Wellbeing is not about the absence of illness or always feeling happy and upbeat. It’s normal to have ups and downs. In fact, you can feel healthy, strong, and positive while also having a diagnosed physical or mental illness.
Your wellbeing is influenced by many things, such as:
• Your connection to Country, culture, religion or spirituality, upbringing, and life experiences
• What’s happening in your family, community, school, or workplace
• Your financial situation
• Your relationships and sense of belonging
• Societal attitudes
• Getting enough exercise, sleep, and nutrition
• Spending time with friends, and
• Taking time to enjoy yourself.
There are many things in your life competing for attention, so looking after yourself can be hard to prioritise. The key is finding the right balance to help you thrive.
Tips For Maintaining Your Wellbeing: There are simple things you can do to get started and stay on top of your wellbeing.
Be Active: Physical activity doesn’t have to be exercise. It could be anything you do in your day-to-day life – such as running errands or doing housework. If you have physical limitations or a condition that makes physical activity harmful, or difficult, talk to your doctor to find out what kind of physical activity is right for you.
Get Enough Sleep And Rest: Your sleeping patterns can affect how well you feel throughout the day. There are lots of things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep, from changing the amount of light in your room to keeping a sleep diary.
Eat Well: Eating well helps to fuel your brain and manage your emotions. It reduces the risk of physical health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. It also helps to improve your mental health, sleeping patterns, energy levels, general health, and wellbeing.
“By prioritizing our health and well-being, we can live our lives to the fullest and be the best versions of ourselves. It may take effort and dedication, but the benefits are well worth it. So let’s take steps to improve our health and well-being today.”
Connect With Others, Land And Country, Culture, And Spirituality: We all need a sense of connection. People who develop positive and meaningful connections are happier and healthier. They could do this by spending time with friends, kin, and community, joining a sports team, connecting with Country, going to a place of worship, or offering to help someone. Staying connected can build a safety net for your physical health and overall wellbeing and help to keep you healthy.
Take Time Out To Do Things You Enjoy: Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. It is a great way to unwind from your daily routine – whether it’s learning a new skill, doing something outdoors, reading, or doing something musical or artistic.
Get Involved: Being part of a community can have a positive effect on your mental health, or social and emotional wellbeing. Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and connectedness. It can also offer extra meaning and purpose to everyday life.
Manage Your Sense Of Security: Feeling safe and secure is important for positive wellbeing. Many factors can influence your sense of security at home, in your community, and in your workplace. This includes financial stability, having a safe place to live, job security, supportive friends, and warm relationships in your family and community
Reach Out For Help When You Need It: We all need support from time to time. Connecting with family members, friends, healthcare professionals, or peer support when you’re having a tough time can make a big difference. Therefore, by prioritizing our health and well-being, we can live our lives to the fullest and be the best versions of ourselves. It may take effort and dedication, but the benefits are well worth it. So let’s take steps to improve our health and well-being today.
(Author is Professor, Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing At Desh Bhagat University, Punjab. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
