How is the term "wellness" best defined?

Wellness is best defined as a holistic approach encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. This definition emphasizes that wellness is not just the absence of illness or physical ailments; rather, it includes a balanced integration of various aspects of health. Physical well-being encompasses activities such as exercise and nutrition, mental well-being includes emotional health and psychological resilience, and social well-being relates to how individuals interact with others and their environment. This comprehensive view encourages individuals to actively pursue improvements in all areas of their lives to achieve optimal health and a fulfilling lifestyle.

In contrast, focusing solely on physical health limits the understanding of wellness by neglecting mental and social components. Similarly, a narrow definition restricted to emotional health overlooks the importance of physical and social factors in overall wellness. Defining wellness as synonymous with illness does not capture its essence and misrepresents the proactive and positive nature of wellness. Thus, option B accurately reflects the multi-dimensional character of wellness.