Approach to a Happier You 

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. 

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