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"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the multifaceted nature of health, emphasising the importance of balancing physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, and encourages daily commitment to self-care for a fulfilling life, not just on World Health Day, but every day.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
Would you consider yourself to be healthy? It seems like a simple question, but the answer is often more complex than it appears. World Health Day, observed on 7 April, is an opportunity to reflect on what it really means to be healthy.
When we think about health, physical wellbeing is often the first thing that comes to mind—being free from illness, eating well, and staying active. But true health extends far beyond just the physical.
Our mental, emotional, and social wellbeing also play crucial roles in our overall quality of life. Loneliness, stress, and burnout can erode wellbeing, even in those who otherwise appear physically well.
Good health is about balance—feeling strong in our bodies, connected in our relationships, and resilient in our minds. It’s about allowing time for recovery, much like charging a battery. Just as a battery needs to be recharged to function at its best, our minds and bodies need time to restore their physical, emotional, and psychological capacities. This recovery provides us with the energy to do what we love, the capacity to handle life's challenges, and fuels the complex biological support systems that keep us well.
Health and wellbeing should never be taken for granted. It can change in an instant, through illness, injury, or unexpected life circumstances. Too often, however, we only prioritise our health when faced with a crisis.
But what if we made it a daily commitment? Small, consistent choices—getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, staying active, managing stress, and seeking support when needed—can have a profound impact over time.
This World Health Day, take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you feeling—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally? Are you taking care of yourself in the ways that matter most?
Health isn’t just something to focus on once a year. It’s a lifelong investment—one that is well worth making, every single day.
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