On average, adults in the U.S. get 4 to 6 colds per year. Despite your best efforts, you may fall ill every now and again. However, the occasional cold doesn't necessarily mean you're an "unhealthy" individual. "Health" isn't just the absence of disease or sickness - rather, it's a state of complete physical and mental well-being.
Key Takeaways
- "Health" is considered a complete state of physical and mental well-being, not merely the absence of illness or disease.
- Feeling "healthy" can mean different things to different people. At its core, it means you feel good enough to do things that bring you joy!
- Your physical health involves eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
- You should also practice self-care and prioritize stress management to support overall health.
From eating healthy foods to getting restful sleep, there are a few ways to maximize your wellness routine and encourage overall well-being. Keep reading, and we'll tell you what it means to be "healthy" in our modern society.
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What Does It Mean to Be Healthy?
"Health" can mean something different to each individual. Your wellness journey is a unique experience that depends on your lifestyle choices, health habits, and overall goals. So, becoming "healthy" isn't always a black-and-white achievement.
Many associate the idea of "healthy" with a lack of illness. However, being "healthy" is not merely the absence of disease or sickness. Instead, it's a state of complete well-being, including your physical and mental health.
At its core, being "healthy" means feeling good enough to do things that bring you joy, whether that be going on a mountainous hike or indulging in an at-home spa day. In addition, "health" should be proactive and preventative instead of reactive or symptom-based.
What Is Health?
Health should be viewed and treated holistically.
Conventional medicine often only treats surface issues and usually overlooks the root cause. On the other hand, traditional medicine takes a holistic approach to health and wellness and encourages complete well-being inside and out.
There are seven dimensions of personal health: physical health, mental health (including intellectual and emotional wellness), spiritual health, social health, occupational health, financial health, and environmental health. It's important to address each of these with care and attention.
Each dimension of personal health is directly linked to the others. For instance, improving your physical health can also benefit your mental health. An example of this is the direct effect that regular exercise can have on stress and anxiety.
However, it is still immensely helpful to individually address each health dimension in order to nourish your mind, body, and soul. The benefits of doing so are compounding, impacting the entirety of your well-being.
Physical Health
The first dimension of personal health is physical health. Physical health can be viewed through various lenses. You can view each component of the body individually, or you can view the body as one entity. This will help you determine the right approach for your wellness goals and overall lifestyle.
There are several key pillars of physical health. Keep in mind that these are not exclusive to your physical well-being, as they can also affect your mental well-being. These key pillars include nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Though these are definitely not all it takes to improve and maintain your physical well-being, they are critical components.
Nutrition
You've likely heard the phrase, "You are what you eat!" This is such a popular quote because, well, it's true! Your diet influences your physical health a great deal. And, in turn, it affects your overall well-being.
Instead of labeling a food or food type as "good" or "bad," assess where it falls short in terms of nutrition. For example, avocados may be high in calories and fat, but they are also rich in vitamins and nutrients.
Diet is one of the major lifestyle factors that can affect the risk of developing diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Your diet should be balanced with nutrient-dense foods and energy-dense treats that improve health and bring joy.
A healthy diet keeps systems running smoothly, giving your body the nourishment it needs to survive and thrive. It's important to consider your intake of protein, sodium, fat, cholesterol, and vitamins. A balanced diet should consist of a wide variety of foods, including whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean meat, healthy fats, and more.
Whole Grains & Fiber
An increased intake of whole grains has been linked to a reduced risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Whole grains are also high in fiber, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.
It's important to prioritize whole grains over refined grains. It's recommended to consume 6 oz of grains per day for a 2,000 calorie diet.
Fruits & Vegetables
Fruits and veggies are rich in fiber, nutrients, and vitamins that support overall health. They also are excellent sources of phytochemicals and antioxidants. Be sure to eat a blend of fruits and veggies like bananas, broccoli, kale, oranges, and blueberries.
Protein
Most Americans consume an acceptable amount of protein. Protein is essential to preserve bone mass and maintain body mass. It can come from both plant sources and animal sources, each with a distinctive set of pros and cons.
Animal sources can provide all essential amino acids but are higher in saturated fats. Plant sources, including legumes, soy, nuts, and seeds, do not provide all essential amino acids but have a low glycemic index.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are an essential part of a balanced diet. They provide energy, act as signaling molecules, and support cell health.
Saturated fats, which are generally less healthy, can increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol. Unsaturated fats, which are typically classified as either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, are high in omega fatty acids.
Water
An often overlooked part of physical health, water is essential for survival. It maintains fluid balance, provides hydration, and supplies micronutrients and electrolytes.
You should limit your intake of sugary beverages or alcohol like energy drinks, soda, wine, or beer, which can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
In addition to drinking water, you can drink herbal tea for a delicious and warming dose of antioxidants and nutrients. Our Soothing Island Comfort Green Tea is a delicate blend of ginger, pineapple, and turmeric that helps reduce inflammation, support joint health, and calm the senses.
Spices
Sodium should be consumed in moderation, as it is important for regulating blood pressure and supporting water balance. However, too much can lead to arterial stiffness, endothelial inflammation, and high blood pressure.
There are other spices and herbs that have been shown to have health benefits. Cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and ginger are well known for fighting inflammation, supporting gut health, and improving overall wellness.
Exercise
The CDC recommends that adults perform 150 minutes of physical activity per week, including 2 days of resistance training or muscle strengthening. Physical activity benefits physical, mental, and emotional well-being in various ways.
Physical fitness improves respiratory fitness, boosts cognitive function, increases insulin resistance, and elevates myokines production. It's also a great stress management technique and can boost your mood!
Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is essential for metabolic health, cognitive function, circadian rhythm, and energy levels. It's a critical component of both physical and mental wellness. A healthy sleep schedule will ensure you can fall asleep and stay asleep for 7 to 9 hours each night.
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Mental Health
Though many view physical health and mental health as separate entities, they are, in fact, deeply interwoven. This is referred to as the mind-body connection. It's important to prioritize a holistic approach to your health and happiness in order to support and nourish your mind and body.
So, each of the above aspects of physical wellness also applies to your mental wellness. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate rest will support complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
There are a few other things to keep in mind for your mental wellness. These include stress management techniques, self-care practices, and general mindfulness.
Stress Management
The body responds to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol. Stress can severely affect the body, including the immune system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system - it doesn't only affect the mind! It's important to prioritize stress management techniques that will calm the mind and soothe the senses.
You should avoid smoking and alcohol, exercise, and eat healthily in order to help manage stress. Other things like developing a skincare routine or practicing yoga can also help.
Self-Care & Self-Love
Self-care and self-love is a cornerstone of overall health and general wellness. Taking time for yourself can reduce stress, improve focus, and improve your mood.
Self-care is defined as anything you do intentionally to better your health and wellness. So, there are many self-care activities that can help you feel "healthy" and good inside and out. From traveling to the sun-soaked shores of Bali to indulging in an at-home spa day, there are many ways to heal your mind and soul.
Skincare is an effective method of stress management and self-care. Here at JUARA, we've created a collection of natural and clean skincare products that go beyond the surface. Our formulas are designed to stimulate joy and bring happiness, whether you use a gentle face cleanser or a brightening facial oil.
Our mission is based on the ancient wellness practices of jamu, and we strive to empower women across the globe to find purpose and peace in their daily routines. That's what it truly means to be healthy!
The Bottom Line
In the course of 1 year, it is estimated that individuals in the United States suffer from 1 billion colds. Though some think that illness or sickness defines the idea of "health," that is far from the truth! "Health" is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being that comes from a blend of healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and self-care.
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