This year when we countdown to 2023 and are ready to begin with a clean slate, let’s take a minute to address our overall wellbeing — a sustained feeling of harmony, energy, safety, and peace.
Resolutions like “lose ten pounds,” “learn a new language,” or “quit smoking” are perfectly reasonable goals, but they each only address a small part of our wellbeing. It’s not just our weight or our diet or our education that creates health and happiness. Try asking yourself a basic question: “What can I do to achieve more balance in my life?” Perhaps you are an avid exerciser, but you feel unfulfilled by your career. Or maybe you eat a well-balanced diet but feel lonely much of the time. Where in your life do you need to look to find wellbeing for yourself?
Wellbeing is a personal state that includes many aspects. Our relationships, for example, can affect us in larger ways that we might realize. Studies have shown that people with strong relationships live longer than those who stay isolated. But don’t let that statistic frighten you if you don’t have many friends—helping others out by volunteering or giving them comfort when they need it can also boost your life expectancy.
Having a sense of security contributes to wellbeing by lowering levels of anxiety and fear, which have negative impacts on health. Ensuring the safety of yourself and others is an important part of fostering wellbeing. You can nourish your own sense of security by practicing preventative habits—like wearing a seatbelt or helmet—or actively engaging in your own healthcare by talking to your provider about questions you have.
Knowing our purpose in life calls us to examine our gifts, passions, and values, as well as the way that we can serve the needs of the world. Our purpose is where we find meaning, and it can improve our physical health, lengthen our lives, and improve our relationships with others. For many people, finding purpose is an ongoing process throughout life, so do a check-in with yourself every once in a while. Ask: Do I feel fulfilled? Is what I do meaningful? Where do I feel a connection to something larger than myself?
Wellbeing is a dynamic process. Achieving wellbeing requires patience, self-compassion, and the willingness to try again. Take small steps along the way and trust that by nourishing yourself and those around you, a balance will emerge that’s just right for you.
