Some weeks ago, I attended the Happiness and It’s Causes conference in Sydney. One of my takeaways was the existence of the Wheel of Well-being – and the incredible fact that it is licensed under Creative Commons for people to use – and share. Now that’s what I call true commitment to improving world-wide wellbeing!
One of the great things about the Wheel of Well-being is that their website (http://www.wheelofwellbeing.org) focuses on both personal wellbeing, with people from across the globe sharing tips and ideas; and community and work based wellbeing, with case studies from organisations across the globe.
The Wheel of Well-being is split into 6 different sectors – each of which plays an important role in creating and maintaining wellbeing. These (directly from their website - I cannot improve on how they put things!) are:
Body: be active
Your body is the engine that powers your well-being. It’s designed to move. Physical activities like walking, waltzing or wii-ing can positively influence the way you think, feel and function. Practicing an activity you enjoy for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, is a necessary ingredient for a long and happy life.
Mind: keep learning
Studies are showing that life-long learners are some of the healthiest, happiest people around. Our wellbeing can improve by taking up a new hobby, practicing the piano or even struggling with Scrabble.
People: connect
Close relationships with friends and family can add up to 7 years to our lives. That’s the same benefit as giving up smoking! So plan a party or get together for a gossip to connect more with the people around you.
Place: take notice
Noticing nature helps us press the pause button. It reduces the stress of our 21st-century ‘hurry-worry’ lives. Savouring our surroundings gives us, quite literally, more breathing space.
Spirit: give
Did you know that giving to others does amazing things like reducing your blood pressure and improving your sleep? Practicing random acts of kindness, volunteering time, or simply saying ‘thank-you’ all work wonders for your well-being.
Planet: care
Keeping our blue planet in tip top shape is the best recipe for world well-being. It can sometimes feel like a hopeless task, but small positive changes like getting on your bike and switching off your charger, can make a big difference.
According to their website, “the Wheel of Well-being was designed in 2008 …… [and] is an ongoing collaboration between the Mental Health Promotion Team at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Uscreates. [It] is currently supported by the Maudsley Charity.”
Interestingly, it was in 2008 that I first started talking about wellbeing – about needing to transition away from traditional ways of thinking and focus on things in a more holistic manner – wellbeing rather than welfare. And wellbeing has continued to be a passion for me – for myself, friends, family and for the people I work with. Over coming weeks I will share some thoughts on ways to consider putting the Wheel of Well-being into practice – simple things that (even) I can do 😊
So do yourself a favour, and check out the amazing work done by the people at the Wheel of Well-being. Maybe you could even register yourself and start some activities!