How is wellbeing defined? Types of wellbeing, and easy ways to improve yours

Firstly, to understand wellbeing, we need to define wellbeing.

The idea of wellbeing has several forms and terms associated with it. Also referred to as well-being, wellness and quality of life, it relates to feeling content, comfortable, healthy and happy. It is also a state of mind. Wellbeing encompasses the way we feel and think, as well as what we have and do. It is our sense of purpose and meaning in life, our connection to others and our connection to something bigger than ourselves. There are many significant dimensions to overall wellbeing, and each one is not just a case of having wellbeing in that area or not. More often, each distinct area’s wellbeing is on a scale.

Wellbeing is an essential aspect of life that is often overlooked due to deadlines and stressors of everyday life or massively simplified to “eat well and exercise”. In actuality, it includes this and much more. Understanding the different dimensions of wellbeing is the first step to identifying ways to improve your own sense of wellbeing.

Types of wellbeing

Physical wellbeing

Physical wellbeing is defined as being in a state of good physical health and fitness. This means that your bodily systems are functioning correctly, and you have enough energy to get through the day. Taking care of your body can improve your overall sense of wellbeing and quality of life. Physical wellbeing also includes managing stress healthily. When you’re under pressure, your body releases hormones that can adversely affect your health. Finding ways to manage stress healthily can help reduce these risks.

Signs that you may need to focus on this:

• Lack of energy, fatigue
• Unhealthy weight gain or loss
• Physical symptoms of stress such as frequent headaches or stomach aches, frequent illness or infections, problems sleeping, difficulty concentrating
• Reliance on caffeine and other stimulants or alcohol and other depressants for daily function

How to improve yours:

• Eat a healthy diet full of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be active – get regular exercise
• Get enough quality sleep – “The Sleep Habits That Can Change Your Life”
• Manage your stress levels in a healthy way, such as through meditation, exercise or a hobby
• Limit substance use such as alcohol and cigarettes

Psychological & Emotional wellbeing

Many different factors contribute to psychological wellbeing. It is a state of mind where individuals are comfortable with themselves and their surroundings. This is generally related to self-acceptance, self-esteem and feelings of control over your life.

Emotional wellbeing relates to how you experience and handle your emotions daily. Many factors, such as genetics, social situations and lifestyle considerations, affect this. Learning to manage our emotions effectively and positively is vital to our wellbeing. For example, a negative thought process towards something can affect how we feel about ourselves and those around us. Learning how to manage emotions effectively can help us see the positive or “silver lining” in situations and adapt to those situations accordingly.

Signs that you may need to focus on this:

• Frequent negative self-talk
• Persistent negativity about yourself and your traits
• Feeling out of control of your life
• Large fluctuations in mood, or mood-swings
• Pessimism and negativity

How to improve yours:

• Self-love and self-care – “Practice efficient self-care”
• Working through issues with loved ones or a counsellor
• Mindfulness practice – “Mindful activities for adults”
• Try to stay positive – “Solving problems with a positive mindset”

Social wellbeing

Social wellbeing describes our relationships with others and our community. Supportive relationships are essential for maintaining social wellbeing, not just romantic ones but those with friends and family. Social wellbeing can be affected by lacking social support or feeling isolated. As social animals, humans evolved to desire connection to the group, which has developed into an essential need for wellbeing. 

Signs that you may need to focus on this:

• Feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Feelings of being the “odd one out”
• Continued avoidance of social situations

How to improve yours:

• Build connections with others and meet new people
• Value and nurture your existing positive connections
• Spend time with family and friends
• Join a club or group
• Express yourself, and talk to others about what is happening in your life

It’s important to note that while connections are vital, as outlined above, you should pick and choose those who bring happiness and value to your life. You do not need to nurture relationships with those negatively impacting your psychological or physical wellbeing.

