What is Well-Being? This word is thrown around a lot in today’s culture, but what does it really mean. Well-Being refers to feeling good and living in a safe and healthy manner. It signifies wellness in all aspects of life such as physical, mental, financial, and social. Although it is important to ensure each of these tenants are maintained, it is common for overlap and intersection between these areas of life whether it is positive or negative. To know what to do to support yourself, it is necessary to be educated on what these aspects include.
Physical wellness signifies prioritizing your health such as leading an active lifestyle and avoiding preventable diseases. Some actions you can focus on daily are:
- Exercise enough for physical health, stress management, and mental health
- Eat a well-balanced intake to fuel your body properly
- Prioritize sleep; aim for at least 7 hours every night
- Obtain preventive care services (Women’s Health) (Men’s Health)
Mental wellness defines achieving a state in which you realize your full potential, work productively, healthily cope with the stresses of life and contribute meaningfully to your community. It does include treating mental illness, but also it goes beyond that. You can:
- Plan and prioritize your important responsibilities for time and stress management
- Take breaks from work to re-energize your mind
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise enough
Financial wellness is the practice of saving and budgeting to become financially secure. This aspect is one of the biggest stressors that can poorly affect one’s work performance and other concepts of well-being. By planning and knowing how to save, you can prepare for the unexpected moments in life. Some tips from the IRS are:
- Utilize an IRA or other saving mechanisms
- Understand the options available to you
- Know the difference between Roth and traditional IRAs; pick the best for your situation
- Set aside money in other accounts so you can access prior to retirement
- Speak with a financial advisor for your current financial situation
Social wellness refers to the relationships we have and how we interact with others. It is commonly forgotten due to the notion of unfamiliarity. Social wellness involves building healthy and supportive relationships as well as fostering genuine connections. You can improve socially in other ways as well:
- Volunteer in community
- Plan social outings at least once a week
- Join a club/sports team
- Find a hobby that you enjoy
- Spend time with your family/friends
Even though focusing on social wellness is one of the main topics for July, managing all these pillars can affect your quality of life, health, and happiness, so please take care of yourself!
