What is Health?

We are witnessing a transformation in healthcare, which encourages us to reconsider how we as individuals are taking care of our health.

We can overcomplicate things and lose sight of the simple tenets that keep us healthy. Implementing good practice is the challenge. Some of us may find one or more areas more difficult than others. However, the concepts themselves are not difficult to understand. I hope these articles will help you look at your health differently. Let’s us explore firstly, how we define health.

What is health?

WHO defines health “as a complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. This view of health can be limiting as it hinges on the absence of infirmity and/or disease. An alternative definition is that health “is a state of balance, an equilibrium that an individual has established within himself and between himself and his social and physical environment” (Sartorius 2006). Adopting this definition allows us all the potential to be healthy despite disease or impairments. A state of balance requires awareness of the needs of our body and mind.

What do I mean by awareness?

A sense of focus and attention on our internal state. This does not mean ignoring the external environment, on the contrary, greater awareness enables you to interact with your external environment more effectively.

How can awareness help create a state of balance within oneself and thus between oneself and our environment?

When we are aware of our internal state, we start to notice that our body and mind are communicating to us through sensations and emotions. As we listen, an idea may appear that feels like it comes from a place

rooted in wisdom. It is up to us to action this idea. Sometimes, these ideas challenge our ingrained habits. Usually, ingrained habits are triggered by negative emotion and as a result it may feel that you are facing not only the habit but the emotion too. With awareness and practice it is possible to dim these emotional triggers and allow space for change to occur. As we become more attuned to ourselves, necessary action becomes clearer and easier. This in turns, helps us to make changes to both our internal and external environment helping us find a greater sense of synchronicity.

Can we all do this?

Yes, we all have the potential to transform our health in this way, the only hurdle is us. You must be willing to face yourself with honesty, courage and confidence. For many, awareness can itself cause discomfort, but

this discomfort will be short lived. If you try but you are unable to fill your body with awareness, then professionals who understand this health concept can help you to address any mental or physical hurdles.

References:

Constitution of the World Health Organization. In:World Health Organization: Basic documents. 45th ed. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2005.

Satorius, N. (2006), ‘The Meanings of Health and its Promotion’. Croat Med J. 47(4),pp 662–664.