Intellectual wellbeing

Intellectual wellbeing is about more than just being smart. It’s about having a positive outlook on learning and growing mentally. People with intellectual wellbeing are lifelong learners constantly seeking new knowledge and ways to improve their skills. For some people, this comes easily; it feels like a part of who they are. For others, however, this can feel like a struggle. If you are in the latter camp, don’t worry! Start small; a few minutes per day does it, and make sure you find a topic you are genuinely interested in, and it will come more naturally over time.

Signs that you may need to focus on this:

• Feelings of having stagnated
• A negative view of learning
• Little to no curiosity about the world

How to improve yours:

• Learn something new (try the TED YouTube Channel)
• Take a class or learn a new hobby
• Read books or articles on topics that interest you
• Start a new project at work or home
• Have deep conversations or debate different viewpoints with friends or family

Occupational wellbeing

Occupational wellbeing is a term used to describe how satisfied an individual is with their job or career. Many factors contribute to occupational wellbeing, such as job satisfaction, job security, and work-life balance. Not all of these factors are within our control, but we can focus on improving the factors that are. For example, one could choose to change jobs if they are not satisfied with their current situation or seek out new opportunities that better fit their skills and interests. The factors that contribute to occupational wellbeing also differ from person to person. To improve and enhance occupational wellbeing, you need to identify the factors that influence it for you specifically.

Signs that you may need to focus on this:

• Dread about going to work
• Boredom at work
• Consistent overwork or lack of time for life and leisure
• Valid fears of losing your position

How to improve yours:

• Find work in a field that you are good at, which suits your skills and interests
• Develop positive relationships with co-workers and managers
• Make a conscious and sustained effort to maintain a work-life balance
• Seek contracts or ongoing positions with job security

Financial wellbeing

Financial wellbeing is a state of being in which one controls their finances and can make choices that allow them to reach their financial goals. Several factors contribute to financial wellbeing, including income, expenses, debt, credit, and asset management. A person can have a reasonable income and still be at a high risk of being financially insecure if their expenses exceed their income. Likewise, a lower income can still result in financial security if costs are also lower. It’s important to note that many factors that impact financial wellbeing are out of our control and that some suggestions on this list may not work for everyone. However, focus on the things within your control to make the best of your situation.

Signs that you may need to focus on this:

• Excessive debt
• Worry and stress surrounding finances
• Dwindling savings accounts
• Excessive spending habits

How to improve yours:

• Increase income to a level that supports your goals – find a new position or negotiate a raise if needed
• Reduce expenses – cut back on unnecessary spending and buy cheaper versions of essentials
• Debt management – develop a plan to pay off debts, negotiate lower interest rates on debts
• Live within your means – avoid buying things on credit cards when possible, make expenses less than income
• Develop and stick to a saving plan – putting away just a small amount of money each week adds up

Spiritual wellbeing

Spiritual wellbeing is often described as a state of being in which one feels a sense of peace, purpose, and connection to something larger than oneself. Although it is sometimes used interchangeably with terms like happiness or life satisfaction, spiritual wellbeing is unique in that it emphasizes a sense of connection to something greater. Spiritual wellbeing is often associated with God or a higher power, but the term includes many other forms of spirituality and non-religious beliefs. The goal of spiritual wellbeing is to connect to something that gives life meaning and purpose.

Signs that you may need to focus on this:

• A lack of enthusiasm towards life
• A feeling of being lost or having no path
• Frequent pessimism and negativity

How to improve yours:

• Spend time in nature
• Connect with loved ones
• Give back to others – help out a neighbour, donate to a favourite charity, or mentor someone at work or in your personal life
• Work in a field with a direct social benefit, e.g. education, health care, social work etc.

Conclusion

As our lives become increasingly hectic, we must take a step back every so often and focus on our wellbeing. Understanding the different facets of wellbeing makes it far more likely that we can identify and rectify the areas lacking.

Fortunately, there are relatively easy ways to identify areas that need more focus and work on them to improve your overall wellbeing. So, if you feel that areas of your wellbeing need a boost, don’t wait! Start making changes today!

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