From sporting a nicely toned bod to flaunting well-trimmed abs and muscled biceps, wellness (in its essence) means different things to different people. Wellness isn’t synonymous with a certain act, idea, and belief and most times have very little to do with the hours spent at the gym. Many times, we have gotten a stereotypical view of what wellness should be – one that has so much to do with public acceptance and less (if anything) to do with our general state of well-being. There is a significant difference between being well and being healthy and why the latter can be attained by following a set of laid down principles; the former cannot.

We are then at liberty to state that wellness is a conscious effort that begins with self-awareness and involves making healthy choices. Moreover, what wellness means for one person may not work for another, depending on a host of existing factors. Which is why we have earlier established the relative and dynamic nature of this subject.

There are several dimensions to wellness, and they include: social, physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, financial and environmental. All of which intricately work together to make a complete and fulfilled individual.

So this begs the question, what does wellness mean to you? What are the things that would make you feel accomplished and balanced? What would you do right now that would put a spring in your step, light up your day, and improve your overall health? It cannot be overstated that the expected answers to these questions aren’t going to be precisely the same.

For some people, wellness could be something as basic as an evening stroll. The sound of birds chirping could cut it for some while waking up to a warm cup of coffee does it for others. It is, therefore, our responsibility to be deliberate in our self-awareness and strict in following through with what is in tune with our desires and well-being.

If getting a well-trimmed and toned summer body would put a spike in your state of physical wellness, then, by all means, hit the gym. Moreover, if you happen to get very dehydrated during the summer – all you care about is skin hydration and getting enough fluids in your body – then go ahead. Guzzle up on water. That’s your wellness goal. However, no matter what you do, don’t ever let society (or anyone) dictate what tune your well-being should be.