Beginners Guide to improving your Wellbeing

The term wellbeing can be a complete midfield – it means something different to everyone and covers so much.

The dictionary defines wellbeing as; “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.” which, when you think about it, is a pretty huge thing.

There are so many different elements of wellbeing, and lots of different things we can do to enhance our wellbeing and feel good.

At the end of the day, the main focus of wellbeing is just that, to feel well and good in ourselves – whatever that means to you.

Everything you want to know about wellbeing

What are the pillars of Wellbeing?

The pillars of wellbeing is a structure created by Dr Bill Hettler. He said that there are 6 pillars to wellbeing; Physical, Emotional, Environmental, Social, Intellectual and Spiritual.

The pillars structure is a great example of how to go about adding more wellbeing to your life. As someone with a chronic illness, I often struggle with my physical wellness. However, I can focus on the other areas so I can still feel well and good.

Why is our wellbeing important?

Our wellbeing is important because it’s what makes us feel good. If you doing look after your wellbeing, you’re more likely to experience anxiety, depression and have physical health problems too.

That’s not to say you don’t experience them when you focus on your wellbeing, I know I do, but by focusing on your wellbeing, you can take more control over your health and how you feel and make the most of life!

What factors effect our physical wellness?

When you think of physical wellbeing, the automatic thought is how fit you are and whether you have any serious health conditions.

However, our physical wellbeing is much more that that. Yes, it encompasses how active you are and finding exercise which is right for you.

But your physical wellbeing also includes what you eat (and how you eat) and your quality of sleep.

How do I improve my wellbeing?

There are lots of ways to improve your wellbeing. The first place to start is to ask yourself how you are currently feeling and work out what makes you feel good, and what doesn’t.

Then you need to start creating wellness routines to help make you practice a habit. Finding ways to fulfil each pillar of wellbeing is key – which is why I created the Roadmap to Wellbeing course (Doors opening again January 2021). Simple things like improving your sleep can make a massive difference to your wellbeing.

I’ve also written an ebook which shares all my wellbeing knowledge, and has lots of activities for you as well.

The following blog posts are also good places to start;

How to make time for your wellbeing

10 wellbeing habits to add to your weekly routine

a guide to keeping calm

What are the benefits of improving your personal wellbeing?

The main benefit to improving your wellbeing is that you will feel GOOD.

Improving your wellness levels leads to;

• reduced anxiety and depression
• reduced blood pressure
• Increased happiness
• improved quality of life
• reduced stress

What is a wellness Strategy?

A wellbeing strategy is a plan to help you keep your wellness a priority.

We all have bad days, but having a strategy helps you have a plan in place to still feel good on those bad days.

If you’re wanting more help on this, make sure you’re signed up to the Chronically Living Collective newsletter so you’ll be the first to know when I’m launching my 1:1 coaching programmes.

What is emotional wellness?

Your emotional wellbeing is all about your mental health and how you feel about yourself.

A big focus of your emotional wellbeing is self-love and learning to be comfortable with you because you are amazing but often you forget it.

What is the difference between health and wellbeing?

Health and wellbeing are often intertwined but they are different things.

Health is defined as “the state of being free from illness or injury” whereas wellness is more of a lifestyle choice.

We have a lot more control over our wellbeing, which in turn can have a huge impact on our state of health.

How do you practice wellness?

Practicing wellness is all about looking at what makes you feel good and happy, and making sure you intentionally do these things.

Whether that’s journalling daily, going on a 20 mine walk, making sure you eat 3 nutritious meals a day, getting out of bed – it all adds to your overall wellness.

How does stress affect your wellbeing?

Stress can have a massive, negative impact on your health. It causes high blood pressure, increased anxiety and depression and can leave you vulnerable to many illnesses.

However, adding more wellness to your life daily can help combat stress and is key to reduce your stress levels and feel good.

What is spiritual wellness?

Spiritual wellness is accepting that there is a deeper meaning to life. It involves living more intentionally, finding purpose and having clarity on your values.

Finding spiritual wellness is incredibly grounding and can add a lot to your life.

If you’re wanting to delve deeper into spirituality and living more intentionally, I really recommend The Manifestation Collective and Vibe and Flow.

You will never regret being more intentional with your wellness and creating routines and habits which make you feel good.

If you have any wellbeing questions at all, please leave them in the comments below and I’ll answer them.

Some blog posts you might find useful;

• 25 stoma-friendly bikini’s | the best high waisted swimwear
• Postcards From | 001
• Explaining my Chronic Fatigue : The Phone Battery Theory
• Smear Tests explained : What to expect from your cervical screening with a chronic illness
• Guide of where to eat outside in Cumbria from April 12th