What is health?

Defining Health

Health is a concept fundamental to human life, yet its meaning has evolved and expanded over centuries. It is not just about being free from illness; it includes overall physical fitness, emotional balance, and meaningful social connections. Understanding what health truly means is essential for striving for better quality of life.

The most widely recognized definition of health comes from the World Health Organization (WHO): ” A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. This definition shows us that health is not just the absence of illness or disease.  It encompasses a positive state of well-being across multiple dimensions or areas of life.

As a result of this definition, health cannot just be determined by one factor.

Here are 8 main factors that can help us attain good health as well as longevity:

• Good Nutrition
• Regular Exercise
• Clean and adequate water
• Daily sunlight exposure
• Being temperate with what is good and avoiding harmful habits
• Fresh air
• Proper rest
• Trust in divine power

Let’s briefly take a look at how each of these factors benefit us!

Good Nutrition

Food is fuel and medicine. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet provides the body with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and energy it needs to heal, grow, and function optimally. Good nutrition supports immunity, prevents chronic disease, and promotes mental clarity and vitality. Studies using tools like the Alternative Healthy Eating Index show that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats strongly correlate with aging healthily and avoiding chronic illness.

Regular Exercise

Movement is life. Physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, enhances mood, and keeps muscles, bones, and joints strong. It also helps regulate metabolism, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of diseases like diabetes, cancer, and depression. Experts emphasize that just meeting minimum guidelines brings major gains—150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, plus strength training twice weekly Wikipedia. Even modest activity (e.g., 90 minutes/week) can lower early death risk by 15% and potentially extend lifespan by years. The Times of India.

Clean and Adequate Water

Water is vital for every cell and process in the body. It aids digestion, detoxifies organs, maintains body temperature, and keeps joints lubricated. Staying hydrated improves energy, mental focus, skin health, and overall bodily function.

Daily Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight, in the right amount, helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for immune function, bone health, and mood regulation. Morning sunlight also helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm), supporting restful sleep and hormonal balance.

Temperance & Avoiding Harmful Habits

True health isn’t just about doing good things — it’s also about doing them in the right amount. Temperance means balance: not overdoing good things (like food or work), and completely avoiding harmful habits (like smoking, substance abuse, or chronic stress). This principle protects the body and mind from avoidable harm.

Fresh Air

Oxygen is the first need of life. Clean, fresh air energizes the body, clears the mind, and supports respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune health. Breathing deeply in nature-rich environments also reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

Proper Rest

Rest restores what activity depletes. Quality sleep allows the body to repair tissues, balance hormones, consolidate memory, and regulate mood. Without rest, even the best nutrition or exercise can’t fully support health.

Trust in Divine Power

Spiritual well-being provides purpose, peace, and resilience. Trusting in a higher power can reduce anxiety, promote hope during difficult times, encourage more meaningful relationships,  and foster a value-driven life. This inner peace contributes to overall emotional and physical well-being

Simple ways in which you can begin to practically apply each principal:

1. Follow the WHO’s healthy-eating guidelines: at least 400 g of fruits and vegetables daily, limit saturated fats, sugars (<10% of calories), and salt (<5 g/day) Wikipedia.
2. Aim for weekly activity goals (150+ minutes moderate-intensity + strength exercises). Include longevity-focused movements such as: walking, squats, lunges and balance drills. Marie Claire UK, The Times of India, EatingWell.
3. Drink small sips throughout the day—especially between meals.
4. Get 10–15 minutes of midday sun several times a week This should be adjusted for skin tone and how close you live to the equator.  HealthlineVerywell Health
5. Avoid over eating,  over working, and stay away from tobacco and alcohol.
6. Aim for daily time outside—short walks in nature, surrounded by greenery help.
7. Prioritize 7–8 hours per night.
8. Daily engage in spiritual practices like prayer and reflection.

These 8 factors practiced correctly and consistently, help with disease prevention, build resilience, and assist in achieving holistic care and overall well being.