"What is Wellness?"

What is Wellness?

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the "active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health."

The World Health Organization states that wellness is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

From these two definitions, we can conclude that wellness is an active process of awareness and making choices for a healthy, fulfilling, and rewarding life. It is more than being free from disease; it is a dynamic process of change and growth. It represents a state of existence that is good or satisfactory, characterized by health, happiness, and prosperity.

The Evolution of Wellness

Wellness is a modern term with ancient—and even ancestral—roots. As a modern concept, wellness gained momentum in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s through the work of some physicians and thinkers. However, the principles of wellness can also be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, and Asia, whose historical traditions have strongly influenced the modern wellness movement.

Why Is Wellness So Important and Widely Discussed Today?

According to various studies, the most common health issue worldwide is depression. This issue often manifests as insomnia, stress, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, and heart disease, among others.

Regardless of a person’s age, size, or physique, well-being is the foundation of quality of life. It ultimately determines how we look, feel, interact with others, and thrive in life and work.

Embarking on a journey into the world of wellness means starting a quest for the right "tools" to become a healthier and happier human being while discovering the most effective methods to use these "tools" for continuous growth and development.

Wellness is Multidimensional

Wellness is much more than just physical well-being. Most wellness models define at least six dimensions (sometimes nine or twelve):

Physical: Physical health through exercise, nutrition, sleep, etc.

Mental: Engaging with the world through learning, problem-solving, etc.

Emotional: Being in touch with, aware of, and accepting one’s own feelings and emotions (and even those of others).

Spiritual: Seeking meaning and purpose in life.

Social: Connecting, interacting, contributing, and engaging with people and our community.

Environmental: Living in a safe environment and increasing awareness of environmental damage and how to improve it in our lives and society.

The Role of Spas in Promoting Wellness

The Global Wellness Institute defines spas as "establishments that promote well-being through the provision of therapeutic services and other professional services designed to renew/balance the body, mind, and spirit." Spa facilities offer a wide variety of services (e.g., massages, facials, body treatments, ancestral therapies, hydrotherapy, health assessments, and more), as well as related product sales for continued treatment at home. Spas increasingly focus on delivering well-being to their visitors.

Wellness Retreats

Wellness retreats are a break or pause—an opportunity to step away from busy lives to focus on oneself through various activities that promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wellness Retreat?