A to Z of well-being

Keeping our minds well deserves as much attention as keeping our bodies healthy and strong. Here is how we can give our minds a well-deserved workout.

A – Acceptance. 

Acceptance of the situation we are facing allows us to focus our energies on moving through the hurt.

B – Balance. 

Create a balance between your personal and professional selves.

C – Connection. 

Get enough connection into your week, whatever amount is right for you.

D – Dreams. 

When we get stuck in the mundane routines of day-to-day life, we lose sight of our dreams (or stop dreaming altogether). Think back to your dreams from five or ten years ago – are there any that still excite you that you want to pick up again? What are your new dreams, and how can you work towards them?

E – Exercise.

 Exercise has been linked to important mental wellbeing benefits such as improved mood and better ability to handle stress. Getting outside or into the gym for at least a brief walk or workout can help change your mental state.

F – Fun. 

Having fun is one of the key components in a fulfilling and well-lived life. Like connection, fun should be planned in and prioritized. What is fun for each of us is individual, so revel in your own personal brand of fun.

G – Gratitude. 

Paying attention to and feeling gratitude for the thousands of tiny beautiful moments in our days brings life into technicolor. We have an infinite number of things to be grateful for on a day-to-day basis.

H – Happiness. 

It is the human condition to seek happiness, and yours is no less important than anyone else’s. Allow yourself to include those people, places and activities that bring you happiness into your top daily priorities.

I – Inner life. 

How well do you know yourself – your preferences and dislikes, what brings you meaning and purpose? These aspects of our selves change over time with age and stage of life – if it’s been a while since you’ve checked in, it’s time to catch up with yourself like you would with an old friend.

J – Joy. 

Joy is next level happiness and often linked to those priceless moments and peak experiences we remember throughout our lives. When is the last time you felt joy? How can you next experience it?

K – Kindness.

 Kindness enriches the lives of both the giver and receiver. Performing an act of kindness for someone else can lift your mood better than any treat or reward you give yourself.

L – Laughter. 

A good laugh has a direct effect on mind and body, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting endorphin levels.

M – Mindfulness. 

Mindfulness reduces stress, improves emotional regulation, and better relationships.

N – No (know when to say it). 

There are so many demands on our time that receiving another invitation or request can become a burden – but you do not owe anyone a “Yes.” Most people understand and accept when you politely decline – and those that do not will get over it.

O – Outdoors. 

Spending time in nature has a soothing effect on the mind, especially when we spend so much time indoors and in front of screens during the week. Make it a weekend excursion to discover a new park, trail, or hill to climb. Or if you usually exercise indoors, try getting outside instead once or twice a week.

P – Psychology. 

Understanding oneself can be freeing and allows you to develop strategies to give you greater control over your mental wellbeing.

Q – Quiet. 

We all need some space for quiet time and reflection. Take some time alone to recharge so that we can freely give of ourselves afterward.

R – Relaxation. 

With the amount of input, we are now exposed to with email, social media, smart phones, and television, our brains and bodies often function under a consistent level of stress. To promote healing of the mind and body. Try meditation, yoga, visualization exercises, or a warm bath.

S – Self-care

Self-care involves monitoring our own wellbeing and applying preventative measures to ensure our mental and physical health needs are accounted for.

T – Thinking. 

Our thoughts are the source of our joy and our stress. Are your thoughts helpful or harmful? Is there another way to see it?

U –Understanding.

 Great comfort comes when we understand that we all suffer the same struggles. Have compassion for yourself and know that there is nothing wrong with you. You are not alone in the experience of being human.

V – Validation. 

Learn to validate and approve of yourself. You are good enough, just by virtue of being you. All human beings are worthy, and you are no exception.

W – Willingness. 

Be willing to experience all the feelings that come your way (not just the pleasant ones), to do the work required to let go of old patterns, to hear feedback from others, to be responsible for your own mental wellbeing. Willingness gives us back a sense of control over our lives, rather than feeling like life or experiences are being done to us.

X – Examine your life.

 As stated by the great philosopher Socrates, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Are there aspects of your life (inner and outer) that are hindering your happiness, and is it time to let go? Act now towards making changes in the areas that come up short in your examination.

Y – Yes (know when to say it). 

Playing small keeps us safe, so many of us tend to stay securely within our comfort zone. Saying yes to something new stretches us – and this is how we grow. If fear of the unknown or wanting to stay comfortable is making you want to say no, consider how saying yes may enrich your life and opportunities.

Z – Zen. 

A Zen state occurs when our body and mind are in total sync. This state has been correlated with higher self-esteem and life satisfaction, and positive emotions. What activities bring you into this state, and are you engaging in them regularly?

Credit:

The Counselling Center