Mental Wellness vs. Mental Health: What Are the Key Differences?

With a lot of talk about mental health and mental wellness, these two terms get thrown around a lot.

Most of the time, we use them as synonyms for one another, but did you know there’s actually a difference between these two?

And yes, both matter and both, generally, fall under the same umbrella.

So, let’s get to the bottom of this once and for all.

• What is the difference between mental health and mental wellness?
• And what can you do to enhance your mental wellness? 

What’s the Difference Between Mental Health and Mental Wellness?

Mental wellness is a broader term when compared to mental health. It covers a wide variety of factors relating to our mental well-being and a positive state of mind. 

Meanwhile, mental health refers to our mental functioning and emotional stability. When we have good mental health, we are more resilient and better able to cope with stress and the many demands of everyday life.

What Are the 5 Concepts of Mental Wellness?

As we might already know, everything in the body is connected. Thus, when one state of health is on the decline, this inevitably impacts other aspects of health.

For instance, when our mental health takes a nose dive, our physical health often does too, since we begin to take less care when it comes to looking after our physical selves. 

So, with this in mind, the five concepts of mental wellness actually encompass all layers of health, including:

• physical
• emotional
• social
• intellectual
• spiritual

For us to obtain the overall feeling of being “well,” we need to ensure all of these factors are up to par.

Mental Wellness Examples

Signs of good mental wellness include:

• spending quality time with those closest to you
• working in a job or activity that is meaningful to you
• learning new skills or trying new things
• feeling emotionally balanced

Mental Wellness Activities

Some mental wellness activities may include:

• socializing with friends
• taking a new pottery class
• learning a new language
• simply being more physically active (Remember, everything is connected!)

We’ll dig deeper into activities to improve your mental wellness below.

How Can I Improve My Mental Wellness?

Author Cammi McGovern stated, “This feeling will pass. The fear is real, but the danger is not.”

I think this quote demonstrates really well how a person with good mental wellness manages their emotions, life’s challenges, and more. When we are mentally well, we are able to separate our feelings from reality. We can step back and take a more objective approach.

So, with this quote in-hand, how else can you enhance your mental wellness? Here are a few tips!

1. Socialize and Connect.

Community is the foundation of the human experience.

Activities, travel, and everything else is much more meaningful with those we care about by our sides. Community also offers us the fulfillment of many of our basic needs, like belonging, safety, and security. It further significantly contributes to our self-worth and confidence.

Thus, an easy way to improve your overall mental wellness is by socializing with those you care about. This might mean:

• Switching off electronics and spending quality time together, such as hiking or playing a game.
• Making the time to call our loved ones and catch up.
• Visit a friend or family member who needs support.
• Volunteering at a shelter or for a local event.
• Making plans, such as lunch or a day trip, with friends you haven’t seen in a while.

2. Move Your Body.

Exercise isn’t just about our physical wellness but also our mental wellness. It boosts our confidence, self-esteem, and positively impacts the brain. When we move our bodies, a flood of feel-good chemicals is released, contributing to these incredible effects!

Strive to move your body each day, even if this is simply a quick walk around the block.

3. Learn Something New!

Learning also positively impacts our brain structure, function, and chemistry. A few examples to try include:

• Taking a cooking class
• Learning to sew, knit, or paint
• Working on a DIY project at home
• Learning a new language
• Trying a new sport

4. Practice Small Acts of Kindness.

This is shown to benefit us and others, helping increase our sense of reward and positive feelings. And there are so many ways to do this! Some common examples include:

• Holding the door for the person behind you
• Paying for someone else’s coffee order
• Saying “thank you”
• Offering a genuine compliment
• Helping a friend or family member who needs support

Related Article: 5 Benefits of Being Kind - and We Need it Right Now

5. Stay Mindful.

This means being in the present moment and truly living for right now as opposed to the future or the past. A few ways to foster more mindfulness is through meditation, yoga, and even just simple activities like pausing and noticing what you smell, see, hear, and feel.

Related Article: Your Ultimate Mindfulness Guide: Become More Happy and Less Stressed

Step Into a Stronger You With Improved Mental Wellness

Taking care of ourselves mentally often comes down to taking care of ourselves overall.

It’s different from mental health in that mental wellness is a broader term associated with a positive state of mind. Plus, enhancing our mental wellness can provide tons of meaning to our lives, fueling a positive rollercoaster that spills over into all aspects of life and those we care about.

Read Next: Become a More Effective & Confident Learner With 4 Neuroscience-Backed Studying Tips

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