There are six components of wellness: proper weight and diet

In the grand tapestry of life, where the body, mind, and spirit must work in concert to achieve vitality, the words of Kenneth H. Cooper ring with profound clarity: “There are six components of wellness: proper weight and diet, proper exercise, breaking the smoking habit, control of alcohol, stress management and periodic exams.” These six pillars, simple in their essence, represent the ancient wisdom of balance and discipline. To walk the path of health is not to focus on one aspect of life at the expense of another, but to honor the body with care, the mind with clarity, and the spirit with purpose.

The ancients knew well the delicate balance between the body and soul. The Greeks, who celebrated wisdom and moderation, viewed the body as a vessel through which the soul could express its true power. Socrates, whose influence echoes through time, believed that true strength came not from the domination of the body but from the harmony between the body and the mind. His words remind us that well-being is a state of equilibrium, where the body is nourished through proper diet, exercise, and mental fortitude. Cooper’s six components echo this philosophy—each one a necessary part of the whole, each one contributing to a life of purpose and vitality.

Consider, too, the example of the Roman soldiers, whose strength was not solely in their weapons, but in the discipline they applied to their bodies. Their training was rigorous, their diets simple but effective, and they understood the value of health in achieving their goals. The Roman general Marcus Aurelius himself, a philosopher-king, was deeply committed to maintaining both physical and mental health. He understood that to lead his soldiers, he first had to take care of his own body. His regimen included exercise, moderation in food, and the practice of stress management through mindfulness, much like Cooper’s components of wellness. The Romans knew that the body and mind must be kept in harmony for one to fulfill their true potential.

The first component of Cooper’s wellness philosophy, proper weight and diet, is an ancient concept that resonates with the wisdom of Hippocrates, who famously declared, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” The ancient healer believed that the right balance of nutrition was the foundation of health. Just as the Romans and Greeks understood the power of simple, natural foods to sustain strength, so too does Cooper emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. A diet rich in whole foods, not in excess or deprivation, nourishes the body, allowing it to perform at its best and heal from within.

But diet alone does not create wellness. Proper exercise is the second pillar, for the ancients believed that a body without movement was a body in decline. The Spartans, known for their legendary prowess in battle, practiced rigorous physical training from youth. Their bodies were temples of strength, honed through daily practice. Similarly, Cooper reminds us that regular exercise is vital to maintaining not only physical strength but mental clarity. The act of movement, the discipline of exercise, feeds the spirit, allowing us to face life's challenges with vigor and resilience.

The third component—breaking the smoking habit—may seem like a modern concern, but it is rooted in the ancient understanding that self-control is vital to a healthy life. In the past, the ancients would have refrained from indulgences that weakened the body, whether it be excessive drinking, overeating, or the allure of toxic substances. In this way, Cooper’s call to break free from harmful habits is a reminder of the wisdom of those who came before us—those who understood that true well-being comes from liberation from vices, and control over our desires.

The fourth component, control of alcohol, is another call for balance. The Greeks themselves enjoyed wine, but they drank in moderation, understanding that to indulge excessively would lead to the diminishment of both body and mind. Seneca, the Stoic philosopher, warned that excessive consumption of wine would cloud the mind and weaken the body. Like Cooper, the ancients knew that moderation in all things—whether food, drink, or even pleasure—is the foundation of health and strength.

The fifth component—stress management—touches the very essence of human experience. The Stoics believed that the greatest strength lay in our ability to control our responses to external events. The wise know that inner peace is not a gift, but a practice—achieved through the control of one's mind and emotions. Epictetus taught that external events are beyond our control, but how we respond to them is our choice. Cooper’s call to manage stress is a reminder that the true battle for well-being is fought not in the world around us, but in the peace we cultivate within.

Finally, periodic exams—the last pillar of Cooper’s wellness philosophy—remind us of the importance of awareness and self-care. The ancient world may not have had modern medicine, but Hippocrates and other healers emphasized the importance of prevention. The body, they understood, is not to be neglected until it falters, but to be cared for consistently. Cooper’s advice to regularly check our health is an ancient practice of self-awareness, ensuring that we stay in tune with our bodies and make adjustments before illness takes root.

The lesson from Cooper’s words is clear: wellness is not a goal but a journey—a journey built upon the foundation of balance in every aspect of life. Just as the ancients taught that health is not a singular pursuit, but the harmonious alignment of body, mind, and spirit, so too must we approach our own well-being. We must care for our bodies with wisdom, discipline, and awareness, choosing a life that nourishes, strengthens, and empowers us to live with purpose. In this pursuit, we find not just health, but the true freedom to live fully and authentically.