What is meant by wellbeing

Personal wellbeing refers to a person's overall sense of health, happiness, and satisfaction with life. It includes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and it can be influenced by different factors, such as relationships, daily activities, and how people manage stress. Wellbeing does not mean feeling happy all the time, but rather having a sense of balance, resilience, and the ability to cope with challenges.

Some key aspects of personal wellbeing include:

• Emotional wellbeing: Feeling able to express and manage emotions in a healthy way.
• Mental wellbeing: Having a clear and positive mindset, feeling able to solve problems and make decisions.
• Physical wellbeing: Taking care of the body through rest, nutrition, and movement.
• Social wellbeing: Feeling connected to others and having supportive relationships.
• Purpose and fulfilment: Engaging in activities that bring meaning and satisfaction.

Many people think that wellbeing is about having a balance in all these different areas.

Why it is helpful to have routines to manage wellbeing

Different things support wellbeing for different people, but some common factors can help maintain balance and a positive mindset. These include:

• Taking care of physical health: Eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and engaging in movement or exercise.
• Managing stress: Finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or engaging in enjoyable activities.
• Having supportive relationships: Spending time with friends, family, or others who provide encouragement and understanding.
• Engaging in hobbies and interests: Doing things that bring joy, such as reading, music, drawing, or spending time in nature.
• Setting realistic goals: Having a sense of progress and achievement, even in small ways, can improve motivation and confidence.
• Allowing time to rest and reflect: Taking breaks and having quiet moments to relax can prevent feeling overwhelmed.
• Practising gratitude: Focusing on positive aspects of life can help create a more optimistic mindset.

Building routines around these make them a habit to sustain wellbeing over the long-term.

How to create routines to support wellbeing 

Having routines can help build habits that support long-term wellbeing. A good routine should be simple, flexible, and fit around you and your life. Some ways to create helpful routines include:

• Start with small, achievable steps: For example, setting aside ten minutes a day for relaxation or going for a short walk. 
• Plan time for rest and enjoyment: Making space in the day for hobbies or relaxation can reduce stress.
• Set regular sleep patterns: Going to bed and waking up at similar times each day can improve energy and focus.
• Make time for connection: Scheduling time to talk to friends or family can strengthen relationships and emotional wellbeing.
• Use reminders and cues: Placing notes, setting alarms, or linking habits together (such as stretching after brushing teeth) can help build consistency.
• Reflect and adjust: Checking in on routines regularly and making changes as needed can keep them effective and enjoyable.

For example, if someone wants to improve their wellbeing by practising gratitude, they might add a simple routine of writing down three things they appreciate at the end of each day. Over time, this can help build a more positive outlook and sense of wellbeing.