What is wellness? The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines wellness simply: "The quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal." [2]

Arizona State University has a more comprehensive definition: "Wellness is an active, lifelong process of becoming aware of choices and making decisions toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Wellness involves choices about our lives and our priorities that determine our lifestyles. The wellness concept at ASU is centered on connections and the idea that the mind, body, spirit and community are all interrelated and interdependent." [3]

The National Wellness Institute definition is as follows:

"Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.

The key words in this first sentence are process, aware, choices and success.
• Process means that we never arrive at a point where there is no possibility of improving.
• Aware means that we are by our nature continuously seeking more information about how we can improve.
• Choices means that we have considered a variety of options and select those that seem to be in our best interest.
• Success is determined by each individual to their personal collection of accomplishments for their life." [4]

Finally, consider the elements of this definition proposed by Travis:

"Wellness is a choice -- a decision you make towards optimal health. Wellness is a way of life -- a lifestyle you design to achieve your highest potential for well being. Wellness is a process -- a developing awareness that there is no end point, but that health and happiness are possible in each moment, here and now. Wellness is a positive acceptance of oneself. Wellness is the interaction of the body, mind and spirit -- the appreciation that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an impact on our state of health."

These definitions embrace a vision of wellness grounded in empowerment, choice, and awareness. The wellness concepts sharply contrast with those of the fear driven, patient passive, episodic strategies of early detection, prevention, and maintenance.