The term ‘wellbeing’ refers to a multi-dimensional process that is all about how you relate with everything in your life, from material objects to personal and work relationships to how well you take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
We are so technologically advanced than we were 15, 10, and even 5 years ago. We possess tech gadgets that make our lives easier, so we can accomplish more. This technological uprising has brought about a change in what many do for a living, but, more interestingly, how they do their work.
But are we sacrificing our mental and physical health for this modern-day ingenious devices (bells & whistles)?
We are constantly plugged into social media which tracks our every move, thought and emotion. Studies show that checking your emails and social media is interfering with you living your life. It sabotages your health and it decreases your productivity, sometimes by half…which sets us up for the overwhelm cycle…esp. if staying focused is a challenge.
Being always digitally connected creates burnout and exhaustion. When you are under constant demand to always appear perfect and respond cheerily, the skew radically shifts. Who do you know that really has the perfect everything? EXACTLY!
On top of always being plugged in, our lifestyles have put our mental and physical health at risk because of the ever-present pressure of needing to work more so we can own more. This results in a high rate of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, obesity, and many more.
Even though the Internet has numerous benefits, it can become a source of addiction for many of us because we use it as a means of escape from all the troubles of life. This can have a negative effect on your wellbeing as it only masks whatever is causing your stress and prevents you from dealing with it proactively.
As Dr. Archibald D. Hart and Dr. Sylvia Hart Frejd state in their book, The Digital Invasion: How Technology is Shaping You and Your Relationships, “In many cases, one uses the Internet excessively to cope with social situations that are out of control.”
The way we manage our lifestyle has a great impact on our well-being. And it might just feel like too much to take on right now, but let me offer a starting place. Here are a few ways to avoid the instabilities of modern-day life:
Give
Giving is fulfilling. It moves us from the inside. And the givers always wins in my opinion…yes, maybe it is a win-win, but there is something so deeply satisfying about giving that is unique to the giver, and their God.
And it is more than handing off a bit of cash or material items. While this is definitely supportive and helpful, giving is about promoting generosity and active participation.
Knowing what your strengths are and using them to help others has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels and boost wellbeing. Maybe it’s connecting with others through volunteering at a local shelter or community center? Maybe it is making a meal for someone that isn’t feeling well. Giving teaches empathy, resilience, and gratitude. Plus, it keeps you motivated and empowered! And it feels sooooooooooo good.
Focus on what’s important
Have a list? Check it twice.
What is really important on there?
Take notice of the little things in life, your health, your loved ones’ health, friends, and your community. Mindfulness is one of the biggest tools that can help you truly focus on the present and what really is deserving of your energy and your focus. It helps pay attention to things happening at the present…and gets you out.of.you.head.
For example, if you’re in your car, take a good look at the color of the sky, the trees on either side, pay attention to whatever’s playing on your stereo. Not only will this will make you appreciate what’s important and develop positive emotions in your life, but it will also change the frequency in your body and attracting goodness to your life.
Never stop learning
Set goals for yourself to learn a new hobby or language or skill. If you are anything like me, I LOVE LEARNING. In fact, I have ‘learning time’ built into my schedule. Literally. I have 2 chunks of time each week to learn. Not only do I look forward to this time, but it also helps fulfill one of my values which is giving back. The more I can learn and share it with clients and groups, the more fulfilled I am…it’s a win-win.
But here is the thing…I don’t always love the traditional goal-setting plans. Keith Ellis wrote the book, “The Magic Lamp: Goal Setting For People Who Hate Setting Goals“, and he transforms the idea of writing down goals and makes them wishes, which allow us to emotionally buy in and get things done!
Here is the thing, learning boosts self-esteem and leads to positive intellectual and social growth and it creates fun in our lives. We are desperate for fun in our world…so go create it!
Be active
So this I know you know, but it bears repeating…regular exercise helps keep your health – both physical as well as psychological. It keeps you in tiptop shape so you feel more self-confident, more energized, and enjoy higher levels of concentration. This also includes getting around 7 – 9 hours of quality sleep each night as well as doing some meditating for positive energy and an overall sense of wellbeing.
Now, you might have just rolled your eyes at me, but hear me out.
This is the first thing to go when people get busy and the first thing they want back…” oh man, I just need to get back to the gym”…I challenge you to just get consistent.
If you have taken time off of exercise, start with a 20 min. walk. Seriously. Then work up to 30 minutes, then find a workout online…slow and steady wins the race here. So stop the mental beat up of what you ‘should’ be doing and get outside for a walk. Your lymphatic system will thank you and your brain will too.
Connect
I believe that one of the biggest pandemics of our time is the lack of Self-Love & Loving Connection in our world.
Time and time again, high-achieving individuals come to me and share that they don’t feel like they truly have a community that supports them or wants to see them win. This kills me because 1) I use to know that feeling and 2) Staying in touch with friends and family, and even having some one-on-one self-care quality time, creates a sense of unity and calmness in your life.
Connection is a critical vitamin for Self-Love. And while the world is a bit different and face-to-face interaction is still a tentative way of connection for some, a phone call or a text message can lift the day. And if people aren’t your jam, maybe you can donate some of your time at a local animal shelter…connecting with animals is one of my very favorite ways to stay grounded. They are so loving and generous and a great way to fill you up!
And while our world is busy spinning around and around and life does go on, what is one way that you can support your own well-being this week? I guarantee you it will be time well spent.
Are you ready to get unblocked, take your next leap, and feel fulfilled, but you need some guidance? Let’s connect: https://transformwithtrish.as.me/letsconnect
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