Simple Keys To Well-Being

Well-being is a goal most of us have. We spend most of our time seeking it, and some of us never find it. Countless books are written every day, workshops are available worldwide, and therapists make it their life's purpose to help us achieve and maintain it. So what are the keys to emotional well-being? Relationships Nurturing the relationships we have with ourselves and others is one of the most important aspects of well-being. Everyone needs to know they are loved and appreciated. Starting with yourself, taking care of your body, mind and spirit will ensure you can be there for others too. Adequate sleep, diet and activity, as well as emotional balance are all key. Self-love speaks volumes for those around you, and will attract healthy relationships into your life. Show others you care for them by being present. There is nothing more comforting than the kind words given to a loved one in need of company, support, and friendship. Even through the busy times in our lives, family members and friends need to know we cherish them. Give back to your community by supporting a local cause, donating your time, or participating in festivities. These things can promote a sense of belonging and community, and be very fulfilling. Spend Time Alone Recognise the importance of alone time. This is different from time alone spent rehashing the past, and worrying about the future. Peaceful solitude opens up the opportunity for connection to the deeper self and insight that lies within. Nature Time Spending time in nature can be very nurturing for the spirit. Being surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors can really put things into perspective. Take advantage of opportunities to step out for nature walks or just to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Whether you're gardening, walking, mountain climbing, or sitting on a park bench, nature heals the soul. Acknowledging The Ego The ego is an unconscious drive of negativity that can only be destroyed by acknowledging that it exists. One way to find emotional well-being is to eliminate the egoic mind's power on your life. Having wishes and desires are not unhealthy once you are able to articulate them, and let go of the outcome we want. Attachments to things, roles and people are also ego-driven. When your personal value is defined by the total worth of your belongings, social status, and the 'important' people you know, you are putting importance on things that are fleeting. Losing them then creates pain and suffering. Happiness comes from the realisation that one is not diminished by the loss of those things. Simplifying Your Life When you recognise that you are not defined by possessions, status or career, the necessity for these things will fall away and simplifying your life will likely occur. Mental and physical clutter will no longer serve a purpose in your life. A home or space that is clean of unwanted stuff is essential to your emotional well-being. Keeping it organised and free of clutter will be beneficial for your body, mind and spirit. Make a point of also releasing mental clutter. Doing so will produce similar effects as physical clutter. Simplify your life by reducing mental efforts like over-scheduling, gossiping, watching news about war and conflict, etc. Removing yourself from stressful situations and people is a conscious choice that will make room for more of the positive experiences you seek. Setting Boundaries If you're a people-pleaser, you know that doing things for others at the cost of your own happiness can have huge repercussions on your emotional well-being. Trying at all costs to make others happy so that they will love you in return can become an cycle of destructive behaviour that leaves you feeling victimised. Having healthy boundaries in relationships is very important. Knowing when to say no without the accompanying guilt takes time and practice. The risk is that those who don't accept it will leave your life, and the reward will be those who remain. Loving Your Job/Career Most people have to work to earn the money needed for food and shelter. In spite of how logical it seems that we should enjoy a job where we spend most of our daily hours, many of us don't. Consequently, happiness never comes to someone who is just 'settling' for a job for the wrong reasons. It takes courage to love yourself enough to live with purpose and joy. A healthy sense of obligation is necessary, but true well-being comes from doing something that gives your life meaning and makes you happy. Making Time For Creativity A healthy balance of work and play is also essential for emotional well-being. Having hobbies and a creative outlet will nurture your spirit and inspire you to achieve great things, outside of the realm of occupation. We all have talents, and it's important to encourage your creative side in whatever way this may manifest itself. Intuition A 'gut feeling' is one's ability to intuitively sense things that aren't tangible. This is a poweful inner strength you have and can be developped. It only gets stronger when you allow it to guide you. It will speak to you in ways you are receptive, whether during meditation, quiet moments alone, or with gentle nudges in your dreams at night. Listen carefully. When you follow it, it will always lead you down the path of well-being. This checklist combines a balance of body, mind and spirit goals to achieve. When followed, you will find yourself enjoying your life, feeling immensely satisfied and perhaps even happy. Isn't that what well-being is about?