Physical wellness

Physical wellness refers to the health and fitness of a person’s body. Traditionally, people viewed wellness in two main categories: physical (of the body) and mental (of the mind). In modern times, wellness has become a much greater focus in science and society, and its meanings have expanded significantly.

Physical wellness remains a keystone of good overall health. People may reach and maintain physical wellness in many ways, such as through regular physical activity, good nutrition, and adequate sleep. Healthy choices about hygiene, sexual practices, and substance use can further contribute to physical wellness. Physical wellness is an important aspect of overall wellness and of maintaining a high quality of life.

Background

Modern wellness theorists describe wellness as a process of caring for one’s entire being. Countless aspects of one’s personal self and outside influences affect one’s wellness, making wellness a customizable state that is unique for every person. Additionally, wellness is dynamic. It may change to adapt to new circumstances, and people may increase or decrease their overall wellness through their decisions and experiences.

Experts recommend that one not consider wellness as an ideal state of perfection, since that is unrealistic. Rather, people should see it as a real-life goal and motivating force. People may strive for overall wellness even when they are experiencing serious stress, illnesses, conflicts, and other problems.

In the twenty-first century, many theorists identified additional distinct areas of potential personal wellness. Two of these remain the traditional physical and mental wellness. Emotional wellness serves to join the physical and mental aspects, with its focus on the feelings that tie together the mind and body. Intellectual wellness expands upon the mental aspect by encouraging lifelong learning, curiosity, and stimulation of the mind. Similarly, spiritual wellness promotes balance between one’s inner and outer selves, with internal calm and a sense of purpose in life.

Other aspects of wellness extend beyond the individual. Occupational wellness deals with a person having a meaningful and rewarding job or task in life. Social wellness refers to the health of one’s relationships and the strength of one’s role within a community. Some systems add a similar element, cultural wellness, that refers to how well a person intermingles with larger and broader trends in humanity.

Overview

One of the fundamental facets of overall wellness, physical wellness focuses on bodily health. Achieving physical wellness requires suitable activities, thoughtful choices, and reflection into one’s physical fitness level. Wellness experts suggest that people listen to their bodies, being mindful for signs of either positive or negative changes.

Perhaps the most fundamental element of physical wellness involves physical movement and activities. From childhood, many people discover ways to move and use their bodies for specific tasks, from running and jumping to riding bikes and playing games. Many adults carry on brisk activity schedules by jogging, going to the gym, attending yoga or dance classes, or engaging in other forms of physical activity. Older people may create their own activity plans based on low-impact movements intended to maintain flexibility.

Experts recommend that all people engage in moderate physical activity on a regular basis. Some have estimated that about thirty minutes per day, for five days per week, is enough to bring positive effects to bodily health. These activities do not have to be strenuous, and many wellness experts recommend choosing enjoyable activities that one is more likely to adopt long-term, rather than more difficult or demanding activities that one may not be motivated to continue.

Movement and activity—when performed safely—may increase the strength, health, and abilities of the body in many ways. Physical activity can improve and maintain the health of muscles, bones, and joints. It also offers cumulative benefits to other body systems. For example, regular physical activity can reduce one’s risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Physical movement can also contribute to healthier emotions and improved mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to ease feelings of stress and help patients with anxiety and depression. Many mental health care practitioners advise patients to get adequate exercise along with their other self-help regimens.

Physical activity is only one aspect of overall physical wellness. Another crucial aspect is nutrition. The body requires a steady intake of nutritious foods for energy, both to perform tasks and to maintain health. Dietary experts recommend that all people follow guidelines for healthy eating. In general, people benefit from regular, moderately sized meals that combine a medley of nutritious foods.

For most people, eating sources of protein, fiber, and calcium is important. So, too, is avoiding excessive amounts of unhealthy foods, such as those high in fat, sodium, or cholesterol content. People who follow special diets, such as vegetarians, should look over nutrition requirements carefully to ensure they are not missing needed nutrients.

Although physical wellness includes activity, it also includes rest. People require regular sleep to function at peak physical levels. For most adults, about eight hours of sleep per night is the most common recommendation. Children may require more sleep. The body uses sleep to rest and repair itself after the day’s work. People should protect their sleep time by reducing stressors and distractions and avoiding substances such as caffeine at night that can interfere with restfulness.

Physical wellness also extends into the choices that people make that influence their bodily health. For example, people can protect their health with safe sexual practices, such as using condoms. Proper hygiene choices, such as washing hands frequently during flu season, can further safeguard health. Limiting alcohol and substance use and reducing stress are other important steps for physical wellness.

Many experts promote a multi-tiered, holistic perspective on wellness. A major reason for that perspective is the interconnectedness of various types of wellness. The elements of wellness overlap in many areas, so wellness in one area can help support wellness in another. Maintaining physical wellness provides a strong boost to other forms of wellness, such as mental and emotional wellness. In other words, a healthy body can promote a healthy mind, and vice versa.

Bibliography

“Benefits of Physical Activity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

“Eight Dimensions of Wellness.” University of California, Davis, shcs.ucdavis.edu/health-and-wellness/eight-dimensions-wellness. Accessed 7 Feb. 2022.

“Physical Wellness.” Commonwealth of Massachusetts, www.mass.gov/info-details/physical-wellness. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

“Physical Wellness Toolkit.” National Institutes of Health, 4 Aug. 2023, www.nih.gov/health-information/physical-wellness-toolkit. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

“What Is Wellness and Why Is It Important?” Rhodes College, sites.rhodes.edu/counselingcenter/what-wellness-and-why-it-important. Accessed 7 Feb. 2022.

“Why Is Physical Activity So Important for Health and Well-Being?” American Heart Association, 26 Aug. 2024, www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/why-is-physical-activity-so-important-for-health-and-wellbeing. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.