The Dimensions of Personal Well-being
Personal Well-being refers to a subjective sense of feeling good about a range of things. People who measure high on Personal Well-being say they feel good about themselves, their life, those around them and the world in general.
Personal Well-being has to do with a positive perception of oneself, having a positive approach to life, a sense of being fulfilled and an experience that my life has meaning. It focuses on having peace of mind, being content and living authentically.
The notion of living in close contact with reality, making responsible choices and facing the truth is central to well-being.
Hope, enthusiasm, optimism and a greater sense of motivation are associated with Personal Well-being.
Even on the physical side it has been proven that Personal Well-being is associated with physical well-being. In other words, if one has a sense of Personal Well-being, one tends to be healthier and have increased energy levels.
It has been proven that persons with high Personal Well-being scores have stronger immune systems, live longer, recover quicker from surgery and visit physicians less often.
How do I improve my Personal Well-being
Personal well-being is the result of living effectively.
The sense of feeling good, being happy and having a sense of purpose and meaning comes as a by-product of healthy thinking, good choices and appropriate action.
The following ten aspects are seen to be the road to Personal Well-being. Some of these are covered extensively. (See [http://www.vivesa.co.za])
1. Hope and optimism
Hope is one of the most powerful forces within us – and maybe the most neglected aspect of human living. The building blocks of hope are:
Firstly, there is the belief in future possibilities.
Secondly, this is coupled with the belief in the pathway (the stepping stones) to actualise these possibilities.
Lastly, when the self-belief of “I am capable of walking this path” kicks in, one lives a life of hope. Creating and maintaining hope is an art to master for living optimistically.
2. Purpose, meaning and significant goals
People who have objectives that are important to them tend to be more energetic, more cheerful and healthier. They are less depressed, less anxious and have a more positive self-esteem. Striving for something significant – whether small or great – gives meaning to life. It provides the answer to the question, “why am I here and why am I doing what I do?” There are various levels of purpose, and the higher one ascends this ladder the more fulfilled one becomes.
3. Being active
Being active creates happiness – more that thinking does. When engaging in any activity people tend to relax and to enjoy life more. They feel more capable, worthier and have an increased sense of control over their lives. There are three types of activities that we focus on in order to enhance your sense of Personal Well-being:
Social interaction: This includes engaging in discussions with close friends and family, making contact with people at an emotional level, meeting new people and making new friends, doing things together.
Intellectual activity: This involves intellectual stimulation, gaining new knowledge and insight, being stretched to create new solutions or inventions, being challenged to adapt opinions and beliefs.
Physical activity: Any physical activity – regardless of the intensity – leads to an improved sense of Personal Well-being. People who are more active, physically speaking, tend to experience higher quality of life. Sports and exercise are a means to be happy, energetic and cheerful.
4. Play, humour, fun, laughter
Research has shown that we need to play, laugh more and have fun more often in order to be psychically and physically healthy. Cultivating the humorous side of one’s life and laughing more has a direct influence on how we feel about the world and ourselves. It reduces stress and strengthens the immune system.
5. Wisdom and realism
Wisdom encapsulates our beliefs about the world, life, ourselves, others and a higher meaning. It deals with a well-sorted and realistic understanding of the bigger picture of life. Wisdom enables one to reframe one’s life experiences in an empowering way.
Wisdom and realism go hand in hand. Negotiating reality from a point of wisdom enhances the effectiveness of living. As we have seen above, effective living leads to a sense of Personal Well-being. Wisdom is not only for the elderly. It is for everyone who lives life.
6. Being in the “Zone”
The “Zone” refers to the things you are good at, that you have a passion for and that you love doing. The more one can be involved in these activities, the greater sense of well-being you experience.
This Zone of Passion and Excellence is firstly to be discovered, secondly, to be cultivated. Lastly, when one can build one’s life around the Zone, a great sense of satisfaction and meaning kicks in that has the ability to enhance one’s sense of well-being substantially.
7. Meditation and relaxation
The age-old practice of meditation and relaxation is still valid as far as one’s sense of Personal Well-being is concerned. People who practise various forms of meditation and relaxation are happier, more content with themselves and the world, and experience a greater sense of inner peace.
8. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a liberating force, setting free the forgiver more than the forgiven. Blame, grudges and discontent are unfinished business eroding Personal Well-being. Forgiveness brings closure to this type of unfinished business and frees up mental energy which can be utilised more constructively.
9. Gratitude
Gratitude is a life attitude that places you in a positive frame of mind. It opens up your eyes and enables you to see how great life can be. Gratitude is a spiritual phenomenon that fosters peace of mind, contentment and a positive mindset.
10. Spirituality and ethical living
Extensive research indicates that people who believe in a higher spiritual Being tend to be happier and more fulfilled. They are more capable of adapting to suffering and of accepting the unchangeable negative aspects of life.
In addition, those who live according to moral principles tend to be happier than those who don’t. Pursuing a life of ethical living creates a by-product, i.e. happiness and fulfilment.
By Anonymous
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