Hello…
…and welcome back to my blog.
Wellbeing – this word is everywhere at the moment. Safe to say it’s inciting a trend, and my hope is that it is one to stay, but what does it mean?
While the Oxford Dictionary defines wellbeing as “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy”, there appears to be a wider and ongoing debate of an exact definition of wellbeing.
I think we can all agree that wellbeing is something we are all striving for.
I see wellbeing as more than simply striving for moment-to-moment happiness, but that which allows us to flourish and prosper. I also feel that it is subjective. While there may be core elements that will help us all to thrive, there will be subtle differences between each and every one of us with regards to how we promote our own wellbeing.
Every aspect of our lives not only influences our wellbeing but our wellbeing influences every aspect of our lives, including our:
- physical health
- emotional/mental health
- intimate relationships
- support networks
- sense of belonging
- sense of purpose/meaning
- work
- financial status
The above can be summed up under 8 major types of wellbeing:
Physical – be well and in good health, nourish the body with healthy habits.
Emotional – be resilient, aware of own thoughts and feelings, be comfortable with self.
Social – to be able to establish and maintain healthy and meaningful relationships by relating, interacting and communicating.
Spiritual – sense of life’s meaning and purpose, possibly including faith and/or religion.
Environmental/Societal – to be a member of the wider community, by living safely, comfortably and consciously.
Intellectual – use of our minds to learn and grow, problem solve or be creative by persuing interests.
Occupational – to be content in work which interests and provides us with purpose.
Financial – to live within our means, being able to manage finances both in the short and long term.
Sometimes however, when we aren’t feeling ourselves or experiencing low mood, anxiety, overwhelming thoughts or we feel that one or more of the above is not in sync, trying to improve our wellbeing can be difficult. We may not know what to do or how to do it, let alone have the motivation to do something about it, perhaps even something you used to enjoy and do easily feels daunting.
If you are feeling this way at the moment, why not start small, and try and give one, some or all of the below a try:
- Connect – with friends and family, send a text, invite someone out for a cup of coffee.
- Give – a gift, hug or smile to either yourself, a loved one or a stranger.
- Learn – a new skill from a new language, to knitting or perhaps all the lyrics to a new song you like.
- Move – take a short walk, ride your bike, or simply dance in your kitchen.
- Reflect – find a quiet bench in a peaceful setting and simply be in the moment.
You could also use my Nurture Your Wellbeing Worksheet to help consider ways to improve your life under the 8 major areas. To receive a copy of this please use my Contact Enquiry Form (https://kgrcounselling.com/contact/) and include WELLBEING in the comment section.
(Note: completing the contact enquiry form will not include you on an email distribution list).
So, in summary I see wellbeing as our experience of life satisfaction including a sense of purpose, feeling happy and healthy as well as being socially connected.
Why not start improving your wellbeing today!
Please like, comment, share and follow, and until next time:
be kind | embrace growth | nurture relationships
Kassandra
Kassandra Greaves-Ramal 