We’re all striving for it in some way or another – our own perfect state of wellbeing. Whether that be getting enough exercise, finding a good work-life balance, or trying to eat better, we’ve all got our own methods of looking after ourselves and improving our state of mind. But what does science have to say about it?
For centuries, expert knowledge has been accumulating on the subject of wellness from different cultures around the world – but with modern science bringing us new research and studies daily on this ever-engaging topic – what are we now learning about the key ingredients for a healthier body and mind? Dive into this information below or by clicking here, and find out how you can start nurturing your overall wellbeing today.
What is Wellbeing?
Wellbeing is a broad term used to describe an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental wellness. It is not just the absence of illness or infirmity; it includes being able to thrive. Wellbeing involves having positive energy, feeling curious and engaged in your work, and playing an active role in your community. It means having resilience when faced with difficult situations, developing coping skills, having a sense of identity, and living a healthy lifestyle.
It includes:
- Having adequate resources such as food, income, housing, healthcare, and education
- Access to quality healthcare services
- The ability to participate in community life
- Feeling safe and secure in one’s environment
- Forming meaningful relationships with others
- Being free from discrimination
- Participating in activities that bring joy or satisfaction
- Feeling connected to something larger than oneself- be it a spiritual practice or a cause
- Having access to meaningful work and life purpose
The Wellness Revolution
We’re now in the midst of a wellbeing science revolution, as experts are coming together to combine evidence-based research with modern technology and new data collection methods. This is allowing us to gain deeper insights into our wellbeing than ever before – and giving us the opportunity to make informed decisions about our health that go beyond just diet and exercise.
From a wellbeing coach that can help you manage stress or reach your goals to wearable devices that track your heart rate, sleep patterns, and even hormone levels – we now have access to an abundance of resources for better understanding ourselves and improving our wellbeing.
By bringing together the latest wellbeing science with practical advice from wellness professionals, we can all strive towards achieving a healthier state of mind – through more informed decision-making and better lifestyles.
Shared Cultural Principles
Although wellbeing is a complex and multi-faceted concept, there are some core principles that remain consistent across cultures. Globally, a person’s wellbeing can be thought of in terms of physical, mental, social, emotional, environmental, and financial states.
Physical Wellbeing
Physical wellbeing is defined as the state of being healthy and free from illness or injury. This includes having access to quality healthcare, engaging in physical activity on a regular basis, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing relates to our cognitive state—how we think, feel, and behave. This can include our mental health, developing resilience when faced with difficulties, finding meaning in life, managing stress effectively, feeling connected to something larger than oneself, and maintaining positive relationships.
Social Wellbeing
Social wellbeing involves having meaningful connections with others and participating in community life. It includes being able to find purpose through work or hobbies, as well as having leisure time for family and friends. Additionally, it involves being free from discrimination and living in an environment that is supportive and inclusive.
Emotional Wellbeing
Emotional wellbeing includes managing our emotions, feeling a sense of security and safety, having self-esteem, expressing our feelings in healthy ways, using effective communication skills, and listening to our intuition. It also involves carving out time for self-care and reflection.
Environmental Wellbeing
Environmental wellbeing focuses on the connection between humans and the natural environment. It involves living in balance with nature, caring for the planet, and making sustainable choices. Additionally, it encompasses managing our home, work, and leisure environments in ways that are conducive to overall health.
Financial Wellbeing
Financial wellbeing is related to having material stability—having enough resources to meet one’s needs without having to worry about constantly surviving. This includes developing healthy resource management habits, creating a budget, understanding one’s financial rights and responsibilities, and learning how to be savvy when it comes to using your resources.
It is important to note that there are many factors outside of an individual’s control that can influence wellbeing, such as access to quality healthcare, economic stability, and social support systems. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunities and living conditions, and wellbeing disparities exist across cultures, genders, classes, races, and abilities. Nevertheless, it is possible to tap into a deeper understanding of a person’s wellbeing in order to live a more conscious life and develop compassion for oneself and others.
Engaging With a Wellbeing Coach
By working with a professional such as a wellbeing coach, individuals can gain insight into their own needs and create personalized plans for cultivating a life worth living. Wellbeing coaches are trained to assess people holistically, taking into account all of the different elements that can impact an individual’s wellbeing.
A wellbeing coach can help a person identify their deeper goals, create action plans for achieving these, and provide guidance on how to monitor progress along the way. Additionally, a wellbeing coach can offer validation and support as individuals navigate through life changes and difficult challenges. Ultimately, engaging with a wellbeing coach can be invaluable in providing the tools needed to prioritize wellbeing and reach one’s highest potential.
Who Can Benefit From Wellness Coaching?
A one-on-one session with a wellbeing coach can be beneficial for anyone looking to improve their quality of life. It can be especially helpful for those struggling with mental health challenges, chronic illness, traumatic events, or life transitions. Additionally, a wellbeing coach can provide support to individuals who want to make lifestyle changes but don’t exactly know where to start.
Ultimately, wellbeing coaches serve as guides in helping people create more conscious and meaningful lives. With the right guidance, it is possible to reach your wellness goals through deep self-reflection and meaningful action steps.
