What have you been doing to feel happy? Check out five simple tips to ensure your well-being every day.
Well-being, according to the Houaiss dictionary, is the “state of complete satisfaction of the demands of the body and/or spirit; the feeling of security, comfort, tranquility; the material condition capable of enabling a pleasant existence.” The definition encompasses three key elements of the overall sense of well-being: the physical, spiritual, and economic aspects. But the truth is that the meaning of well-being is multidimensional and much broader than what the dictionary can capture.
As unique individuals with different characteristics and personalities, each of us has different priorities or goals when it comes to choosing practices that ensure our well-being. However, finding a balance between physical, emotional or psychological, social, spiritual, intellectual, and economic health can be the key to a fulfilling and happy life.
Discover the 5 ways to achieve well-being
In 2008, a British foundation aimed at promoting social, economic, and environmental justice published a report presenting the “Five ways to achieve well-being,” based on the work of global experts in neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, social sciences, and other fields of knowledge. The formula presented in the document is simple but can be a good starting point towards finding fulfillment:
1 – Connect
With family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. At home, at work, at school, or in the local community. Think of the people around you as the foundation of your life and invest time in building them. Developing connections will provide enrichment and support in your daily life.
2 – Be active
Take a walk or go for a run. Go for a stroll in the street. Ride a bicycle. Play soccer. Start a garden. Dance! Exercise makes you feel good.
The most important thing is to find a physical activity that you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and physical fitness.
3 – Observe
Be curious. Notice the beauty in the world. Comment on the unusual. Observe the change of seasons.
Enjoy the moment, whether you’re walking to work, having lunch, or talking with friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you’re feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you assess what is important in your life.
4 – Keep learning
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Enroll in a course. Take on a different responsibility at work.
Fix a bicycle. Learn to play an instrument or cook your favorite food. Set a challenge you want to achieve. Learning new things will make you more confident and happy.
5 – Give
Do something nice for a friend or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Offer your time. Join a volunteer work group.
Look around and within yourself. Seeing yourself and your happiness in connection with the general community can be incredibly rewarding and also helps to create bonds with other people.
What makes you happy?
In addition to these first five steps, you can, according to your interests, include activities or goals in your daily life to promote your own well-being. The central question is: what makes you happy? Explore all possibilities!
According to a study published in 2020, there are four essential dimensions of well-being (awareness, connection, perception, and purpose) that humans can cultivate through intentional mental training. Yes, that’s right: you can train your brain to be happy and potentially prevent the development of mental health complications like depression, stress, and anxiety. The techniques vary but include psychotherapy, meditation (or mindfulness), and healthy social interactions.
Additionally, try to immerse yourself in practices of self-discovery, reading, yoga, outdoor sports, family outings, trips, healthy eating, and even enjoying a glass of wine or beer with friends on weekends: everything is valid if done with purpose and balance. The important thing is to always stay connected to what brings you well-being: with your inner self, with those you love, and with the planet.
