What is Health?

Health is so much more than just the absence of disease...

In today's fast-paced world, our understanding of health often revolves around the idea of not being sick. We tend to measure our wellbeing by the absence of symptoms, focusing on avoiding or managing disease. While this approach is important, it is also limited. It reduces health to a checklist of symptoms to be managed rather than embracing the broader spectrum of what it means to be truly well.
What if we broadened our definition of health? What if we gave ourselves more options and more points for reflection? Today we will explore a more holistic concept of what health truly is and open up our world to opportunities for real wellbeing.
If we only view ourselves as healthy when we are not unwell or have symptoms then it is likely that either we never feel healthy (!) or that we limit our experience of our wellbeing, and therefore our capacity for wellbeing, to just 'not being sick'. 
Let's look at a more holistic framework. By using a more holistic framework we can reflect on our health and wellbeing using more than just a survival perspective to navigate our health. We draw inspiration from the Indigenous definition of health that says:

"Good health is more than just the absence of disease or illness; it is a holistic concept that includes physical, social, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and ecological wellbeing, for both the individual and the community."

This definition of health embraces the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, and spiritual states, as well as the impact of our environment and relationships on our wellbeing. This definition allows us to see our health through a different lens and by doing so we give ourselves more options for healing and recovery, not only this but we are given more ways to become healthier versions of ourselves, become more resilient and adaptable. By expanding our understanding of health, we can address the root causes of health issues and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Shifting our perspective in this way means that every effort we take towards feeling better becomes meaningful and impactful. Healing doesn’t have to look like doctor appointments and taking medications, it can also look like connections with friends and family, taking time our of your day to spend time with nature, leaning into your spirituality and belief systems and helping others.
We draw inspiration from this definition of health as it mentions our wellness as a product of our communities health. We love the concept that we could look to our community to reflect on how well we are and also to highlight areas that need addressing to make a more well rounded and thriving society. Remember, we weren't meant to do this all on our own. Connection is medicine, how healthy are you, and how healthy are your connections?
Do you want more options to heal? Are you looking for a more holistic approach? Read through the definition above and reflect on your health in the many different, holistic domains.
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