Wellness vs Wellbeing: What's the difference and Are You Actually Thriving or Just Surviving?
Ah, wellness and wellbeing. They’re like avocado and guacamole—similar, yet not quite the same. Both look good on Instagram, both sound fancy in your morning affirmations, and both make you feel like you’re really doing life. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how do you know which one you need more of on your wellness journey?
If you’re feeling a little “eh” about your current routine—whether you’re drowning in to-do lists, binge-watching Netflix while holding a green juice for moral support, or just trying to remember the last time you had a moment to yourself—this blog’s for you.
We’re diving into the difference between wellness and wellbeing, why it matters, and how you can sprinkle a little intentional self-care into your life with the help of tools like a wellness action plan, a wellness journal, and (most importantly) a good laugh along the way.
Grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s chat wellness, shall we?
So, What Even Is Wellness?
Wellness is like the trendy cousin who always knows what’s cool before anyone else does. Yoga? Wellness. That turmeric latte you made and posted on Instagram? Also wellness. 10,000 steps a day, breathwork, sound baths… yup, wellness.
Essentially, wellness refers to the active pursuit of healthy habits that promote physical, emotional, and mental health. It’s action-based and usually intentional—something you do to feel better.
Think of wellness as the routines, habits, and choices you make to look after yourself. It’s about movement, mindfulness, and nourishment—not necessarily the latest fads, but the practices that actually make you feel good. Whether you’re journaling, meditating, or meal-prepping, you’re engaging in wellness living.
Translation: It’s the “doing” part of self-care. Active. Tangible. Feels like progress.
Examples include:
Going on that 5k run (even when you hated every step).
Writing in your wellness journal instead of doomscrolling TikTok before bed.
Saying “no” to plans because you’re prioritising your wellness for women moment and taking a bath with candles.
And What About Wellbeing?
If wellness is the trendy cousin, wellbeing is the wise aunt who doesn’t care about trends but always knows the best life advice.
Wellbeing is more holistic. It’s not just about what you do; it’s about how you feel. It’s the result of all those wellness actions working together to create a life that feels… well, good. Wellbeing considers your mental health, emotional satisfaction, sense of purpose, and general quality of life.
You could be absolutely crushing your wellness goals—nailing workouts, eating clean, and perfecting your skincare routine—but if you’re miserable, stressed, or running on empty, your wellbeing is taking a hit.
It’s less about ticking boxes and more about asking yourself, “Am I truly thriving?”
Translation: It’s the “being” part of self-care. Holistic. Internal. Feels like balance.
Wellness vs Wellbeing: Why It Matters
Here’s the kicker: you need both.
Wellness is what you do; wellbeing is how you feel. And the two are beautifully connected. Focusing on wellness—those intentional actions—can improve your overall wellbeing. But if you’re overdoing it (hello, hustle culture and over-scheduling), you might end up sabotaging the very balance you’re trying to achieve.
Let’s put it this way:
Wellness without wellbeing? You’re smashing all the habits but still feel like a soggy piece of toast.
Wellbeing without wellness? You feel okay, but you’re missing the tools to elevate your day-to-day life.
The sweet spot lies in balancing both. You need habits (wellness) to support your mental, physical, and emotional health, but you also need the space to reflect and feel connected to your life (wellbeing).
This is where tools like a wellness action plan or a wellness journal come into play—because sometimes, we all need a little help figuring it out.
What’s a Wellness Action Plan, and Why Should You Have One?
A wellness action plan is your roadmap to creating sustainable, healthy habits that align with what you need most.
Think of it like this: life gets chaotic. You get pulled in 74 directions at once, and before you know it, your self-care routine consists of wearing a face mask while answering emails. A wellness action plan helps you map out what wellness actually looks like for you—and how to weave it into your daily life without feeling like a chore.
Here’s a simple way to create your own:
Reflect on your current wellbeing. How do you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally? Be honest.
Set your intentions. What do you actually need? More energy? Better focus? Less stress?
Identify actionable steps. These are your wellness habits—like journaling, movement, meal prep, or mindfulness breaks.
Schedule it in. Yep, wellness needs a spot on your calendar too!
Reflect and tweak. Life changes, and so will your wellness needs. Check in regularly.
Enter: The Wellness Journal
If a wellness action plan is your roadmap, a wellness journal is your travel companion.
Journaling is one of the best ways to support your wellness for women goals because it’s where reflection and action come together. It helps you:
Track your habits. Did you meditate today? Move your body? Write it down.
Identify patterns. Notice when you feel your best and what habits make the biggest difference.
Release stress. Because venting on paper is cheaper than therapy.
Set intentions. Journaling about your goals makes them real.
A wellness journal doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be bullet points, full paragraphs, or even doodles—whatever works for you. The point is to create space to check in with yourself, track your progress, and celebrate those small wins (because let’s face it, small wins deserve a standing ovation).
How to Make Your Wellness Journey Fun (Yes, Really)
Listen, I get it. Sometimes wellness feels like another thing on the to-do list. But here’s the thing: it’s not about being perfect—it’s about finding what works for you.
If the thought of an hour-long meditation makes you want to cry, skip it. If running feels like punishment, don’t do it. Your wellness journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it just has to feel good for you.
Here are a few tips to keep it light:
Make it social. Grab a friend for a yoga class or go on a coffee walk together.
Gamify it. Turn your wellness habits into a challenge. Tick off habits like a bingo card. Treat yourself when you hit your goals.
Add joy. Play your favourite music during your morning stretch. Buy a cute wellness journal that makes you excited to write in it. Light a candle for those 5 minutes of peace.
Celebrate small wins. Seriously. If you drank water today? Win. If you sat still for 2 minutes and took a deep breath? WIN.
Remember, wellness living is about enjoying life, not punishing yourself. Keep it light. Keep it fun. Keep it sustainable.
Wellness for Women: Why It’s Non-Negotiable
If you’re anything like most women, you’re probably juggling 17 roles at once—partner, friend, businesswoman, dog mom, chaos manager… the list goes on.
And let’s be real: when life gets busy, the first thing to drop is often you. Your needs. Your time. Your energy.
But here’s a little secret: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritising wellness isn’t selfish—it’s essential. By looking after yourself, you’re better able to show up for everything (and everyone) else.
So whether it’s creating a wellness action plan, starting a wellness journal, or finding small moments of joy throughout your day—it’s time to put you back on the priority list. And trust me, you deserve it.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Balance
Wellness and wellbeing are two sides of the same coin, and the magic happens when you embrace both.
Take action, build those habits, and prioritise wellness living—but also give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and feel. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
So, here’s your permission slip to start. Grab a wellness journal, create a wellness action plan, and choose small, sustainable habits that make you feel good—inside and out.
Your wellness journey doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It just has to work for you.
Now go on, take that first step—your future self will thank you for it.
P.S. If you’re feeling inspired to start your own wellness living journey, check out some of my favourite tools, including guided wellness journals and resources to help you get started. You’ve got this.
