"Health is a state of body. Wellness is a state of being." | J. Stanford

From Surviving to Thriving: Understanding the Difference Between Health and Wellness

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Tired of Catching Every Cold and Feeling Drained During the Holidays?


It’s the same exhausting cycle every year, isn’t it? You start the season with excitement, but soon you’re battling colds, fatigue, and endless stress. No matter how much you rest or how much Vitamin C you consume, your energy is zapped, and the holidays feel like something to survive, not enjoy.


What if this year could be different? Imagine waking up energized, focused, and fully present—physically strong and deeply fulfilled in mind, body, and spirit.


Here’s what I’ll cover in this article:

  • Why this cycle keeps repeating.
  • The difference between health and wellness.
  • My turning point from just “healthy” to truly thriving.
  • A 3-step framework to help you thrive this season and beyond.

 

Let’s make this the year you stop just surviving and start thriving.

What’s Keeping You Stuck?

Winter brings more than cold weather; it’s like a perfect storm for stress:

  • Shorter days steal your energy like a thief in the night.
  • Comfort foods and holiday indulgences weigh down your body and mind.
  • Family dynamics, financial stress, and endless obligations leave you emotionally drained.

 

These external stressors pile up, weakening your immune system and leaving you vulnerable to fatigue and burnout. But physical illness is just the surface.


The real issue often lies within: your thoughts and beliefs. Negative patterns, self-doubt, and fear create an internal imbalance that manifests as disease and exhaustion. When your mind is stuck in survival mode, your body follows, and you’re left far from thriving. 

holiday-stress

Health vs. Wellness: Understanding the Difference

Think of health as a sturdy car—it gets you from point A to point B without breaking down. But wellness? That’s the luxurious, smooth ride that makes the journey joyful and meaningful.

 

  • HEALTH is a state of your body. It means being free from illness or injury.
  • WELLNESS is a state of your whole being. It’s about balancing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health to create a life of clarity, confidence, and fulfillment.

 

You might be physically healthy but still feel anxious, unmotivated, or disconnected. That’s because true wellness requires more than just taking care of your body—it’s about aligning every part of yourself.

My Turning Point

Back in 2017, I thought I was thriving during the winter season. I was diligent about eating well, staying hydrated, and keeping up with physical activity. I spent my weekends either spiking volleyball at the beach or shredding snow in the mountains. I rarely got sick, and on the surface, I looked like I had it all together.


But inside, I felt stressed, scattered, and off balance. My mind was always racing with work deadlines, holiday plans, and unrealistic expectations I put on myself. Even though my body was strong, my emotional and mental well-being were running on fumes.


That’s when I realized something had to change. I didn’t just want to stay healthy—I wanted to feel alive, aligned, and whole. 

snowboarding

From Surviving to Thriving:
My 3-Step Framework

Here’s what helped me and hundreds of my clients shift from surviving the winter to thriving holistically—and it can help you too.

1. Know Yourself

Your mind is like a garden. What seeds are you planting? Many of you unknowingly sow the seeds of guilt, perfectionism, and “powering through.” These habits keep you stuck in survival mode.


To break free, start with awareness. Reflect on the patterns and beliefs that might be draining you. Do you feel guilty when you rest? Are you overcommitted out of fear of disappointing others? Journaling or mindfulness can help you uncover these blocks.


Take Action: Start with my FREE Values Alignment Exercise to rediscover what truly matters and begin creating a life that energizes you.

2. love Yourself

Think of self-love as the fuel that powers your engine. Without it, you’re running on empty. Self-compassion is the foundation of wellness—it allows you to nurture yourself without guilt.


Maybe that means eating nourishing meals, indulging in a spa day, or simply savoring a quiet moment with your favorite tea. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

 

Take Action: Repeat self-love affirmations like, “I am releasing all thoughts and emotions of feeling unworthy of rest and care. I love myself unconditionally,” and watch how your mindset begins to shift.

3. be Yourself

Imagine your life is like a canvas. To create a masterpiece, you need to choose colors, strokes, and shapes that reflect your true essence—not what others expect of you. 

 

Living authentically means filling your canvas with what aligns with your values, passions, and purpose. It’s about embracing the brushstrokes that bring you joy and peace, while letting go of the distractions that don’t fit your vision.


Take Action: Focus on what makes you feel energized and fulfilled. Embrace the activities and connections that spark your creativity and flow, and make space for them in your life.

CLIENT success STORIES

I’ve seen the same shift in my clients. Take Jesus, for example—after struggling with both physical and mental stress, he found a new sense of balance and wellness through my personalized approach. Here’s what he had to say: 

“Working with Ben has been very beneficial to my health, both physically and mentally. He has great techniques that help you with your problems and the best part is that he hears YOU, and tailors his approach to your person and does not try to impose cookie cutter techniques.”

Could you be the next person to experience this shift in your health and wellness?

Imagine This Winter...

Close your eyes and picture this:

 

  • Waking up each day with energy and excitement.
  • Moving through the season with clarity and confidence, free from overwhelm.
  • Feeling physically vibrant, emotionally steady, and spiritually inspired.

 

This isn’t a dream—it’s the life you can have when you embrace holistic wellness.

Your Next Step: Join My Inflammation Fighter Program

Ready to leave the cycle of exhaustion behind and start thriving this winter? 

Let’s make this season one where you’re not just surviving, but truly living. Join my Inflammation Fighter Coaching Program today—spaces are limited, and I’d love to work with you!


Together, we’ll:

  • Boost your immune system naturally.
  • Break free from survival mode.
  • Create a life of clarity, joy, and balance.

 

Click the button below to learn more and take your first step toward thriving this winter and beyond.

final Thought

This holiday season doesn’t have to be about “just getting through.” You deserve to thrive this season—let’s make it happen together. I’m here to help you reclaim your vitality, so you can step into a life of holistic wellness. 

Let’s do this.

Health is a state of body.
Wellness is a state of being.