The Unexpected Aspects to Wellbeing

Do you remember looking into a kaleidoscope for the first time as a kid? How is it possible that different colors and shapes could possibly come together in all of those different ways, shapes and colors?

What if your well-being is the same? So many different pieces that come together that are ever changing but super important in how ‘well’ you feel day to day and year to year?

Although it would be nice, the idea that being ‘healthy’ is just eating and exercising well is outdated. Check out this article by Roger Walsh from 2011, published in the American Psychologist journal, called “Lifestyle and Mental Health” that highlights this for more.

Let's dive into different aspects of well-being today, what’s included in each of them and one small step you can take towards expanding your well-being today.

Please note: While I don't believe this list is comprehensive in any way, I do want to open up your eyes to the possibility that there is more than just one way to feel well.

Physical Health: 

What you already know: Exercise is important, eating foods that make you feel good should be a priority and sleep is the unsung hero.

Other places to consider: If you’re already stressed out all the time, high energy workouts like HIIT every day might be pumping more cortisol in your body and stressing out about organic everything can have a negative effect on your health, too.

Action to take: Notice where focusing on your physical health is having the opposite effect and ask yourself what you can change and where you can relax.

Social Health: 

What you already know: Friends & family are a key part of feeling connected.

Other places to consider: Your community matters and YOU get to choose the people that support you and get to really know YOU.

Action to take: Take a mental note of the people in your inner circle right now and make sure they help you feel SEEN and supported. If they don’t, take a step back from that relationship and ask someone else to come in.

Romantic Health: 

What you already know: Feeling safe with your partner(s) and feeling that level of intimacy and trust for another has an impact on how you feel day to day.

Other places to consider: The connection we feel to another human is a reflection of who we are and how we’re showing up.

Action to take: Notice your next interaction with your partner(s) and check in after on a scale of 0 to your full authentic self and just get curious about what that means for you.

Financial Health:

What you already know: What numbers look like for your income, savings, retirement & emergency funds can have a big impact on your wellbeing. Financial stress is so real and one you aren’t alone in. Some studies show that 65% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. 

Other places to consider: The stories you’ve inherited and created around money could be keeping you stuck. If you feel like there’s never enough, you’ll never make enough or you don’t know your numbers at all, I see you.

Action to take: I believe in this free workshop* that Kate Northrup is hosting because of how she looks at the nervous system and feeling safe around money. Check it out and register now - replays will be available. 

Work Health: 

What you already know: We all want to do a good job at work and feel like we’re being challenged, feel like we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves.

Other places to consider: Where you work is just as important. If your commute is hours long or you’re afraid of just logging into a meeting, that stress adds up. If you feel like you’re drowning in to do lists and how much you work, boundaries may need to be set. 

Action to Take: Remember that where you work doesn’t define who you are. You get to take a short walk or sit at a table to eat your lunch. Notice where you’re giving too much of yourself and pull some back for you. 

Fun Health:

What you already know: Vacations are important and life giving. 

Other places to consider: Being able to rest without guilt is a form of resistance and in our culture is a super hard thing to do. 

Action to take: Repeat after me (out loud): “Rest doesn’t need to be earned. I’m already worthy.” & feel free to repeat in anytime you need a reminder. The dishes will be there. You can nap first. 

What do you think? What stood out to you the most and what’s ONE thing from this list you’re going to try and bring into your life? 

As always, start small and keep building that muscle one rep at a time. You’ve got this!

Hey, I’m Caitlin! I’m a certified health coach and life coach and I’m here to bring sustainable change into your day so that you have the time and energy you need for the things that matter most. 

Want more support? Check out my other posts, learn more about coaching here or book a call with me here. You can always sign up for my newsletter, below, to receive these posts straight to your inbox, too!

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