Well-being is a multidimensional concept; therefore, measurement should take this into account when creating an index of wellbeing. Utilizing factor scoring approaches can provide more insightful data than simple summations approaches like happiness or life satisfaction scores.
Enhancing wellbeing requires long-term effort. Just like with exercise and eating healthily, reaping its rewards may take time.
1. Get active
Regular moderate-intensity physical activity is proven to lower your risk of heart disease, help you achieve weight management, boost mood and manage stress/anxiety more effectively, while improving sleep quality and energy levels.
Find an activity you enjoy, such as walking or gardening, and set yourself a goal to incorporate regular physical activity. Do whatever works for you – even small amounts are better than nothing!
Implementing exercise as part of your everyday routine takes time, so make it part of your everyday schedule and make it fun. No need for gym membership – work out at home, in a park or other local locations using tools such as green gyms.
2. Take notice
Take notice is about being present and appreciating life’s good things in each moment, such as enjoying a cup of tea with friends or listening to them laugh. Also taking notice involves making conscious efforts to enjoy nature around us such as taking walks or feeling the sun’s warming rays on your skin.
This practice relates to an increasingly popular form of meditation known as Mindfulness. You can access numerous Mindfulness resources via the Library including free factsheets and guided recordings of mindfulness exercises like this one.
Calm is one such app designed to support wellbeing, offering relief for anxiety and stress. There are more wellbeing apps available through Read Well’s collection.
3. Talk to someone
There are countless people in our lives that can provide invaluable support, such as family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues. According to studies conducted, those with strong social connections tend to be happier and healthier, less likely to experience stress and twice as likely to live longer.
If you suspect someone needs support, start the conversation by selecting a time and place where both of you feel at ease. Encourage dialogue by using open-ended questions and actively listening – don’t compare their situation with yours or tell them of someone suffering worse – this can leave them feeling like their pain doesn’t matter as much to anyone. Offer to support their search for help as much as you can.
4. Be kind to yourself
Kind people to themselves don’t compare themselves with others or judge themselves for making mistakes, they choose instead to focus on making improvements and planning the ‘future you’.
Self-compassion means altering the inner voice, since an abusive one can have more of an adverse impact than any external source of stress. Pay attention to how you speak internally, challenge negative thoughts and observe your inner dialogue to reduce stress, boost productivity and promote wellbeing.
Being kind to yourself means taking good care of both your body and dreams by eating healthily, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly. Furthermore, giving real meaning and significance to each of your ambitions rather than trying too hard or compromising them can go a long way toward realising them.
5. Build your support network
Build and Maintaining a Support NetworkCreating and maintaining a support network can help us solve problems, take control of difficult situations, and avoid feelings of isolation. A support network may include family, friends and acquaintances; groups or organisations (like volunteering).
Create a supportive network in your community by finding people who share similar values or interests – whether at work, school or cultural groups. Joining support groups dedicated to mental health issues such as addiction or grief and loss may also prove helpful in creating this kind of supportive relationship. Be upfront and honest with those within your support network so they can respond accordingly.
