Wellbeing: Meaning, Importance, and Implementation

Health and wellness have become a buzzword in boardrooms and beyond. Millennials are beginning to realize that being overworked isn’t a badge of honor. Instead, it pushes us into a spiral of frustration, procrastination, tiredness, and despair.

A Workplace Burnout Survey by Deloitte US reported that “84% of workers have experienced burnout” at their present job. After learning these eye-opening statistics, many companies began work-life balance workshops and offered health benefits.

It’s an excellent initiative to promote employee satisfaction. Yet, these privileges won’t work until you understand wellbeing meaning and truly live by it.

So what is wellbeing and how can you implement it?

One can define wellness as living your best life. You need to adopt a healthy routine that caters to your emotional and physical needs.  Being socially active and developing a growth mindset also lead to positive outcomes.

This article explores the concept further through theoretical explanation and actionable advice.

Wellbeing Meaning & Misconception: What Is Wellbeing?

Psychology Today says it’s “the experience of health, happiness, and prosperity.” It influences how you think, feel, act and react during different situations.  One must maintain a healthy work and play balance to reach satisfactory outcomes.

Despite having a straightforward meaning, many people don’t follow through with it.

Capitalization and digitization distort the multifaceted concept of wellbeing for our generation. We pick and choose aspects that fit our goals while neglecting others.

For instance, your definition of wellbeing focuses on wealth and prosperity. It motivates you to say ‘yes' to every opportunity and work late. You begin skipping meals and spend your nights planning work-related activities the next day.

Your drive might give you a purpose, but it comes with a heavy price. It takes away your energy, physical strength, and interest in recreational activities. Your burnout creeps in when you least expect it.

In contrast, people who consider fitness the sole sign of being well are equally misdirected. They fail to look after mental and emotional wellness. These things catch on and affect physical health.

CNN Health reports that chronic diseases are more likely to develop in people dealing with depression and anxiety. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart issues are some health concerns triggered by unbalanced routines.

Luckily, people that truly understand the definition of wellbeing focus on uplifting holistic health. 

The Importance: What Are Benefits of Wellbeing?

Medical experts associate your wellbeing with healthier habits and a happier lifestyle.  High levels of wellness lead to increased longevity and a healthy immune support system that reduces risks (i.e. injury, illness, disease).  You also feel emotionally secure and less vulnerable to everyday stressors when you feel well.

You become more productive and proactive when you’re feeling good. It opens the way for several financial and career-centric opportunities for ambitious people. In other words, you begin to live your best life instead of thinking about it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the environmental aspects of wellbeing. A good income fosters work satisfaction and promotes direct access to medical, education, and resources. Consequently, it gives you a better chance at navigating life challenges.

These factors result in:

●     A positive mood and attitude about life

●     Healthy cognitive growth

●     Physical fitness and stamina

●     A feeling of comfort and relaxation

●     Better productivity levels

●     A healthier immune system and reduced risk of illness

These factors collectively improve your longevity. It lets you stay fit and active when you reach your golden years.

The Trifecta: What Are the Main Areas of Wellbeing?

Every textbook definition of wellbeing highlights the importance of harmonizing body, soul, and mind.  It’s the equal balance of your physical, emotional, social, and mental health. You can reach optimum levels of wellness when you tailor your schedule around these needs.

Our always-on lifestyle doesn’t give much room for this holistic approach.

It doesn’t matter whether you work remotely, or go to the office. Nor does it matter if you are studying or responsible for housework.  Everyone feels bone-tired by the time the weekend arrives. 

Then it’s back to the grind on Mondays.

What you do during your free time can create ripple effects on your performance in the coming week. If you spend those days scrolling screens, you condition your body to stay inactive. On the other hand, your brain becomes overstimulated and can’t process excess information.

The sedentary lifestyle makes us mentally numb and physically lethargic. We also use social media to fill the void created by a lack of interpersonal relationships. The distance steals away our emotional support system.

As a result, we become hyper-fixated on hacking happy hormones (dopamine and serotonin) through the internet. The benefits of wellbeing decrease as the vicious cycle continues.

You can break free by planning a routine that incorporates the four primary aspects of wellness.

We discuss how to achieve this goal below:

Mental Wellbeing: How to Stay Mentally Fit?

You can achieve mental wellness by dedicating a few minutes daily to meditation. It promotes clarity, focus, and relaxation. Additionally, make time for fun recreational activities and purposeful plans to stimulate your mind.

