What is Wellness?

Redefining Wholeness Beyond the Fitness Hype.... by Sam Oraya

Wellness. It’s a word we hear everywhere—on glossy magazine covers, splashed across Instagram, and used by brands trying to sell us the next “must-have” product or program. But what does it really mean to be well?

So often, wellness is presented through a fitness-based lens: toned bodies, extreme diets, 10k steps a day, the relentless pursuit of “perfection.” While movement and physical vitality are important, real wellness is so much broader, richer, and more inclusive than any single number on a scale or fitness tracker.

It’s also vital to remember that you can appear “fit” on the outside while silently struggling on the inside. So many people who seem to have mastered physical wellness—those with strong bodies, dedicated gym routines, or athletic achievements—may still feel anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally unfulfilled, or disconnected from their true selves.

That’s why true wellness is not just about how you look or perform physically. Wellness is about how you are, how you feel, and whether your life is aligned on every level—body, mind, and soul. Real wellness asks: Are you nourished, peaceful, and thriving beneath the surface?

And it’s important to remember: wellness is a living journey that shifts with each phase of life.You might be flourishing, or you might be walking through deep waters—navigating grief, living with chronic pain, or journeying through the storms of cancer, illness, or recovery. Wellness is not about ignoring these seasons or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about honouring your body’s wisdom, your needs, and your energy—wherever you find yourself today.

·      Physical wellness may look like gentle movement, nourishing food, or deep rest—especially if you’re healing or living with illness.

·      Emotional wellness could be allowing space for the full spectrum of your feelings—joy, grief, fear, hope—without judgment.

·      Spiritual wellness might be as simple as a moment of stillness, a deep breath, or a connection to something bigger than yourself, especially when life feels overwhelming.

·      Financial wellness is about safety and support, no matter your circumstances—reminding you that abundance is not just a number, but a sense of security and possibility.

Wellness is deeply personal , your journey will look different to mine, and that’s not just okay—it’s beautiful.Wellness is not a competition or a comparison. It’s not about ticking boxes or living up to a certain image. True wellness honours your unique body, your story, your culture, and your needs—especially if you are facing health challenges, big changes, or uncertain times.

When we equate wellness with fitness alone, we risk leaving so many people out—and can create a culture of shame and judgement.Not everyone can or wants to run a marathon, do a juice cleanse, or follow a “one-size-fits-all” program. For many, especially those living with chronic conditions, disability, or undergoing cancer treatment, those ideals can feel unattainable, exclusive, and even damaging to their sense of self-worth.

Wellness is about embracing who you are, right here and now, and meeting yourself with gentleness. It’s about progress, not perfection. Ritual, not routine. Self-kindness, not self-punishment.

Wellness is about coherence—aligning body, mind, soul, and spirit so you feel whole, connected, and alive in your own unique way. It’s where modern science meets ancient wisdom, and where your story is honoured, not judged.

May you find your own definition of wellness—one that nourishes every part of your being,

in every season of your life.

With love,Sam Oraya xxx

“Wellness is not a destination; it’s a homecoming to yourself—at every phase, in every moment.”