I have developed a simple, pragmatic and clinically based model of wellbeing that is easy to use every day.
Introducing the Human Wellbeing Ecosystem.
It is made up of seven parts:
Social
Intellectual
Emotional
Financial
Occupational
Spiritual
Physical
The Human Wellbeing Ecosystem describes the elements of the individual which operate within a larger series of environments; such as corporate and natural environmental ecosystems; each working in an interconnected way with each other.
My clients, both corporate and individual, have found it a very useful framework for thinking about and implementing strategies which uplift wellbeing.
Consider how the following seven aspects are showing up in your life and what small changes can bring profound improvements in your self-nourishment and wellbeing. Then, watch the ripple effect.
Social Wellbeing – This element is all about connecting with others and our ability to develop and maintain positive relationships.
Intellectual Wellbeing – This element focuses on our thirst for knowledge and openness to explore new ideas and experiences that simulate mental activity. It is about learning and growing and applying that new-found knowledge creatively and rationally.
Emotional Wellbeing – This element is all about becoming aware of our thoughts and feelings and our commitment to understanding and accepting them. It focuses on using this awareness and understanding to develop coping mechanisms and resilience to better handle what life throws at us.
Financial Wellbeing – This element is all about our ability to earn a living, to support ourselves and our family. It focuses on income, assets, savings, debts and our ability to balance the books.
Occupational Wellbeing – This element focuses on the satisfaction and fulfilment we derive from our work. It is about determining and achieving our occupational interests and developing our occupational expertise. It is about fulfilling our desire to contribute and to have a positive impact on our colleagues, organisation and society as a whole.
Spiritual Wellbeing – This element recognises the connection between our mind, body and spirit and is about the search for purpose and meaning in our lives. It focuses on the development of sound ethics and values and involves the ability to establish peace and harmony in our lives by aligning our actions with our values.
Physical Wellbeing – This element is all about being healthy and having enough energy to get things done. It focuses on diet and exercise, and developing healthy lifestyle habits that help us take care of our bodies.
Wellbeing is a much broader concept than what many of us might have understood.
It involves the integration and balance of the many elements that make up the Human Wellbeing Ecosystem and has a focus on embracing self-responsibility.
A desire to change and grow, along with the acceptance of self-responsibility, personal choice, and an optimistic attitude really are the keys to attaining and maintaining optimal wellbeing.
As long as we nurture this commitment and desire, we can all make gains in our health, happiness and wellbeing, as well as foster a healthier, more balanced family, organisation, community and society and self.
Comments