What is health?
A broader view of wellbeing, beyond appearance, diets or a single measure.
By Maria Tralongo · October 2026
More than one measure
Health can be easy to reduce to a single signal: how we look, how much we can lift, whether we feel ill or how much energy we have today. But none of those alone tells the whole story. Wellbeing can include physical, emotional, mental and social dimensions, alongside the circumstances and relationships that shape everyday life.
Make room for your circumstances
People's needs vary. Advice that feels straightforward for one person may be difficult for another because of caring responsibilities, work, disability, money or access to support. Conflicting messages about food and fitness can also make it harder to know where to begin. A useful approach starts with your life, rather than a narrow image of what ‘healthy’ should look like.
Ask more useful questions
How am I functioning? What feels neglected? What small change would support me this week? Your answers might involve a meal break, enjoyable movement, rest, connection or appropriate professional care. Health is not a pass-or-fail label, and appearance is not a reliable summary of someone's wellbeing.
One manageable next step
Choose a change that fits your circumstances, then notice whether it helps. You do not need to overhaul your whole life at once. Support, compassion and realistic expectations can create more room for change than another set of rules. Everyday habits are not substitutes for medical care when it is needed.
Adapted from Maria's supplied ‘What is health?’ writing (2022), with updated language for WELLB.
General wellbeing information, not individual medical advice. In immediate danger call 000. Lifeline: 13 11 14.
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