What is Wellness? A Massage Therapist Explains

Wellness is a word we use a lot at Mindful Touch Massage & Spa. Follow us on social media, and you’ll often see us mention the importance of a wellness routine and our passion for helping clients achieve “total body wellness,” but do you know what wellness actually is?

Wellness, Defined

Many people think wellness is just a synonym for health, but there are distinct differences between the two. Health refers to the way your body functions physically, whereas wellness consists of a state of being in a healthy body, mind, and spirit; it focuses on your well-being in all areas of your life, beyond just your physical body. The World Health Organization even defines wellness as “the state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Wellness is the difference between surviving and thriving, and it’s the combination of all the things you do to live your best possible life. It’s an active process of change, a journey, and a way of life that you learn and grow through constantly.

Wellness is Multidimensional

Several areas, or dimensions, of your lifestyle make up your overall wellness. This is why we emphasize the importance of total body wellness.

Different wellness models can include any number of wellness dimensions (some up to 12!), but most can agree on these three:

• Physical wellness is all about caring for your body and paying attention to the cues it gives you about its well-being. This is achieved by nourishing and maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, proper nutrition, good sleep, massage therapy, and other healthy habits, as well as paying attention to any signs or symptoms of issues that need professional attention.
• Mental wellness is defined by the World Health Organization as realizing your own abilities so that you can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and can make a contribution to your community. Mental wellness does not mean a lack of mental illness or negativity, but rather knowing how to cope with negative experiences, including stress, in a healthy manner.
• Emotional wellness is connected to your mental wellness, but it is also about building an awareness of your feelings and emotions so that you can understand and cope with them in a healthy manner. This also includes becoming aware of and accepting the emotions of others.

Develop a Wellness Routine with Mindful Touch

A well-crafted wellness routine that takes into account all dimensions of your wellness is an essential part of any wellness journey. At Mindful Touch, it is our belief that massage therapy is a valuable part of any wellness routine because it nourishes and soothes the mind, body, and soul. When you visit our sanctuary, you can trust that you will experience a safe space where you can experience deep healing, reduce stress, relieve pain, and reconnect your mind-body-spirit. Contact us to book a session today and allow us to help guide you through your wellness journey.