Did you ever wonder who coined the term wellness?
It was Halbert L. Dunn, a doctor who saw wellness as more than just “not being sick.”
In the 1950s, he introduced “high-level wellness” in a way that was fresh and groundbreaking for his time.
He didn’t see health as just the absence of illness but as a complete, balanced lifestyle that may bring purpose and joy.
His ideas inspired a movement we still celebrate today, making wellness a guiding light for balanced, healthy living.
What Does Wellness Really Mean?
Wellness is about living well in every way: body, mind, and spirit.
It means finding harmony and balance, so our lives are full and satisfying — not just free from illness.
This approach, often called the holistic well-being model, shows us that true health is about feeling good inside and out.
From simple acts like eating fresh foods and getting good sleep to enjoying time with friends or spending time in nature, wellness is about nurturing what helps us feel whole and happy.
How Did the Wellness Movement Start?
The Role of Halbert L. Dunn in Wellness
Dr. Halbert L. Dunn, the “father of wellness,” introduced the idea of wellness as a full, balanced life where we aim for more than just staying illness-free.
He believed that health is about having purpose, joy, and balance.
Dunn’s work motivated others to see wellness as a lifestyle choice, sparking what would become a national wellness movement.
His ideas formed the basis of what we now think of as “personal wellness,” where each person can choose to live in a way that brings them happiness and well-being.
John Travis: Making Wellness a Practice
Dr. John Travis, inspired by Dunn’s ideas, opened one of the first wellness centers in California in the 1970s.
His approach helped people learn simple ways to take care of themselves and enjoy a fuller life.
At his center, Travis introduced everyday practices like meditation, mindful eating, and relaxation techniques.
This approach empowered people to make choices that helped them feel at peace, highlighting that wellness is deeply personal and can be tailored to each person’s needs.
Donald Ardell: Expanding the Reach of Wellness
Donald Ardell helped make wellness more widely known in the 1980s.
He believed wellness was about more than physical health — it was about emotional and mental balance too.
Ardell saw wellness as a way to live intentionally by choosing habits that support our goals and relationships.
Thanks to Ardell, wellness became something more people could relate to, with accessible practices and habits for everyday life.
His work helped wellness become part of popular culture.
How Has Wellness Evolved from Ancient Times?
Though the word wellness itself may be modern, the concept goes way back to ancient times.
Cultures like those in India and China practiced early forms of wellness through traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Both emphasized natural wellness and balance, teaching that when the body and mind are at peace, wellness follows.
In ancient Greece, physicians like Hippocrates saw health as a product of lifestyle and environment, encouraging balance and harmony to support a person’s well-being.
These ancient approaches are echoed in today’s wellness practices, showing that living well has always been a universal goal.
Why Is Wellness Important Today?
Wellness gives us the tools to live our lives with strength and positivity, helping us stay balanced when life feels busy.
Wellness today is about creating healthy routines, like eating balanced meals, practicing mindfulness, and moving our bodies to stay active.
By taking care of ourselves in all areas, we build resilience for whatever comes our way.
With personal wellness as a focus, wellness isn’t about strict rules but about finding what makes you feel at your best — whether that’s getting outside for a walk or simply taking a deep breath when things get tough.
In a Nutshell
Wellness, as coined by Halbert L. Dunn, is all about living in a balanced and meaningful way.
Wellness invites us to think of health as a journey where we care for our bodies, minds, and hearts.
From its beginnings in the 1950s to the natural wellness practices we embrace today, wellness remains a choice to live fully and positively.
Thank you, and live well!
