The Difference Between Wellness and Wellbeing — The 8Wise® Perspective
By Kim Rutherford, Psychotherapist and Creator of the 8Wise® Method
“Is there really a difference between wellness and wellbeing?”
It’s a question I’m asked a lot and the answer is yes, there is.
A very important one.
In everyday language, people mix the two words together, but when it comes to understanding your mental health and emotional resilience, the difference matters. In fact, it’s a key part of how the 8Wise® Method helps people make sense of their experiences.
So, here’s a simple, non-clinical explanation of what each one means and why it matters to you.
Wellness: What You Do
Wellness is the actions you take to support your health.
Think of wellness as the habits, behaviours, and choices you make, such as:
improving your sleep routine
eating better
staying active
practising boundaries
journaling
meditating
managing stress
creating healthier work patterns
Wellness is practical. It’s behavioural. It’s the “doing” part.
Many people try to improve their wellness first, which is great but without understanding their wellbeing, it can feel like pushing uphill with no long-term change.
Because wellness alone doesn’t explain why certain habits stick and others don’t.
That comes from something deeper.
Wellbeing: How You Are
Wellbeing is the internal state beneath your actions.
It includes:
your emotional landscape
your nervous system state
the stories you tell yourself
your level of self-trust
your sense of safety and security
your purpose, identity, and fulfilment
your resilience, confidence, and mental fitness
Wellbeing is rooted in your lived experiences, personality, beliefs, relationships, environment, stress load, and internal world.
In other words: Wellbeing is the why behind the what.
You can improve your wellness habits temporarily, but if your wellbeing is unstable or unsupported, change rarely lasts.
Why the Distinction Matters in the 8Wise® Method
One of the biggest frustrations people face on their wellbeing journey is this: They try to change their actions without understanding their internal state. That’s why the 8Wise® Method always begins with your wellbeing profile.
It helps you understand:
where your emotional pressure sits
what’s influencing your mental health
which parts of your life feel misaligned
what is draining or overwhelming you
what stability looks like for you personally
Once you understand your wellbeing, then wellness becomes easier, more personalised, and more sustainable. It’s no longer guesswork, it’s strategy.
Wellbeing gives you insight.
Wellness gives you movement.
You need both but in the right order.
The 8Wise® Perspective
In the 8Wise® Method:
Wellbeing is your foundation, the inner landscape across the 8 Dimensions.
Wellness is your practice, the actions you take to strengthen those dimensions.
Most people only address wellness.This is why they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or defeated when lifestyle changes don't last.
When you focus on wellbeing first, then layer wellness behaviours on top, everything becomes easier:
✔ more clarity
✔ more motivation
✔ more confidence
✔ more balance
✔ more long-term change
You’re no longer trying to “fix” yourself, you’re working with yourself.
A Simple Way to Think About It
Wellbeing = the roots
Wellness = the branches
If the roots are strong, the branches grow naturally.
If the roots are neglected, the branches struggle.
Where to Go From Here
If the difference between wellness and wellbeing resonates with you, it’s a sign you’re ready for more than quick fixes.
You may be ready to:
understand your 8Wise® Wellbeing Profile
explore what’s really affecting your mental and emotional health
learn how to build sustainable wellness habits that align with your internal needs
work with a practitioner who guides you through the process compassionately and professionally
You can begin through:
8Wise® Coaching
Counselling & Therapy (8Wise® integrated)
The 8Wise® Life Audit
8Wise® resources: book, journal, planner, podcast
Because when you understand yourself deeply, change stops being overwhelming and becomes empowering.
Access support here: www.kimrutherfordofficial.com
