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What is the difference between Wellness and Well-being?
The concepts of “wellness” and “well-being” are interconnected, but separate. While they both incorporate physical health and behaviours and habits that contribute to maintaining a healthy body and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, well-being extends beyond wellness to include a broader spectrum of factors that influence overall life satisfaction and fulfillment. In this post, Counselling Team Leader Mrs. Erica Plater illustrates the important distinctions between the two.
In the whirlwind of daily life, the terms "wellness" and "well-being" often get used interchangeably. However, they encompass distinct concepts that play crucial roles in our lives, especially for high school students navigating the complexities of academics, relationships, and personal growth.
Wellness typically refers to the state of being in good physical health, encompassing aspects such as nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention. It emphasizes the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle through practices that promote physical vitality and vitality. Activities such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep are integral components of wellness. Moreover, wellness involves proactive measures to prevent illness and maintain optimal health, thereby enabling individuals to thrive physically.
On the other hand, well-being extends beyond physical health to encompass broader dimensions of life satisfaction, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life. It encompasses aspects such as mental health, social connections, sense of purpose, and emotional balance. Well-being reflects a holistic approach to living that prioritizes not only physical health but also mental and emotional flourishing. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships, cultivating a sense of purpose, and finding balance and fulfillment in various aspects of life.
While wellness and well-being are interconnected, they differ in focus and scope. Wellness primarily revolves around physical health and encompasses behaviours and habits that contribute to maintaining a healthy body. In contrast, well-being encompasses a broader spectrum of factors that influence overall life satisfaction and fulfillment, including emotional and psychological aspects.
Understanding the distinction between wellness and well-being is essential for cultivating a comprehensive approach to self-care and personal development. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of well-being and its interconnectedness with physical health, individuals can adopt strategies that promote holistic wellness and enhance their overall quality of life.
By prioritizing both wellness and well-being, Shawnigan Lake School is recognizing the importance of nurturing not just academic success, but also the overall health and happiness of its students and staff. Teaching skills for leading fulfilled lives not only enriches the individual experiences of those within the community but also contributes to creating a positive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. This approach aligns with the growing recognition in education that success is not solely defined by academic achievement but also by personal fulfillment and well-being.
Mrs. Erica Plater began her Shawnigan Journey as a student, completing her studies in 1995. She later returned to the campus in a professional role as a school counsellor. Over the past 11 years, she has taken on various responsibilities, including as a House Director, and currently serves as the Counselling Team Leader and House Director of the Well-Being Centre. With a strong sense of purpose, Erica is dedicated to assisting young people as they navigate life's transitions, drawing upon her wealth of experiences and expertise to create a positive impact.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
