What is health and what does it truly mean to be a healthy person? These are a couple of questions that have crossed my mind while working as a fitness professional for the past 10 years. Recently though, I have begun to realize that being fit and being healthy are two very different aspects of the same goal. It is possible to be fit and unhealthy, and healthy yet unfit. You may be wondering how this is possible, so let me shine some light on the matter for you.
Health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." I think that this definition is a good representation of health. However, if you truly think about it, it is a rarity for someone to also equate mental stability and social acuity into their own definitions regarding what it means to be a "healthy" person.
Physical fitness is "a state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations and daily activities." This definition is also in alignment with the way people view health. However, does this truly encompass what being healthy means? I tend to believe that aesthetics have come to dominate how we view physical fitness, and some people go to great lengths to achieve their ideal body, even if that means putting their health at risk.
The health that I have begun to realize is that of a complete wellness regimen. Where physical fitness and health; meet spirituality and emotional intelligence. The combination of these factors in the proper arrangement can catapult you to the most empowering version of yourself. By making sure you follow certain rituals and keeping in mind that you have to focus on various aspects of your "health", not only in terms of your physical appearance, but the spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects of your health as well, you can come to ascertain the benefits of a well rounded healthy lifestyle.
I would suggest that you do not confuse being healthy with being fit, and vice versa. Know that true health comes from more than just the physical, and includes that of your spiritual, mental, and emotional practices as well.
"One day in perfect health is much."
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