When you hear the word well-being what immediately comes to your mind? Peace of mind, living fine or comfortable right?
Aristotle interpreted the idea of Eudaimonia which is the Greek word of well-being/happiness, as humans flourishing and living well.
Oxford dictionary defines well-being as that state of being comfortable, healthy and happy.
Happiness and health are integral part of well-being. It is the foundation upon which health and overall happiness is built upon. Satisfaction in every area of your life is equal to well-being. It is holistic in that sense and subjective in that it is the way we see ourselves and how we feel about life in general.
According to an American study in mental health, one in four respondents was said to be depressed, one in five was said to be happy while others are somewhere in between.
Why is your well-being important?
● To overcome difficulties
● To achieve your goals
● To achieve physical well-being. Research shows that well-being reduces some health problems like stroke, heart attack, sleeping problem etc.
● To become productive at work and in your personal life
● To become the best version of yourself.
Now that you know the importance of well-being. How then can you increase your well-being to become healthy and ultimately happy.
How to increase your well being
In order to increase your well-being, there are certain things you must stop doing and things you need to inculcate into your lifestyle.
1.Eat healthy: This isn't something new to us. We have been told the importance of eating healthy balanced diet from childhood, but this is easier said than done. Even with this knowledge most people still find themselves eating more junk than healthy ones. Healthy food supplies our body with necessary nutrients it needs to function well. Ultimately making us healthy and happy.
2. Exercise regularly: Exercise doesn't only make you physically fit, but also mentally sharp. Try incorporating exercise into your routine for a week and see how active you become physical and mentally. You'll notice how fast your brain absorbs information than when you started exercising.
3. Sleep well: You may have heard the saying "You can't cheat nature” in case you doubted, this is so true. Researchers, scientists and experts have told us the importance of sleeping well. Ensure you sleep for 8 hours throughout the night. When you sleep well your brain is refreshed and you get to be active during the day accomplishing more.
4. Spiritual/religious belief: Be fervent in your spiritual life. Believe that God has you back and he watches over you. "If God be for us who can be against us"- Romans 8 vs 31. Knowing this gives you peace of mind. It comforts you, giving you overall happiness.
Aside from the above an American psychologist Martin Seligman gave the PERMA rule to increasing well being
1.Postive emotion: Having a positive outlook on life adds to your well-being. Therefore, focus on the good part, learn from the bad part and move on. When you think positively it gives you a sound mind and peace.
2. Engagement: Being productive helps you fly by the day. Knowing you're doing something you love or giving value floods your brain with Happy hormones and neurotransmitters, helping you enhance your intelligence, skill and emotional capabilities.
3. Relationship: Man is a social animal and depends on other human interaction to survive. Isolation can be detrimental to a person's physical and mental well-being, having positive relationships whether family, spousal, or friendship gives us immense joy.
4. Meaning: When you have a sense of direction and purpose it gives your life meaning and in turn adds to your well-being.
5. Accomplishments: Setting goals and achieving them makes you feel good about yourself, so set goals, draw out a plan to achieve them and follow through.
Conclusion
Wellbeing is important to live a fulfilled life, so go through the above things mentioned to achieve overall happiness, and whichever is lacking in your life add it to your lifestyle. Whatever is holding you back, delete it. I'm not saying it will be an easy journey, but if you truly desire overall happiness and peace, it would be worth it.
