Have A Great Day With The Science Of Wellbeing

Wellbeing means different things to different people. For your partner, it might mean cycling on a Sunday. For you, it could be time immersed in a novel. Essentially, wellbeing is about what you do to achieve a state where you feel good and function well. When you feel good and function well you enjoy better relationships; have more energy; and manage change and challenges better.

One of the most widely embraced models of wellbeing is PERMA, which was created by Professor Martin Seligman, one of the world’s leading researchers in positive psychology and human flourishing. The PERMA acronym represents five elements that contribute to wellbeing: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment. Other researchers have added a H to the model – PERMA(H) – to represent a Health pillar.

How you experience PERMAH is, of course, personal. So, to create a great day, apply the six elements in a way that’s best for you. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Positive Emotions

Like good wine and cheese, you probably want more! More positive emotions like joy, comfort and awe. A morning or night gratitude practice (thinking of or writing down a few things you’re grateful for) might evoke positive emotions for you. Express appreciation to the people in your life and be specific so you both feel the glow. Inspirational reading, podcasts or videos might be your kind of happy boost. And tap into the power of awe by spending time in nature. Walk along your local beach and savour the sunset or jog through your neighbourhood park and relish the greenery. The wonderful thing about positive emotions is they create more positive emotions. When you’re feeling great, you’re more likely to be friendly/generous/creative, which generates even more positive emotions.

2. Engagement

Engagement – feeling a sense of ‘flow’ – is when you’re immersed in an activity you enjoy that utilises your strengths. For some people it’s painting, yoga, a great conversation or their work. When do you experience flow? Try to prioritise some uninterrupted time in your day for whatever it is that evokes this positive state.

3. Relationships

Positive relationships are key to wellbeing. Think about what you could to strengthen a relationship as well as have positive social interactions during your day. Even if you’re busy, make time for a quick chat with a workmate. This is a great way to re-energise each other and relieve stress. To create positive interactions, draw on your strengths. Are you funny? Empathetic? Curious and like to ask questions? If it’s appropriate, use your strengths. If you have a friend or sibling who’s struggling, offer some emotional support. Or if you’re struggling today, reach out to someone who can support you.

4. Meaning

What’s meaningful to you? Do you experience meaning in your work? Through volunteering for a cause? Contributing to your local community? Cooking nutritious meals for your family? Creating art? This focus on the bigger picture of life is so fulfilling. Also remember to savour the smaller, meaningful parts of your day.

5. Accomplishment

This pillar represents a sense of achievement related to your important goals. Maybe you’ll complete a significant work project, publish an article, apply for a job or make a change that enhances your work culture. Perhaps you’ll work towards mastering a social media platform, an instrument, a language, a subject. Whatever it is, do something that propels your goals a bit (or a lot) further. Then bask in the satisfaction that follows!

6. Health

This pillar represents exercise, nutrition and sleep. These fundamentals are so well known, but incorporating them into your day can be a little haphazard. Perhaps you’ve formed some bad habits or self-care’s not a priority because you’re busy. To keep things simple, include veggies in your main meals and fruit for snacks, and move your body in whatever way you enjoy with the time you have (even for 20 minutes). Create a cool, dark and quiet bedroom and give yourself enough time and a helpful routine to relax your mind and body before sleep.

>> Do you want to elevate your wellbeing? If you do, let me Coach you! Click Contact (at the bottom of the page) and we can organise a time to chat. Emma :-)