The Subjective Nature Of Health
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Subjective Nature Of Health

It's not "one-size-fits-all."

257
The Subjective Nature Of Health
Pexels

When I first started college this past year, one of my professors asked me to define what "health" meant to me. What stands out about this interaction is not the definition I gave, but the class discussion of how health is subjective to each individual. Being healthy does not mean the same thing to everyone, even though we like to generalize definitions of health in our society. There’s more to health than these definitions.

Yet it’s clear that in our society, physical health is where most emphasis is placed. It is easy to see how we are encouraged from a young age to eat nutritious foods and to get enough exercise in order to “stay healthy.” We are told that being overweight means getting reprimanded for not trying hard enough, and that not exercising means we are lazy. Ultimately, though, aren’t all these messages actually having negative effects on our overall health? Below are five examples of contradictions that illustrate how complicated our health can be:


1. We want to “be healthy,” but the majority of us are not.

Ironic that the majority of the United States population is quite unhealthy in one way or another. With about 67% of us overweight, and approximately 20% suffering from a mental health condition, the United States is far from the picture of health.


2. There are certain health conditions that society considers “worse” than others.

For some reason, we like to rank and compare our struggles, invalidates many health conditions. For example, someone with cancer is more likely to be taken seriously than someone with an anxiety disorder.


3. Additionally, any condition that is not “visible” is not considered valid.

I know this is true in today’s society, but I still find it absolutely ridiculous. Many health conditions are biologically based, whether we can see their root causes or not. Depression is a result of chemical imbalance in the brain, for example. But other conditions, such as obesity, are caused by societal pressures that an individual has no control over.


4. We all try to be like each other.

This is odd when you think about how everyone has different body types and different needs. Even if I am looking up to some fitness guru, chances are I don’t want to be completely like her. I just admire her fitness regimen and physique. Mentally, however, I may need be stronger.


5. Yet we ostracize anyone who is different.

If we truly knew the value of health, we would understand that health itself is very subjective. Everyone has their own way of dealing with their personal health, and it doesn't matter whether or not I have a certain health condition. I am still a valid, contributing member of society.


I see health as something that is individualized and not “one-size-fits-all.” I have learned the importance of balancing all aspects of my individual health since going away to college. But through this, I have learned that there is no one recipe for health. My friends take care of their health differently, as they do not have the same daily routines that I do. If it were that simple, everyone would learn from a young age how to be a perfect human being with no flaws.

But that is not how society wants us to think. We are so focused on the little details of our health, that often we overlook the big picture. I encourage you to step back and do what you feel is right for your own mind, body and spirit. There’s no one right answer.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56193
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36197
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958142
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187861
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments