What is Wellbeing?

There is no short answer to what wellbeing means, the Oxford Dictionary defines it as:

Wellbeing [noun] – the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy.

However, what one individual feels is their perfect state of wellbeing may be completely different to another individual. Everybody has their own goals, ambitions and personalities, everybody is different.

As well as each individual being different, the different aspects of being comfortable, healthy and happy all have different facets to them that can be interpreted subjectively by an individual. The Oxford Dictionary mentions happiness however wellbeing as a concept is broader than this and has been debated sine the Third Century BC when Aristotle developed the concept of Eudaimonia, which is the contented state of feeling healthy, happy and prosperous. Even though happiness is linked to wellbeing it is multidimensional.

In order to have achieve an overall sense of wellbeing there are a number of key elements that an individual needs to balance. These include:

Physical – including lifestyle choices that can affect the functioning of our bodies. What we eat and how active we are will affect our physical wellbeing.

Emotional or psychological – This is our ability to cope with everyday life and reflect how we think and feel about our ourselves.

Social – This is the extent that we feel a sense of belonging and social inclusion. The way that we communicate with others, our relationships, values, beliefs, lifestyles and traditions are all important factors of social wellbeing.

Spiritual – This is the ability to experience and integrate meaning and purpose in life. It can be achieved through being connected to our inner self, to nature or even to a greater power.

Intellectual – It is important to gain and maintain intellectual wellness as it helps us to expand our knowledge and skills in order to live an enjoyable and successful life.

Economic – Economic wellness in the ability to meet our basic needs and feel a sense of security.

How can you improve overall wellbeing?

There is no set way to improve your overall wellbeing, it is not a quick fix and differs from person to person. However, here are some hints of where to start:

• Slow down often, and take regular breaks, outside in nature if you can, as often as you can.
• Separate work and home life and introduce a healthful balance. Develop a rest ethic.
• Step away from things you are unable to change or influence, and LET THEM GO.
• Remember that you deserve self-care, you need it, and you need to remember to practice it.
• Be active, stay hydrated, and avoid foods that do us harm.
• Keep your thoughts positive and kind, because you are always listening.
• Make sure you plan something enjoyable for yourself every day even if it is only for ten minutes.
• Always ask for help when you need it.
• Focus on small, meaningful goals to work towards. This will slowly but surely reignite your drive and enthusiasm.
• Count your blessings, there is always something positive to be grateful for, each and every day. You will be happier, more productive, and you will sleep more soundly.

At Moonrise not only do we ensure that our Service Users support needs are met but we also aim to ensure that their wellbeing in all areas is the best that it can be.

This week sees the fifth annual World Wellbeing Week, started in Jersey the annual event highlights the importance of wellbeing in all aspects of life. Follow the hashtag #worldwellbeingweek to see more inspiration and how others are ensuring their wellbeing.