Embracing Holistic Wellbeing: Exploring the Inner Elements of Wellness pt 2
Balance. It’s a word most people are looking for in their daily lives but have no idea the steps to obtain it. In part two of this two-part series, I discuss the six inner elements of wellness: mindset, purpose, spirituality, finances, careers and relationships. I will explain how these 6 elements impact our mental wellness and why each plays a pivotal role in nurturing our holistic wellbeing. Balance comes when you are aligned in all 12 areas of wellness in a way that meets your desired expectation. Part one of this series talked about the six external elements of wellness. If you would like to evaluate your wellness, at the end of this article there is a free wellness check-in you can download to rate yourself in all 12 areas.
Mindset. Our mindset shapes our perception of the world and what we believe is possible. Cultivating a positive and resilient mindset allows us to navigate challenges with grace, embrace growth, and nurture our mental and emotional health. Practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and self-compassion can transform our thoughts and allow us to reprogram our subconscious thoughts. Try starting a gratitude journal where you list 3 things every day that you are grateful for. If your day is not going well you can still be grateful for things often taken for granted such as a bed to sleep on, a cell phone, food in your fridge, a friend in your life, your vision etc. It doesn’t have to be big things.
Purpose. Discovering and living in alignment with our life's purpose provides a deep sense of fulfillment and meaning. Understanding our values, passions, and unique contributions allows us to lead purpose-driven lives. Pursuing activities and goals that align with our purpose fuels our motivation and desires. Ask yourself, what is my purpose in life? Spend some time thinking about how you can serve, impact and help others.
Spirituality. Spirituality connects us to something greater than ourselves. For many, religion is core to their feeling of purpose and mindset. For others, they think of spirituality in more abstract ways. Exploring our spiritual side through practices such as prayer, meditation or connecting with nature can enhance our overall wellbeing. Pursuing a state of inner peace, connection and joy nurtures us from within. Think of a simple practice you can do daily to leave you feeling grounded and connected to the universe.
Finances. Our finances should enable us to have stability and contribute to peace of mind in our lives. This is often a big stressor for many people that affects their overall wellbeing, regardless of how much money they actually have. Developing healthy financial habits, such as budgeting, saving, eliminating debt, and investing wisely, promotes financial security and reduces stress. Finding a healthy balance between spending, saving, and enjoying life's pleasures allows us to make intentional choices about our money. Spend time regularly analyzing your finances, many find the end of the month easiest. Track your expenses to see a clear picture of where your money is coming and going and if you need to make any adjustments.
Career. Our careers are an integral part of our lives because for most of us, we spend at least a third of our day, 5 days a week at work. Finding work that aligns with our values, strengths, and passions creates a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Cultivating a positive work-life balance, pursuing growth opportunities, and maintaining healthy boundaries in our careers are all important ways we can find satisfaction in our work. Evaluate your mental relationship with your career. Do you feel fulfilled, challenged, valued? Does your work allow you to use your skills and talents in a way that is meaningful to you?
Relationships. Nurturing positive and meaningful relationships with others helps meet the fundamental need we have for connection. Cultivating a healthy community or network, fostering open communication, and surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals enriches our lives. Building and maintaining strong bonds with others contribute to our emotional, mental, and social wellbeing. Write down a list of the 12 people you talk to most frequently. Do they uplift and support you and help you feel seen, empowered and valued? If not, it may be time to reevaluate those relationships and shift your time towards more positive people.
Embracing holistic wellbeing involves recognizing and nurturing the twelve interconnected elements of wellness. By addressing the internal and external elements of wellness, we can create the foundation for a more balanced and fulfilling life, aligned with the vision we have for ourselves. As we prioritize food, body, air, water, rest, sun, spirituality, finances, career, mindset, purpose, and relationships, we embark on a journey towards holistic wellbeing, unlocking our potential to live vibrant and meaningful lives. Remember, nurturing all elements of wellness is the key to creating a harmonious and thriving existence.
