You’ve probably heard the term wellbeing, but do you know what it is and why it’s essential for life satisfaction? Read on to learn more about the importance of wellbeing in daily life.
What is wellbeing?
Wellbeing is a term that describes how well you feel about yourself and your life in general. Wellbeing is not just a feeling or emotion – nor is it the absence of disease. Instead, it’s the combination of feeling and being physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.
Experiencing wellbeing is linked to overall health, happiness and contentment in life.
Why is wellbeing important?
Wellbeing is important because it is related to life satisfaction. The more satisfied you are with your life, the more you will get out of each day. When you’re satisfied and content in life, you can help to positively influence others around you, too.
Happiness is one aspect of satisfaction, but it’s unrealistic to try and feel happy all the time. When you look after your wellbeing, though, you may be able to feel content most of the time. You may also have the resilience to overcome life’s challenges and negative experiences.
Factors that contribute to your wellbeing
The factors that contribute to your wellbeing are:
- Having healthy relationships with family and friends
- Maintaining good physical health
- Exercising regularly
- Sleeping enough (e.g. around 8 hours every night)
- Cutting out unhealthy habits
- Doing activities you love
- Doing work you find rewarding
- Maintaining a positive mindset
- Feeling confident and resilient
- Spending time with people who bring out the best in you
- Having a sense of purpose and meaning
- Building a strong community of support
- Appreciating every day.
These wellbeing factors are connected. When you exercise regularly, you will likely sleep better and feel better. When you have a strong community of support, you may have a sense of purpose and meaning.
Importantly, wellbeing is not being in a state of perfect health. While the absence of disease is one of many factors that can contribute to your wellbeing, people who have health conditions will still experience wellbeing.
Factors that negatively impact your wellbeing
Just as there are factors that contribute to your wellbeing, other factors can negatively impact your wellbeing, like:
- Feeling stressed – stress and anxiety impact your physical and emotional health, so it’s important to find ways to de-stress.
- Believing money equals happiness – being too focused on money can have a detrimental impact on other aspects of your life, like quality time with friends and family.
- Chasing ‘extrinsic’ (outward) goals – goals that require validation, like earning a lot of money or being famous, can increase feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Spending time with negative people – surrounding yourself with people who don’t bring out the best in you can make you feel unhappy and unsettled.
If you’re struggling to cope and want to speak to a counsellor, call CAREinMIND on 1300 096 269 or click the chat button. The service is free for people in north, western and central Melbourne and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The CAREinMIND blog is delivered by On the Line. The views in each post do not necessarily reflect those of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.