As a holistic pharmacist with years of experience in alternative health, and also as a person who battles chronic illness, I have come to realize that health is not an absolute state. The traditional notion of health often paints a picture of perfection—flawless physicality, absence of disease, and a life free from medical complications. However, this view is both limiting and unrealistic. Health, in its truest sense, is far more nuanced, and its definition needs to reflect that complexity.
The World Health Organization defines health as a “state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” While this is a valuable aspiration, it implies that anything short of perfection is an illness, which doesn’t align with the reality most people live in. Health is a dynamic process, one that is shaped by the actions we take and the conditions we live under, rather than being a static goal that, once achieved, remains unchanging.
Health is not exclusive to those with ideal physical capabilities or circumstances. In fact, some of the healthiest people I have met are those who live with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other health challenges. What makes them healthy is not the absence of disease but their consistent effort to nurture their bodies and minds with the tools available to them. They embody the understanding that being healthy is about doing the best you can with what you have—not striving for unattainable perfection.
There’s a particularly important aspect of health that is often unacknowledged: at times, people can become too burdened to engage in the healthy behaviors they once practiced. Illness, injury, or unexpected life events can disrupt routines, drain energy, and prevent individuals from being as active or disciplined as they once were. This does not mean they are “less healthy” or that they’ve failed in some way; it simply reflects the reality that our health can fluctuate, often due to circumstances beyond our control.
Take someone who has been dedicated to a holistic lifestyle, eating well, exercising regularly, managing stress, and sleeping sufficiently. Then, they get an illness—perhaps due to a viral infection, an autoimmune condition, or an accident. Their capacity to maintain these healthy habits diminishes, not because of negligence, but because their body is no longer able to support them in the same way or perhaps doesn’t respond the way it used to with the same interventions. This change in capacity doesn’t mean they are no longer “healthy” in the broader sense. They are still doing the best they can, given their new circumstances, and that is a testament to their resilience.
It’s also important to recognize that health is not a moral condition. There is no inherent virtue in being in perfect physical condition, nor is there shame in facing illness. Too often, society equates being healthy with being “good” and being sick with failure. But health, like life itself, is full of complexities and is subject to factors beyond our control—genetics, environment, accidents, and even pandemics can derail the healthiest of lifestyles.
The reality is that maintaining health is an ongoing process, not a static achievement. It requires constant attention, action, and sometimes, acceptance of limitations. Even in states of illness, people can be healthy in their habits and mindset. In fact, I’ve seen some people who are fighting significant health battles demonstrate a more proactive, positive approach to their wellness than individuals who are physically well but neglect their health.
Proactive measures, whether you’re in a state of peak health or managing illness, are crucial. These actions can include basic self-care like drinking plenty of water, eating nourishing foods, and engaging in physical activity (as much as your body allows). But it also involves cultivating a healthy mindset—practicing gratitude, seeking emotional support, and taking time for your peace and spiritual needs.
It’s equally important to recognize the role of rest and recuperation. Sometimes, being healthy means knowing when to stop pushing your body and mind. In a culture that values constant productivity, rest is often undervalued, but it is one of the most essential aspects of healing and maintaining health. Learning to listen to your body and respecting its limits is a key part of a holistic approach to wellness.
Finally, it’s crucial to acknowledge that your health does not exist in a vacuum. There are times when lifestyle factors or other stressors—unemployment, family responsibilities, financial pressures—can worsen your health, not because you are making “bad” choices, but because life itself becomes overwhelming. When life events exacerbate illness or make it harder to stay healthy, it’s a reminder that health is a holistic process, influenced by both internal and external factors.
In essence, being too sick to be healthy doesn’t negate your efforts or your potential for wellness. Health is not about achieving a perfect state but about maintaining a positive relationship with your body, mind, and environment—whatever season your life or physical status is in. Even when illness or adversity strikes, you can continue to live healthily by adapting to your circumstances and practicing kindness toward yourself.
