The Difference Between Wellness and Wellbeing
Everywhere we turn, we see signs that something is amiss with our approach to life. In Kenya, it’s telling that the first tenants in almost every new shopping centre are pharmacies and liquor stores - signs of how we’re either trying to fix what’s broken or numb the pain. At the same time, stress has become a status symbol. The other day, I overheard a woman on the phone responding to a simple "How are you?" with "Busy, busy!" - as if busyness itself were proof of a life well-lived. And then there’s the common phrase used to describe success: "He’s done well for himself." What does that usually mean? That he has money, as though financial prosperity alone defines a person’s overall state of being.
These observations reveal something important: while we chase after aspects of wellness, we often miss the bigger picture of wellbeing.
Wellness vs Wellbeing
These two words are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference can transform how we approach our lives.
Wellness refers to the activities and habits we engage in to improve our health - things like exercising, eating well, meditating or managing stress. It is what we do. It is the means.
Wellbeing on the other hand, is a state of being. It is the overall quality of our life experience, the harmony between our mind, body, emotions and deeper self. Wellbeing is not something we do - it’s something we become.
I see wellbeing as the balance of all four wheels of life: Health (physical wellbeing), Profession (career, business and financial wellbeing), Relationships (family, friends colleagues and society), and Self (mind, emotions and spiritual growth). Just like a car needs all four wheels to run smoothly, true wellbeing comes when all these areas are in sync. Yet, society often places disproportionate emphasis on only one or two wheels - most commonly, financial success or physical health - while neglecting the others.
Reframing Success and Health
A person may go to the gym religiously, eat organic and have the best medical care, yet still feel exhausted, disconnected or unfulfilled. That’s because wellness practices alone do not guarantee wellbeing if they are not integrated into a holistic life approach. Likewise, someone may have financial success but suffer emotionally, mentally or spiritually.
Our culture glorifies stress and hustle. Being "busy" has become a badge of honour, and our success metrics are often limited to career and wealth. But what if we expanded our definition of success to include joy, peace, connection and inner fulfilment?
Shifting the Paradigm
So, how do we move from just chasing wellness activities to cultivating true wellbeing? It starts with awareness and small shifts:
Recognising that self-care is not indulgence; it’s essential.
Evaluating success beyond just financial gain - how are your relationships, your peace of mind, your sense of purpose?
Understanding that rest is not laziness but restoration.
Practicing mindfulness in everyday life, not just in meditation sessions.
True wellbeing isn’t achieved through a checklist - it’s about how we experience life as a whole. Wellness practices are the tools, but the destination is a life of balance, contentment and fulfilment.
So next time someone asks, "How are you?" - instead of defaulting to "Busy, busy!", maybe pause and reflect on your whole being. How are you truly doing?
