Wellbeing not a destination but a journey
Wellbeing is defined as being ‘ happy, healthy and comfortable’. These are three simple words that on reflection can give powerful inspiration and direction to anyone wanting to improve their wellbeing. Like so many things in life, wellbeing is not a destination but a journey. It is an ongoing process that requires regular care and attention.
There is a unique formula for everyone. Physical health is a combination of the right amount and mix of sleep, relaxation, exercise, diet, hydration as well as proper breathing (which happens when the mind is balanced) and positive, resourceful thinking.
There is also mental and emotional health which again have their own general parameters but with a unique formula that will best suit you.
‘When we are mentally healthy, we can enjoy all the aspects of our life and relationships more. Good mental health allows us to get the most out of spending time with our families and friends, and it helps us through difficult times’. HSE
Emotional health comes when we focus our attention on what we want in life rather than emotionally engaging with we don’t like about ourselves, others and our lives. This does not mean we don’t strive to improve things – rather self-improvement is inherently part of your wellbeing. To be fully comfortable in yourself involves continuously working on yourself which we explore more later.
Mental health is also about thinking positively and resourcefully. Enthusiasm for life and motivation come when we are growing and involved in what we are doing.
Happiness comes when what you think, feel, say and do are all in alignment. Happiness comes when you feel part of something bigger than yourself. We feel happy when we help others. It also comes when you are in the zone which happens naturally when you are using your talents and engaged in doing things you love to do or spending time with people you love.
Be COMFORTABLE
To be comfortable in your own skin is a big very thing. Learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable is an important part of growth in life. It is easy to be comfortable in your comfort zone. To be comfortable in yourself means to fully accept yourself and your past and present choices. This requires regular reflection and effort.
Some years ago, I went to a very powerful talk with international Welsh rugby union referee, Nigel Owens during which he spoke of how the biggest challenge he has ever faced was to accept himself. The same is true for most of us. Life is a journey with many twists and turns. Sometimes it can be a bit like a game of snakes and ladders. Being comfortable in your own skin through the different twists and can be very demanding – particularly when life is busy, or when we face adversity.
If you are inspired to improve your wellbeing, I have 2 suggestions. Think of something that is stressing you or causing you a lot of discomfort and look at strengthening your ability to handle that – either through solving the problem or developing your competency in that area. For example, if you have to speak publicly as part of your work but often dread it, practice and you will improve and may even learn to enjoy it.
And do something to enhance your positive wellbeing – eat better, drink more water and or improve your relaxation or sleep. A one percent improvement in any area of your life on a daily basis leads to a 3800 % improvement over a year.
Calodagh McCumiskey designs and delivers bespoke wellbeing at work programmes to grow people and companies. She also offers regular meditation classes, personal development workshops and wellbeing consultations to help people thrive