Well-being and being well

The elements of well being encompass many emotions ranging from gratitude and mindfulness to passion and grit. Witnessing the acts of kindness makes us feel inspired and elevated. This is why people react so positively to stories of Mother Teresa. Practising the Buddhist meditation of loving kindness and metta bhavana which is about enjoying the pleasure of other living creatures, increases happiness. Passion for what we do enables us to be more committed, persistent, hopeful and optimistic. However, if passion becomes obsessive, it can be harmful. Passion needs to be calibrated to be more flexible and healthy.

Psychological well-being may reduce the risk of chronic physical illness and promote a long life. Life satisfaction improves around age 50. Worry declines after this age. The frequency of negative feelings reduces in middle age. In spite of declining health and income, during this time, psychological well-being seems to increase!

One needs to focus on ensuring health and economic adequacy during this period. Eudemonic well-being focuses on the meaning and purpose of life. A sense of purpose and ability to move towards goals can greatly improve life satisfaction at any stage in life. Taking up a meaningful goal at any age can improve well-being. Steps to well-being:

• Exercise, also relax
• Eat high quality food
• Play and enjoy frivolously
• Take in the sunshine
• Get rid of negative emotions
• Promote positive emotions
• Sleep well
• Learn new things
• Be creative

The writer is the author of Everyday Happiness Mantras