Wellbeing
Nurturing your wellbeing
There are times in life when speaking with a psychologist is necessary, important and hopefully helpful. These sessions are unlikely however to be a one-stop shop for all your difficulties. There are many things that you might be doing to nurture your wellbeing outside of sessions. You may already be doing many of these, but if not, really paying attention to these aspects of your life will only enhance any psychological benefits you'll get from therapy.
You might consider these aspects of life as fundamental human needs. Across cultures and over time, as human beings these things have been, and continue to be, really important for our wellbeing. There is no one definitive list - rather a number of different lists which overlap, a couple of which I include below. I haven't expanded on the items because ultimately I think they are self-explanatory. But my plea to you would be, if you are considering psychological therapy, alongside this also pay attention to these lists and ask yourself, are any of these areas neglected or depleted in my life? If so, what impact might this be having on my wellbeing?
1. Connect.
1. Being in, or as close as possible to, nature in some way.
You might consider these aspects of life as fundamental human needs. Across cultures and over time, as human beings these things have been, and continue to be, really important for our wellbeing. There is no one definitive list - rather a number of different lists which overlap, a couple of which I include below. I haven't expanded on the items because ultimately I think they are self-explanatory. But my plea to you would be, if you are considering psychological therapy, alongside this also pay attention to these lists and ask yourself, are any of these areas neglected or depleted in my life? If so, what impact might this be having on my wellbeing?
Based on research recommendations, the UK National Health Service (2016) compiled a '5 a day' for good mental health and wellbeing. These are:
1. Connect.
2. Be active.
3. Keep learning.
4. Give to others.
5. Be mindful.
Another similar list complied from research done by psychologist Kelly Wilson (2013) cites what he describes as 'baked-in human needs':
1. Minimise exposure to toxins.
2. Eat real food.
3. Move your body.
4. Get adequate opportunity for rest and sleep.
5. Engage in meaningful activity.
6. Be mindful.
7. Engage with your social network.
I agree wholeheartedly with both of these lists. Based on both personal and professional experience, I would add a few other areas that haven't been covered by these lists and yet I feel are worth mentioning:
1. Being in, or as close as possible to, nature in some way.
2. Daylight in the day, darkness at night.
3. Creative expression - whether through artistic means, cooking, singing, flower arranging or minecraft.
4. Mindful and intentional use of social media and the internet.
5. Bring in sync with the seasons.
6. Playfulness and fun - sometimes doing something for the sheer sake of it.
7. Using your hands - whether to knit, do a Rubik's cube, woodwork, play an instrument.
8. Not trying to do too much - keeping things simple.
Perhaps there are things that you find helpful but aren't on any of these lists. You must let me know!