🌿 What Does It Really Mean to Be in Good Health?

Medically reviewed by Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD, FAAFP, DABOM

What does it really mean to be healthy? True health is more than just avoiding illness — it’s about finding balance in your body, mind, and lifestyle. In this guide, we explore the definition of good health, why it matters, and practical ways to nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being for a longer, more fulfilling life.

💡 Understanding Health 

“Health” is much more than just the absence of illness. It’s a full state of physical, mental, and emotional balance — a sense of overall well-being that allows you to live actively, manage stress, and build strong relationships. 

While healthcare services exist to help us stay well or recover when sick, true good health begins with our everyday habits — what we eat, how we move, how we think, and even how we connect with others. 

Despite spending $3.8 trillion on healthcare in 2019 (according to the CDC), the United States continues to have a lower life expectancy than many other developed nations. That gap highlights an important truth: health isn’t only about access to doctors; it’s deeply tied to lifestyle, environment, and mindset. 

🌱 The Evolving Definition of Health 

Back in 1946, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being — not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 

Later, in 1986, the WHO expanded that definition, describing health as “a resource for everyday life — a positive concept that emphasizes social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.” 

Modern experts add that adaptability is key. True health includes the ability to adjust and maintain balance when faced with life’s stresses or challenges. It’s not a fixed state — it’s dynamic, continuous, and unique to each person. 

⚖️ Different Dimensions of Health 

Most people think of health in two main categories — physical and mental — but it’s actually multi-layered. Other dimensions, like emotional, spiritual, and financial health, play major roles in overall well-being. 

• Physical health involves how well your body functions. It depends on nutrition, exercise, rest, and preventive care. 

• Mental health includes your emotional and psychological well-being, influencing how you think, feel, and act. 

• Spiritual and emotional health give life meaning and purpose, nurturing inner peace and resilience. 

• Financial health can impact access to nutritious food, safe housing, and peace of mind. 

Each of these elements is intertwined — when one suffers, the others often follow. 

🏃 Physical Health: The Foundation 

Good physical health means your body’s systems — heart, lungs, muscles, and organs — work efficiently. It doesn’t just mean being disease-free; it’s about building habits that protect and strengthen your body. 

Simple ways to maintain physical wellness include: 

• Staying active through regular movement or structured exercise 

• Eating a varied, balanced diet 

• Getting quality sleep 

• Practicing proper hygiene 

• Avoiding harmful substances like tobacco or illegal drugs 

• Staying up to date on vaccinations and health screenings 

Taking care of your body also reduces the risk of chronic disease and injuries — setting the stage for a longer, more energetic life. 

🧠 Mental Health: The Heart of Well-Being 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental health refers to our emotional, social, and psychological stability. It affects how we handle stress, make choices, and relate to others. 

Good mental health isn’t simply the absence of depression or anxiety — it’s about your ability to: 

• Enjoy life and stay hopeful 

• Recover from setbacks 

• Maintain balance among work, relationships, and personal goals 

• Feel safe, valued, and capable of growth 

Since mental and physical health are interconnected, one can strongly influence the other. For example, chronic illness may trigger stress or sadness, while mental distress can manifest as physical symptoms. 

🌍 What Shapes Our Health? 

Health doesn’t exist in isolation. A wide range of factors — genetic, environmental, and social — influence how healthy we are. 

🧬 Genetic Factors 

Your DNA can predispose you to certain conditions or affect how your body responds to your environment. While you can’t change your genes, you can adapt your lifestyle to manage those risks. 

🌆 Environmental Influences 

Where we live, the air we breathe, and the safety of our surroundings all impact health. Environmental hazards, pollution, and unsafe workplaces can increase health risks. 

💰 Socioeconomic Conditions 

Income, education, and employment all shape access to resources that promote well-being. Research shows that people with higher socioeconomic status tend to live longer, healthier lives — partly due to better access to healthcare, healthier foods, and safer environments. 

🤝 Social and Lifestyle Factors 

Meaningful relationships, community support, and daily choices play equally powerful roles. Diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep patterns can all either boost or harm long-term health. 

Studies, including the Seven Countries Study and more recent reviews, show that balanced diets (like the Mediterranean diet) and low intake of processed foods reduce the risk of chronic diseases and early death. 

🌸 Preserving Health Through Wellness 

Health is not a destination — it’s a lifelong practice. Wellness is the active pursuit of habits that keep you thriving physically, mentally, and socially. 

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to holistic health.”

This means nurturing yourself daily — not just reacting when illness strikes. 

Here are practical ways to preserve wellness: 

• Eat balanced, nutrient-dense meals 

• Get regular physical activity (150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense exercise weekly) 

• Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation 

• Get preventive checkups and screenings 

• Stay socially connected 

• Cultivate gratitude and a positive outlook 

• Live according to your values and sense of purpose 

✨ In Summary 

Good health is personal — it looks different for everyone. It’s not just about avoiding sickness, but about creating balance between mind, body, and environment. 

While illness may be unavoidable at times, strengthening your resilience — physically and emotionally — helps you recover faster and live more fully. 

Ultimately, good health is an ongoing journey, one that requires awareness, adaptability, and care for both yourself and the world around you.