What is Well-Being?
Well-being is a balance between various dimensions of health: emotional, physical, and mental aspects.
Various definitions have emerged over time, but they all emphasize on the importance of overall well-being.
1. Mental Health
- While mental health involves the cognitive functioning and psychological resilience of an individual.
- It plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s capacity to engage with the world, solve problems, and enjoy life.
- Emotional well-being is individual’s ability to manage stress, maintain relationships, and cultivate a positive outlook on life.
2. Physical Health
- Physical health is the third pillar of well-being, ability to do daily tasks and enjoy life without any problems.
- It is achieved through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest.
3. Mental health & physical health
- Mental health and physical health are often co-related, they are depended on each other. Mental health patients do not pay attention to their physical health.
- Same way, physical health patients gradually start to feel overwhelmed.
- They often get emotional issues from that distress and even as a side effects of the treatment they are undergoing.
- Thus, patient of one health issue, often gets another health issue as a side effect.
4. Physical Health vs Emotional Health
- Physical and emotional health are deeply interconnected, if one deteriorates, it affect the other one.
- For example, patients with long term physical health issues, dealing with physical suffering and negativity may get mental health issues eventually.
- So individuals with poor physical conditions, can not move around much. It is very important to focus on long term patients’ emotional well-being.
Effects of Well-being
When people aren’t in their best health—physically, emotionally, or mentally—they often experience significant losses, both tangible and intangible. Here’s what they may lose:
1. Productivity and Opportunities
- Poor health limits energy levels and focus, leading to a drop in efficiency at work or daily tasks.
- Missed opportunities for career advancement, education, or personal projects because of time spent recovering or coping.
2. Quality of Life
- Enjoyment of life diminishes due to physical discomfort or mental stress.
- Missed moments with family, friends, and loved ones, which could have been sources of joy and connection.
3. Financial Stability
- Medical bills and treatment costs can strain financial resources, creating additional stress.
- Reduced earning potential when unable to work due to illness.
4. Emotional and Social Connections
- Relationships might be strained as poor health can affect mood and communication.
- Social isolation often results from reduced mobility or the inability to participate in activities.
5. Future Goals and Aspirations
- Long-term dreams and ambitions take a back seat to prioritizing recovery or managing chronic conditions.
- Delayed progress in personal growth and self-improvement.
Per National Center for Health Statistics, US workers who lost 6 or more work days due to sickness is increasing. In 2019, it was about 10%, that number reached to 16% in 2023!
Challenges in Focusing on Well-Being
Despite the growing awareness of well-being, various challenges keep individuals and societies from prioritizing it.
1. Lack of Motivation
- In today’s fast-paced society, many individuals find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities. They are unable to dedicate time to self-care and wellness activities.
- By the time they fulfil their daily obligations, they are done for the day! They do NOT have any motivation left over to add on well-being routine.
2. Lack of Time
- Due to time limitations, individuals are prioritizing their immediate obligations over long-term health goals. Hence compromising both physical and emotional well-being.
- Lack of motivation and lack of time kind of go hand in hand.
3. Societal Expectations
- There’s often pressure to meet societal norms of success, such as career achievements or social obligations, which can lead to neglecting personal health.
- Cultural ideals may also emphasize sacrifice for others, especially for women, leaving little space for self-care.
- Either do not have time, and so no motivation for any additional cooking, exercise or hobby there.
- Or they do not have any motivation, so they can not or do not allocate time for additional activity.
4. Lack of Awareness
- Many people underestimate the importance of preventive care or fail to recognize the connection between small daily habits and overall well-being.
- Mental health, in particular, is often overlooked due to stigma or lack of understanding.
5. Lack of Customized & Centralized resources
- We have too many resources online, individuals often encounter conflicting advice concerning diet, exercise, and mental health strategies.
- No single resource has complete well-being encyclopedia or personalized tips and routine – just the one you are looking for. So, it takes even more time to decide which one to follow!
6. Price Tag
- Most of well-being tools and services are at higher price tag, such as fitness classes, mental health therapies, or nutritious foods, essential for holistic well-being.
- Charges for those tools and services are making it difficult for certain individuals to access them. It may disrupt their budget.
7. Habitual Neglect
- People often delay prioritizing health, assuming they can deal with it “later,” until problems escalate.
- Unhealthy habits become ingrained, making change seem too daunting.
8. Emotional Barriers
- Feelings of guilt or shame, particularly about body image or past health choices, can prevent individuals from seeking help.
- Low self-esteem may lead to the belief that they’re unworthy of care and attention.
Practical Strategies for Improving Well-Being
By investing in preventive measures like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, mental wellness, and routine health check-ups, people can safeguard themselves against many of these losses.
Health truly is the foundation for a meaningful and fulfilling life.
1. One step at a time – to your well-being!
Do not start everything together.
Everyone is different, there is no ‘one size fit all’ for tips or methods. Chose a range of tips and methods that you think will work for you.
Try one of them, watch the result for few weeks. If it works for you, include it in your routine!
2. Preventive Care
Regular health check-ups and screenings can help identify potential health issues early, allowing for timely interventions.
Additionally, preventive care extends to mental health, where practices such as mindfulness and stress management techniques can significantly boost overall health.
3. Life Style changes
Regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, can significantly improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Setting aside time for exercise not only strengthens the body but also promotes mental clarity and emotional stability.
Furthermore, allocating time for relaxation and hobbies can foster a balanced lifestyle that is crucial for good health.
4. Diet – Nutrition
Nutrition is another vital aspect. Adopting a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support both physical health and mental well-being.
5. Ayurveda & well-being
Ayurveda explains different body types – called Dosha, also describes factors affecting, treating, aiding, and nourishing based on those body types.
According to Ayurvedic principles, consuming foods according to one’s dosha can lead to better digestion and increased vitality, contributing to emotional balance.
Continuous Support for Your Well-Being Journey
Embarking on a well-being journey is a process that requires ongoing motivation and support.
The shared experiences of others can also motivate individuals to remain committed to their health goals, as they witness the progress of peers who are on similar journeys.
Coming soon on Brioveda
Staying connected with others who share a common goal helps to achieve own goal.
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