Definition Of Health

The definition of health is ‘the state of being free from illness or injury’ (Definition of health, 2013). There are five main components of health including physical, mental, social, environmental and spiritual health. All of these five components have inter-relationships in one way or another and can both positively and negatively impact the well-being of a person. An example of this is the strong link between physical health, spiritual health and mental health. Being physically healthy and exercising does not only improve your mental health but also your social and spiritual health as well. Scientists have proven that poor physical health brings an increased risk of depression, as do the social and relationship problems that can be common
In simple terms it is good brain health (Grohol 2008). Many people consider good mental health to be the emotional and psychological well-being where you can cope with normal stresses can work productively and can make a good contribution to their community (Mental health basics, 2011). Mental health describes our social, emotional, and psychological states, all wrapped up into one (Grohol 2008). Staying active and having some daily exercise in your life contributes to good mental health, as does having a good life balance with work and your social life (Grohol 2008). The lack of these things in a person’s life may also lead to poor mental health or mental illness. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2013) states that symptoms of a mental disorder were experienced at some time during a twelve-month period by an estimated 3.2 million people (20% of the population aged between 16 and 24), while 7.3 million (45%) reported a lifetime mental disorder (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2013). Improving mental health means to value and accept yourself (2003 Mind). It is also important to take care of your body, exercise, get plenty of sleep as well as surrounding yourself with good people who care about
Your “spirit” usually refers to the deepest part of you, the part that lets you make meaning of your world. Your spirit provides you with the revealing sense of who you are, why you are here and what your purpose is for living. It is that innermost part of you that allows you to gain strength and hope (Thompson Rivers University, 2013). Many wellness behaviours can benefit your spiritual health. Such behaviours include feeling connected with others, feeling part of a community, volunteering, having an optimistic attitude, contributing to society and self –care (Thompson Rivers University, 2013). A lack of spiritual health may lead to negative impacts in a person’s life including a lack of connectedness and sense of belonging which could in turn affect relationships with family and friends and lead to depression. Some ways in which to improve spiritual health include taking time out for yourself, be open with the people around you, be non-judgmental and have an open mind, be receptive to pain or times of sorrow, practice forgiveness and live joyfully (Thompson Rivers University,