“It is not living itself that one should hold in the highest regard, but living well.”
Since ancient times, well-being has been a central theme for human beings. In the last thirty years, the study of quality of life has received increasing attention from medicine, psychology, and sociology. Among its indicators are: physical health, living and working conditions, the perception of psychological well-being, and the fulfillment of one’s aspirations.
The WHO – World Health Organization defines: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Well-being, therefore, is a “complex” concept that requires the integration of several elements:
- PHYSICAL WELL-BEING: what allows the body to stay healthy (exercise, sports, nutrition, supplements, treatments, and specific care).
- MENTAL WELL-BEING: what supports the mental and emotional sphere (emotions, beliefs, feelings, thoughts, ideas, ideals, etc.).
- SOCIAL WELL-BEING: what connects oneself with the external environment (work, relationships, role within a community/organization, etc.).
To develop a good level of well-being, one should dedicate time to each of these areas. However, sometimes we fail to fully consider them, focus only on some, or do so for a short period of time, running the risk of having an “idea” of well-being rather than actually feeling in a state of well-being.
But how do these three elements take shape in practice?
Through “lifestyle,” which is the set of behaviors and habits adopted in daily life.
The healthier and more balanced the lifestyle, the more well-being is achieved (and perceived).
What Is Meant by a Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle?
A “healthy and balanced” lifestyle involves regularly engaging in actions that positively impact our health: exercising, avoiding harmful substances (alcohol, smoking, etc.), having medical checkups from time to time, taking care of nutrition and rest, and dedicating time to personal interests and loved ones.
The key is to find a balance between these activities and daily commitments/duties and make it a constant practice.
How to Maintain “Healthy Habits” Over Time?
Through the choices and actions we make every day. One of the first steps is to set goals, followed by concrete actions. If long-term well-being is the goal, going to the gym for just a few months won’t be enough; consistent training will be necessary to reap long-term benefits.
And How Does Coaching Fit into Lifestyle in Relation to Well-Being?
Mental coaching, as a method of personal growth, positively influences quality of life. Through strategies and practice, individuals make their mindset more effective, which in turn leads them to make effective decisions. Dedicating time to coaching (just like dedicating time to a sport or hobby) brings benefits at the psychological, mental, and emotional level, which directly reflect on overall well-being (as well as physical and social well-being).
Including coaching sessions in one’s personal journey adds and automates new thought patterns and perspectives in the mind, significantly increasing self-awareness, as well as the sense of self-efficacy and personal fulfillment.
A Final Reflection on Well-Being
Let’s broaden the focus and contextualize well-being in today’s global situation.
It is clear that today’s world demands more and more from human beings: more effort, more speed, more creativity, more decision-making ability, more flexibility, more competitiveness, more excellence (and this applies to every field, from business to sports to research). In fact, those who are “more prepared” have a greater chance of success. Being “prepared,” capable, and competitive depends not only on one’s skills, specific abilities, and experience but also on how ready one is at the psycho-physical level!
With today’s pace, if attention is not given to well-being, sooner or later one risks being crushed by stress and/or other disorders (burnout, exhaustion, and, in the worst cases, illness).
Here are some tips to immediately improve your well-being:
- Pause for 15 minutes and reflect: is there something you could do differently to improve your lifestyle, starting with daily habits?
- Make a list of these actions, starting with small things (e.g., “go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night”; “take the stairs at work instead of the elevator”; “drink 2 liters of water a day”; “sign up for the gym/pool”; etc.).
- Define your goals (in terms of priority) and connect them to the actions needed to achieve them.
- Start with the first action on the list (*The more actions we manage to practice, integrating them with each other, the more we will be working on our well-being).
- Rely on experienced professionals (nutritionists, trainers, mental coaches, physiotherapists, doctors, etc.) to avoid leaving things to chance or to “DIY,” to gain more confidence, keep the situation under control, and receive professional support, which is essential to achieve results.
In conclusion, the “winning key” to feeling well is in our hands. Starting with awareness and willingness, it is up to us to use it! Let’s give Well-Being the value it deserves and start considering it a daily practice, built step by step in a continuous journey, just like life itself!
Presso il Polispecialistico Paradiso adottiamo un approccio al benessere a 360°, proponendo ai nostri pazienti percorsi multidisciplinari in grado di supportare esigenze fisiche e psicologiche, per raggiungere il miglior stato di salute possibile. Sei pront* a fare il prossimo passo?
