individuals understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This fosters a compassionate attitude towards oneself and others
Wellness based on Vedanta tradition 
​Swami Sivananda, a renowned Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Divine Life Society, emphasized a holistic approach to wellness that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual health. His teachings on wellness are deeply rooted in the principles of yoga and the pursuit of a balanced, virtuous life
Nutrition: He recommended a simple, vegetarian diet to promote health and longevity. Sivananda stressed the importance of eating natural, wholesome foods and avoiding processed and harmful substances
Movement and Exercise: Swami Sivananda advocated for regular practice of yoga asanas (postures) to maintain physical health, flexibility, and vitality. He also emphasized the importance of physical exercises to strengthen the body​ 
​Cleanliness: Maintaining personal hygiene and a clean environment were seen as essential for physical well-being and spiritual growth.