Here are some suggestions:

●     Meditate for a few minutes.  (5-15 minutes)

Start your mornings and end your days with meditation. Relaxing breathing exercises will allow you to become mindful. It’s a stress-busting activity that leaves you feeling free and worry-free. 

●     Take time for recreational activities. (30 minutes to an hour)

Paint, bake, play an instrument, dance to your favorite tunes, or read a book. Escape into another world by indulging in joyful activities.

●     Spend quality time with family, friends, and community. (1-2 hours a day)

Drop your digital device and connect with people in the real world. Hugs, physical touch, and stimulating conversations are great mood boosters. They support emotional wellness too.

●     Learn a new skill. (1-2 hours)

Feeling bored and unproductive? You can switch things up by learning a new skill. Work on professional and personal development goals that fulfill a purpose. It allows you to shake off the feeling of wasting your time and promotes mental wellness.

These schedules are flexible. The importance of wellbeing practices like these is to indulge in self-care and mindful tasks. These activities allow you to recharge by taking a break from your exhausting routine.

Emotional Wellbeing: How to Improve Emotional Wellness?

Emotionally healthy people can control disruptive thoughts, negative feelings, and toxic behaviors. You can do this through pep talks, journaling, and plans. Also, become self-aware of triggers, stressors, and anxiety-ridden feelings. Then counter them.

Our feelings play a pivotal role in how we cope with adversities. You might say something you regret when you’re angry or sad. Likewise, negative self-talk can prevent you from rising to your true potential.

Build resilience and confidence by becoming more self-aware of your feelings.

Here are a few things you can do:

●     Don’t bottle up your feelings.

Write a journal to become self-aware of your thoughts or vent with a loved one.

●     Forgive yourself. 

Our self-critical attitude can make way for toxic habits. Let go of past mistakes. Instead, think of them as lessons that help you grow wiser.

●     Practice self-love.

Maintain a gratitude journal, treat yourself to a spa day and celebrate small victories. These things will improve your overall self-image and boost your confidence.

●     Reach out.

Build healthy relationships through open dialogue. Your loved ones will support you and help you overcome setbacks when you ask for help.

●     Maintain healthy boundaries.

Avoid people-pleasing and say “no” to people and tasks that add to your stress.

Lastly, you should seek professional support if you’re feeling overwhelmed and depressed. Licensed therapists can teach you techniques and coping mechanisms that help you feel better.

Physical Wellbeing: How to Stay Active?

Regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and a good night’s sleep promote physical wellness.  You don’t have to join a gym to do these things. Set a small goal and repeat the task every day to form good habits.

Spending prolonged hours in one position can make you inactive. Your stamina starts declining and you consider taking the stairs equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest. A sedentary lifestyle increases many health concerns amongst teens and adults.

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists it as one of the top ten global causes of death and disability. Most people think exercising and movement can help you beat the odds. The benefits of wellbeing will be incomplete if you don’t eat well, sleep or take care of personal hygiene.

Maintaining physical wellbeing means:

●     Eating clean, unprocessed food.

Homemade meals with fresh ingredients are a surefire way to maintain digestive health. Slip in fruits, veggies, and healthy snacks to enjoy a well-balanced diet.

●     Sleeping Well (7-8 hours)

Switch off digital devices an hour before, eat dinner, and meditate. These things will help you sleep peacefully.

●     Moving your body.

Don’t have time to join the gym? Do a few stretches in the morning and walk in the evening. Taking stairs and dancing around in your house are a few other ways to stay active.

If you struggle to keep up with a desirable fitness plan, join cooking clubs and yoga classes. Working on shared goals with peers can motivate you to stay physically fit and healthy.

The Art of Living a Healthy and Happy Life

The benefits of wellbeing can be unlocked by anyone who pays attention to physical, emotional, and mental health. Adopt habits that promote a good work-life balance to reach these goals.

Wellness can counter burnout, emotional outbursts, and mental blocks. The key lies in fulfilling your needs holistically instead of directing your attention towards one goal.

Each area of wellbeing fits together like a piece of a puzzle. It takes time and commitment to complete the picture. Unwinding mindfully and healthy habits eventually leads you toward a positive and purposeful lifestyle.

Remember that you won’t observe a change overnight. However, if you can start practicing today, you can shape a better future. 

Good luck!