The word ‘healthy’ can mean different things to different people. For some, health is about being able to run five kilometers without getting out of breath, while for others it’s about being able to handle everyday stress and still feel mentally fit. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is more than just the absence of disease. It is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. But what does that mean in practice?
Physical health
When we talk about health, many people think of the body first: eating well, exercising and staying free from lifestyle diseases. However, physical health isn’t just about following a strict diet or exercising hard every day; it’s about taking care of your body so it can function optimally in everyday life. It can be:
- Varied diet: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy protein sources and enough water.
- Regular movement: It doesn’t have to be long runs; a brisk walk, cycling or dancing can also make a big difference.
- Adequate sleep: Sleep is essential for the body’s recovery, immune system and energy levels.
- Prevention: Regular check-ups with your doctor or dentist and focusing on a good balance between activity and rest.
Being physically healthy doesn’t necessarily mean having a six-pack or being able to run a marathon, but rather having a body that functions well in daily activities and doesn’t prevent you from living an active and fulfilling life.
Mental health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Being mentally healthy means being able to handle everyday challenges, maintaining a positive self-image and having energy for yourself and others. Stress, anxiety and depression are examples of mental challenges that can affect both body and mind.
- Stress management: Knowing your limits and balancing work, leisure and rest.
- Self-care: This can include meditation, yoga, journal writing, therapy or simply time for hobbies that bring joy.
- Social contact: A good network of family, friends or colleagues often has a positive effect on mood and can alleviate loneliness.
- Positive mindset: Focusing on what’s going well in life, rather than dwelling on failures or challenges, can strengthen the psyche.
Good mental health doesn’t mean never feeling sad or stressed. Rather, it’s about having a toolbox to deal with difficult emotions and situations so you don’t let your guard down.
Social health
Humans are social creatures and our relationships with others have a huge impact on our overall health. Having close friendships or close family ties can provide security, joy and a sense of belonging. Conversely, loneliness and lack of social networks can have a negative impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Good relationships: The quality of relationships is often more important than the quantity.
Communities: Being part of an association, club or community of interest can create a sense of belonging and increase happiness.
Support and helpfulness: When we help others, it can also boost our own sense of satisfaction and meaning in life.
Social health is therefore about maintaining healthy, supportive relationships and making room for both intimacy and mutual respect in interactions with others.
The holistic approach to health
Today, we often talk about a holistic approach to health, where physical, mental and social health are not seen as separate elements, but as parts of an integrated whole. For example, if you experience chronic stress (mental imbalance), it can cause physical symptoms such as tension and headaches – and possibly also affect your social life. Similarly, physical inactivity or pain can affect mental energy and your desire to be with others.
The holistic approach emphasizes that health is not just about the absence of disease. It’s about having a balanced life where body, mind and social relationships support each other.
Health is individual
It’s important to remember that health cannot be put into one formula. What’s healthy for one person may not be healthy for another. We have different lifestyles, bodies, interests and values, so the path to a healthy lifestyle can look very different from person to person.
Some find great joy in working out at the gym five times a week, while others prefer long walks in nature. Some can navigate the stresses of city life without losing their balance, while others need more rest and recovery. The key is to find a path that fits your own needs and values – and to be aware of when they change over time.
Being healthy means having a good balance between physical, mental and social well-being. It’s not just about avoiding illness, it’s about living a life where you feel comfortable in both body and mind, and where you have the energy and desire to be part of the community you live in. A healthy lifestyle often starts small – with daily choices that prioritize movement, mental peace and meaningful relationships. At the same time, it’s important to remember that health is individual: