How To Be Healthy

 

People who consider themselves healthy often say they have deep relationships, a sense of meaning and purpose in life, and are able to laugh and enjoy fun. However, the concept of health can be quite difficult to define. The World Health Organization’s founding constitution defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. But how do we experience this?

Physical

Physical health is a person’s ability to function physically. It includes the body’s general condition, the absence of disease or illness and the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations and daily activities. It is achieved by eating a balanced diet and engaging in moderate-vigorous physical activity throughout the day. People may have genetic predispositions towards certain diseases, but there are many factors that can also impact a person’s physical health. These factors include: the financial status of a person and their family; the social culture and quality of relationships; and the physical environment, such as germs and pollution levels.

Achieving the highest attainable standard of physical health is essential for all people. It is a fundamental right of every individual, regardless of race, religion, political belief, economic situation or other circumstances. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical health is dependent on and is enhanced by the fullest possible cooperation between individuals and between nations. This requires the development and implementation of policies, strategies and solutions appropriate to each country’s cultural and socio-economic context. The definition of health should therefore go beyond the absence of disease and encompass a person’s ability to live life to its fullest.

Mental

Mental health includes emotional well-being and a sense of personal power, good behavioral adjustment, relative freedom from anxiety and disabling symptoms, and a capacity to establish fulfilling relationships. It also includes a zest for life, the ability to laugh and enjoy others, and the flexibility to cope with normal stresses and hardships. People with strong mental health are able to achieve their potential, find meaning in work and other activities, and contribute to the welfare of their communities.

Mental ill-health affects millions of people around the world and generates economic costs estimated at up to 4% of GDP. It is linked to poorer educational, employment and physical health outcomes and is often stigmatized. It is not the result of genetics, a person’s upbringing or a lack of character, and can be helped by medical and psychosocial interventions.

Efforts to address a person’s mental health and wellbeing should be holistic and integrate services across sectors, including education, labour, transport, housing, justice, nutrition, environment, and health. This approach, known as “Health in All Policies,” has the potential to improve the lives of people living with mental illness and reduce the burden on health systems. The global health community has come to recognize that a person’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, yet it receives far less attention. In fact, less than 2% of national health budgets are dedicated to mental health care. And even when funding for mental health services is increased, it is often directed to standalone facilities. This leaves many people with unmet needs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 crisis has made a stronger commitment to mental health imperative, especially for those living with a mental illness.

Social

While physical health is top-of-mind when people think about how to be healthy, a growing number are learning that they can be healthy in a different way. They are realizing that the most important aspect of their health is not about their bodies or their minds, but rather the quality of their relationships. This is the new concept of social health, which focuses on connection and community.

Most modern definitions of health emphasize that it is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Social health is an integral component of this definition, along with the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of living and the freedom from fear and want. In the past, social health was formally considered in terms of social adjustment, or the extent to which an individual complies with social expectations and performs the roles expected of them (Uchino 2004). More recently, it has been defined as “the ability to perceive, understand, and influence the normative social structure within which individuals operate” (Evans et al. 2006).

Hundreds of studies have shown that social support benefits both mental and physical health, by reducing stress, improving psychological functioning, and minimizing unpleasant arousal that triggers risky behavior (Cohen 2004; Uchino 2004). Health behaviors are also influenced by the meaning that an individual gives to certain activities, such as exercise or consuming a balanced diet, which can be reinforced or undermined by social norms and personal beliefs. The extent to which an individual enjoys a high level of health depends on many factors, known as the social determinants of health (SDH). These include income, employment, education, housing, social connections and supports, the environment, behaviours, and genetics. These factors are interrelated and collectively determine an individual’s health and wellbeing.

Spiritual

Spiritual health is an important aspect of overall health. It can be a great source of happiness and peace. It also can help with stress and depression. Spirituality is a broad concept that can include many different beliefs and practices. The relationship between spirituality, health-related behaviors and psychological well-being has been investigated by researchers from various fields. It has been found that there is a positive relationship between all these variables, although the exact nature of this relationship remains unknown.

In a study done by Pinedo-Velazquez and Jimenez-Jimenez, it was found that spirituality is associated with better quality of life and can be a powerful emotion regulation system. However, it is important to note that this connection has a small effect size and that there are other factors that could influence the results. One way that people can improve their spiritual health is to find a purpose in life. This can be done by joining a religious organization or by simply taking time to reflect. It can also be achieved by finding ways to connect with nature. Taking the time to sit outside and listen to the birds sing or watch the waves crash can be very therapeutic.

Other ways to promote spiritual health is through practicing mindfulness. This is the ability to be fully present in the moment. It can be achieved through meditation, yoga or even just spending time doing things that you enjoy. Lastly, it is important to have a strong support system. This can be through friends, family or religion. A strong network of support can help you get through the rough times in your life. A good support system can also help you make healthier choices.

Emotional

Emotional health is the ability to understand and navigate your feelings. It involves recognizing and managing emotions like stress, anger, sadness, or joy in order to have healthy relationships with others. Emotional health is fundamental to mental health and should be a key aspect of your overall psychological well-being. Someone with good emotional health is aware of their emotions and has the skills to cope with both everyday situations and traumatic experiences (such as divorce, illness, or death). They are typically in control of their thoughts and actions and can keep problems in perspective so they can bounce back from setbacks. They also feel good about themselves and have healthy relationships.

While it may be possible for people to have both poor emotional health and a mental disorder, it is usually the case that mental disorders can disrupt or undermine healthy emotions and behaviors. For example, an individual who suffers from anxiety or depression is likely to experience feelings of fear and despair, which can interfere with their life-coping abilities and lead to avoidance of activities they normally enjoy.

Moreover, research has shown that when individuals are emotionally distressed, they are more susceptible to physical illness. For instance, the repression of negative emotions such as stress and anger can result in high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to heart disease. In contrast, when people are in a state of emotional stability, they are more likely to have better immune responses. While the NHS places a great deal of emphasis on promoting physical wellbeing, focusing only on this area to the exclusion of emotional health can be counterproductive. By learning how to recognise and improve your emotional wellbeing, you can build resilience to deal with setbacks in your life, and develop a positive sense of purpose and contentment.