What is Health?
Starting off simple, what is health? You might think, it’s just not being sick, but it is way, way more than that. Health is the state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
The World Health Organization (W.H.O) defines health as:
“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that:
“Health is more than what happens in the doctor’s office; it’s how we live, work, and play.”
So, it’s not just about treating illness. It’s about living well.
Why Health Matters?
When we get sick most of us don’t just think about health. Your work performance, sleep quality and also your home comfort is dependent on how you feel when you’re healthy.
If you take care of your health in every way possible, quite a bit can improve your daily schedule, your stamina and your long term happiness.
Take it from Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group:
“The best investment you can ever make is in your own health.”
Whether you’re building a business, managing a family, or working 9 to 5, your health is your foundation.
Types of Health
Health isn’t one-dimensional. There are several pillars, and each one is equally important. Let’s break it down.
Most of us know this one pretty well. The state of your muscles, organs, bones and how your body functions in general is what we mean by physical health.
Tips to Maintain Your Physical Health:
- Get regular exercise (30 minutes a day goes a long way)
- Eat balanced meals rich in fruits, veggies, proteins, and whole grains
- Hydrate—water is life!
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
- Go for annual health check-ups
Small changes = Big difference.
What you think and feel is important. It plays a role in how you deal with pressure, communicate with people and decide what to do.
Tips to Maintain Your Mental Health:
- Talk to someone—a friend or a therapist
- Meditate or practice mindfulness
- Journal your thoughts
- Set boundaries to avoid burnout
- Take breaks from social media
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help
Many people miss this one, but it’s very important. Social health refers to having friendships and being able to talk to, interact with and get along with others.
Tips to Maintain Your Social Health:
- Stay connected with family and friends
- Engage in community activities
- Communicate openly and resolve conflicts
- Surround yourself with uplifting people
- Learn to say no to toxic connections
Humans are wired for connection—don’t underestimate the power of good company.
Factors That Influence Health
Health isn’t just about what you eat or how often you go to the gym. A lot of different things can influence your well-being.
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Age and gender
Some things we can’t change, but knowing your family health history can help you manage risks early.
- Air and water quality
- Living conditions
- Access to healthcare and clean food
Where you live and work plays a bigger role than you think.
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Diet and exercise habits
You can control these. Your choices, your health.
- Support networks
- Cultural norms
- Economic status
Even your job stress or social circle can shape your health over time.
Common Myths About Health
Let’s bust a few myths that many people still believe.
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Myth: “If I’m not sick, I’m healthy.”
Truth: You can have underlying issues and not feel symptoms. Health is about prevention, not just cure.
Truth: Body weight isn’t the only marker. Thin people can have high cholesterol or diabetes. Health is about body function, not body size.
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Myth: “Mental health only matters if you have a problem.”
Truth: Just like we go to the gym to stay fit, we must care for our mental health even when we feel “fine.”
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Myth: “Only exercise matters for physical health.”
Truth: Diet, sleep, hydration, and stress all play a role. It’s a package deal.
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Myth: “Social health isn’t real health.”
Truth: Loneliness increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and even heart disease.
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Myth: “You can’t be healthy with a chronic illness.”
Truth: Many people with diabetes, asthma, or thyroid conditions live active, healthy lives by managing their conditions well.
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Myth: “Wellness and health are the same thing.”
Truth: Health is your state of being; wellness is the lifestyle you adopt to achieve it. One is a goal, the other is the journey.
How to Evaluate Your Own Health?
Wondering where you stand on the health scale? Here’s how you can self-check.
At least once a year blood pressure, sugar, thyroid, cholesterol, these need to be checked.
Follow your gut, literally and figuratively. Signs that something’s off are pain, fatigue or digestive issues.
Having headaches on a recurring basis? Skin changes? Mood swings? Note them down.
Apps like Apple Health, Fitbit, or MyFitnessPal can help track sleep, heart rate, diet, and more.
Ask yourself:
- Am I eating well?
- Do I sleep enough?
- Am I managing stress?
- How often do I socialize?
- Am I moving my body every day?
This is your health report card.
Why Should You Self-Assess Your Health?
You know your body better than anybody. The place to start to be healthier is you.
An early detection makes a difference between a small fix or a major treatment.
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Communicating with your Healthcare Providers
Having a history of the symptoms you have and how they impacted you helps doctors better care for you.
Prevention (and most things) is always easier (and cheaper) than cure.
Conclusion
Health isn’t the opposite of being sick, it’s not something you only think about when you’re in bed with a fever. This is the fuel for your goals, for your relationships, your dreams and even your business success. On the other hand, what’s the good news about this? It’s not as certain as you think and ultimately you have more control.
You do not have to make drastic changes overnight. Small steps like walking, skipping that second soda, calling a friend can yield big results.
So, start today. Not for anyone else, but for you.