Physical health is the ability of an individual's body to function effectively. It is the foundation for emotional wellness, thinking, communication, learning and resilience.
It is also the key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to society. A healthy lifestyle helps to prevent and manage disease, illness and disability.
Physical fitness
Physical fitness is the ability to perform daily activities in a healthy and functional way. It also includes a healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient rest with a recovery plan.
Having physical fitness can help people live longer, reduce their risk for certain diseases and improve their health and quality of life. It can also help people manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
In addition, it can strengthen the body’s immune system and reduce stress. It can also improve mental health, self-esteem and mood.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity as any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure. Examples include walking, cycling and wheeling as well as active recreation or play.
Mental health
Just as physical health affects the other aspects of your well-being, so does mental health. When your mental health is good, you’re less likely to experience physical symptoms that are caused by negative emotions and stress.
Mental illnesses can interfere with thinking, feeling and mood; they also affect how well you function in social, work or family activities. Like heart disease and diabetes, they’re treatable diseases that can be treated with medicine and talk therapy.
When a person’s mental health is poor, they’re more likely to have somatic (physical) symptoms that can include body pains, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, weakness, trouble breathing and memory problems. These symptoms can be serious, but they’re often treatable and preventable if they are recognized and managed early.
Emotional health
Emotional health is about being in control of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors -- both during times of joy and pain. It helps you keep problems in perspective and bounce back from setbacks.
A lack of emotional health can make you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed. In those cases, it’s important to seek professional help.
Licensed psychologist Juli Fraga says that good emotional health is about being in touch with your emotions, being vulnerable, and authentic. She adds that it’s important to know how to express your feelings in a healthy way so that you can live a happy and fulfilled life.
Taking time to relax and do activities that you enjoy is another easy way to improve your emotional health. These can include spending time with family and friends, getting out in nature, or doing other things that make you happy.
Social health
When you think of health, you likely imagine a physical condition, or maybe mental health - both of which are important, but not the only aspect. There are also social aspects to your overall well-being, which can have a positive effect on your physical health.
When people are socially healthy, they have a high level of self-esteem and feel that they can contribute to their community. They are not afraid of trying new things or forming relationships.
Having a supportive social network can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It can even help you develop healthier habits.
You can start building your social health today by making an effort to improve your communication skills. This will not only benefit you in the long run but can also help you become a better leader, spouse, parent and friend.