Health & Wellbeing: What it means, why it’s crucial, and how you can start enhancing yours

When you hear or read the word “wellbeing”, what exactly do you picture? If you, like many people, instantly think of wellbeing as a lifestyle that’s out of reach for you – too expensive, too time-consuming, too exclusive – then you might need to think again.

In this blog, we’ll shed light on the true meaning of this term, explain why you should look after your wellbeing, and offer tips on how to start doing so right now. Let’s jump in!

What is “wellbeing”, really?

Today, you probably come across “well-being” in a variety of ways. From articles on your favourite newspaper to posts on social media, from conversations with your colleagues to TV programmes, “wellbeing” has become somewhat of a buzzword.

However, when implemented correctly and with the support of trained and qualified professionals, wellbeing can become an integral, indispensable part of our lives. So, what do we mean by “wellbeing”, then?

A recent study has described wellbeing as “a state of positive feelings and meeting full potential in the world.” Wellbeing has a holistic nature, which means it’s not limited to feeling well physically but it also includes the mental, emotional, and social spheres.

The benefits of prioritising wellbeing in your life

So, what might happen if you choose to prioritise your wellbeing?

It enhances your overall quality of life

If you take active steps to improve your physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, your overall quality of life improves. This can be particularly important if you’re currently living through a difficult time, such as if you’ve recently lost a loved one, have been diagnosed with an illness, or are having problems at work.

It makes you more resilient

Becoming familiar with the wellbeing tools and resources you need to improve your wellbeing helps you grow into a more resilient individual. This happens because you know that, whatever challenge life may throw at you, you have a set of tried-and-tested wellbeing practices to turn to that help you bounce back from any event in the best possible way.

It helps you connect with what truly matters

When you’re wrapped up in the busyness of daily life, with its endless demands, challenges, and speedy pace, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what’s really important. By making your wellbeing a priority, you allow yourself to carve out the time and space to focus your body and mind on the things that matter most to you.

Actionable tips on enhancing your wellbeing

Now, let’s take a look at some things you can do to actively – and easily – boost your wellbeing across the different areas of your life.

Practice meditation and mindfulness

One of the first additions to your well-being should definitely be the practice of meditation and mindfulness. These ancient techniques have proven scientific benefits that go beyond those of calming the mind by enhancing feelings of relaxation and peacefulness.

Did you know, for example, that regular meditation can help manage symptoms of physical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and tension headaches? As little as 10-15 minutes a day could truly make a big, positive difference to your wellbeing.

Take up journalling

Journalling might feel like a fairly intimidating activity to add to your wellbeing toolkit, but fear not: you don’t need to be a pro at writing to get into journalling – and reap the benefits of this activity.

Several studies, in fact, have shown that getting into the habit of putting pen to paper every day, even for just a few minutes and to jot down some thoughts and feelings, can be extremely helpful in processing the day’s events, enhancing creativity, and even overcoming trauma and facilitating healing.

Create a wellbeing routine

Experts have, time and again, highlighted how important a bedtime routine is to achieve good sleep – but what if you could create a wellbeing one, too, for more holistic purposes?

One of the best things about a wellbeing routine is that it’s entirely up to you what to include in it and what to leave out. For example, if you feel like daily movement is paramount to you, whereas you prefer to journal only at the weekend, then go for it.

Remember: wellbeing does NOT follow a one-size-fits-all approach but should be made as personal and unique as possible to be truly effective.  

Connect with nature

It’s no surprise that spending time outdoors has incredible benefits for our overall wellbeing. Study after study has demonstrated this, and your personal experience has probably confirmed it, too. Do you remember when you had that extremely upsetting meeting in the office a few months ago, and decided to take yourself for a peaceful walk to your local park on your lunch break?

The very fact of finding yourself in such a calm, soothing, and slow-paced environment was like a tonic for your soul. You got back to your desk more focused, refreshed, and motivated, and the rest of the day went by much more smoothly. This shows just how powerful nature can be!

Seek help and support from others

Another important tool to add to your wellbeing toolkit is, of course, the support of other people. These could be your close friends and family, but might also include professionals, educators, coaches, and organisations.

At the Beyond Boundaries Foundation, we strive to empower people from all walks of life with the resources they need to make actionable changes that dramatically improve their overall wellbeing.

Make wellbeing a part of your life

There’s no way around it: putting wellbeing at the heart of your life can help you achieve terrific results. It can allow you to become a stronger, more positive, and more resilient person, regardless of your circumstances.

The best thing? Embracing well-being is much simpler and more affordable than you may think. At Beyond Boundaries, we’re here to help you achieve your best possible life through personalised and accessible wellbeing tools.