In our fast-paced world, the term ‘wellbeing’ has become a buzzword, particularly concerning mental health. Society is making commendable strides in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health discussions. The focus is shifting from merely addressing symptoms of illness to actively promoting a sense of overall wellness.
Wellbeing, often misconstrued as a stress-free and challenge-free existence, is far from reality for most of us. Contrary to a passive arrival, wellbeing is a dynamic concept that requires nurturing.
Wellbeing, is the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. It encompasses various elements, including emotional wellbeing, leading a satisfying life, resilience, self-esteem, vitality, and positive functioning. These factors collectively contribute to what is often termed subjective wellbeing—a self-assessment of our overall welfare.
Research related to people’s wellbeing considers both subjective wellbeing assessments, such as people’s feelings, and objective factors like employment status, social networks, housing, and family situations, often termed social determinants of wellbeing. While this article predominantly explores subjective wellbeing, it’s essential to acknowledge the impact of objective factors on our overall sense of wellbeing.
At its core, personal wellbeing revolves around health and happiness, with far-reaching benefits. A content and calm state positively influences our relationships, fostering improved connections with others. Conversely, stress and anger create barriers and strain, affecting interpersonal bonds. Low self-esteem can breed fear of failure, making us defensive and overly controlling. Stress diminishes our ability to regulate emotions, impacting our resilience and interpersonal skills.
Wellbeing, then, is not a rigid set of societal goals but a journey toward reaching our potential and becoming the best versions of ourselves without judgment. It’s about recognising successes, identifying sources of happiness, and living a contented life.
It’s crucial to emphasise that what brings meaning and purpose to one person’s life may vastly differ for another. This realisation underscores the importance of self-reliance in improving wellbeing rather than seeking external validation.
Research indicates that individuals experiencing high levels of wellbeing at work tend to be more creative, loyal, and productive, leading to increased customer satisfaction. This underscores the tangible benefits for employers in actively supporting staff wellbeing, extending beyond ethical considerations.
Five Ways to Wellbeing
An endorsed and validated approach to enhancing wellbeing is the Five Ways to Wellbeing. These five pillars offer actionable steps to improve your overall sense of wellness:
Be Active: Physical exercise, even in modest forms like walking or yoga, positively impacts mental health. Small, regular movements, like stretching during breaks, can contribute significantly.
Give: Generosity, especially during challenging times, can be transformative. Whether it’s a simple call to a lonely friend or engaging in regular volunteering, giving to others often shifts the focus from our own problems.
Keep Learning: Continuous learning, formal or informal, contributes to personal growth. Acquiring new skills not only enhances potential at work but also broadens perspectives, making individuals more interesting and interested.
Take Notice: Developing mindfulness, through practices like breathing exercises or journaling, cultivates an awareness of our emotions and surroundings. Regularly taking notice allows us to identify changes, potential stressors, and moments of gratitude.
Connect: Building and nurturing human connections, whether with friends, family, or social groups, positively impacts wellbeing. Regular calls, meet-ups, or even joining online communities contribute to a sense of connectedness.
Embarking on this comprehensive wellbeing journey need not be overwhelming. Success lies in taking small, manageable steps in one or more of these areas. Rather than imposing unrealistic goals, celebrate every achievement, regardless of its size. Kindness, both to yourself and others, is the key.
Remember, a few minutes dedicated to your wellbeing at the beginning or end of each day can be far more effective than attempting a radical redesign of your entire routine. Cultivating your wellbeing is a personal, ongoing process—an investment in your health and happiness.