Blog: Wellbeing - Strategies for Self-Care
Lisa Foster on the importance of self care
What is wellbeing?
Wellbeing could be defined as ‘being in a state of contentment and balance’ and includes the frame of our bodies, our minds, and our spirit. Each aspect dovetails to create a framework of support. There are many different models to show the framework of wellbeing and each relates to three core needs that human beings have for safety, satisfaction and connection.
Universal elements of wellbeing. Specific studies have shown five different elements that are important to people for their overall wellbeing and these are: -
Career wellbeing – You like what you do every day
Social and spiritual wellbeing – You have meaning in your life and healthy connections
Financial wellbeing – You have and manage your money well
Physical wellbeing – You have support and enough energy to get meaningful things done
Community wellbeing – You like where you live (and enjoy contributing to it)
These five factors are independent dimensions that interact together so the more resources you have in one area the more resilient you will be. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/237020/five-essential-elements.aspx
Another version of wellbeing which is based on activities of wellbeing is detailed in New Zealand where the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ are – Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give, and Take Notice. https://mentalhealth.org.nz/workplaces/working-well-guide-and-resources/enhancing-mental-wellbeing
Connect; As patient communities understand only too well connecting through meaningful relationships with family, friends and the community goes a long way to increasing your sense of belonging and strengthening personal wellbeing. Through sharing challenging experiences and holding space for people to share their stories it can offer release and connection leading to healing. It also means that during times of distress you do not feel alone and may have the connections or support you need to get through.
Be Active; Doing what you can with movement or activities and enjoying what you do can help move your mood into a more positive place. Discovering new physical activities that suits your level of mobility and fitness can be fun plus good for wellbeing.
Keep Learning; Stimulation for your mind offers feelings of satisfaction and creates expansion. This can lead to new connections and increased awareness of important areas of life.
Give; To offer your time, your words and your presence can be so powerful for others, and it is also beneficial for you. Feeling a sense of worth and meaning can come from helping other people when they need it the most.
Take Notice: Awareness of nature, of situations, of other people and ultimately yourself, means you are living in the present and walking in the moment. Many of us get lost in thinking about the past or worrying about the future and although this is a necessary part of planning and preventing problems it can mean we are not living in the moment. Pulling our awareness into our breathe, a flower, or a child’s conversation offers us a chance to be fully present. The spiritual element and higher connection provides further opportunity for awareness. There is healing in that space.
Resources: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/five-ways-to-wellbeing/five-ways-to-wellbeing-resources