7 Waves of Wellbeing

What is wellbeing? Wellbeing is the fluid state of feeling healthy and happy in our body, mind and lifestyle, as a whole. In my exploration of what it means (and takes) to experience wellbeing, I’ve been inspired by education in nutrition and health coaching, the principles (or pillars) of Lifestyle Medicine, and by ocean waves (literally and metaphorically) to share ‘7 Waves of Wellbeing’. These waves are cyclical, bi-directional, dynamic, deeply intertwined, and they influence our life from the moment we open our eyes in the morning. Taking time to consider them provides an opportunity for self-enquiry, deeper exploration, and the awareness, where necessary, to change the trajectory of our day and life.

Mindset When it’s time to wake up, we often quickly tune into our thought patterns, perpetuating inner narratives or imagery that impact how we interact with the world: our choices, self worth, stress management, how we process experiences, and relate to others. Our thoughts can help or hinder our ability to develop and maintain positive behaviours. So cultivating a healthier mindset can be a great place to begin our wellbeing journey. What kind of self talk might you hear as you start the day? Typically, how do you visualise things going? Have you ever caught an unhelpful or questionable thought and found a way to turn it around?

Movement Finding our own energising ways to move through life - including alternatives to the gym or intense sport - can be vital for promoting self confidence in our abilities, enjoying the act of movement, and experiencing the health benefits of going back for more. What’s your favourite way to move your body?

Nourishment Experiencing satiety, nutrition, and satisfaction from our food and drink, is part of what gives us vitality and joy in life. There’s so much more to real nourishment than just consuming the ‘right’ nutrients. We tend to eat what we actually enjoy so it’s important to discover what is nutritious AND delicious. Can you imagine the kind of feasting that includes both? How often could you bring real nourishment into your life?

Belonging What is the difference between connecting and belonging? Meaningful connection to self, purpose, loved ones, home, community, and our natural world, can anchor us to a healthy feeling of belonging which may offer everyday peace, comfort in the face of challenges, and a purpose that goes beyond material goals. Has a feeling of connection, even a tiny glimmer, ever helped to inspire you or get you through a tough time?

Pleasure Life can offer a multitude of delights that have the potential to make our everyday experience much more pleasurable. Yet when things go awry, we can find ourselves seeking pleasure in ways that give us a quick hit with detrimental longer term impacts. Developing the awareness to minimise harmful patterns, by maximising healthy pleasures, can allow us to discover a greater zest for life in the present and future. Where might it benefit you to move towards a healthier pleasure?

Empowerment The world is full of wonders but it isn’t always a fair or ethical place. Recognising and learning about systemic barriers to wellbeing in our local and global community can empower us with education and resources to navigate external forces (socio-economic, political, environmental) to create our own positive changes on an individual level and beyond.

Rest According to an ancient belief in many coastal cultures, the seventh wave is the strongest in any ‘set’. With this in mind, rest is the seventh wave of wellbeing. This is a powerful, foundational element that impacts all the others. Ideally, rest is the last thing we do each day and without adequate rest our wellbeing diminishes in every other area. Importantly though, there’s more to rest than sleeping! When was the last time you were really bone tired? How do you feel about naps and relaxation time? When did you last give yourself permission to truly rest? Even in the middle of the day? What impacts your ability to rest?

Beyond The Seventh Wave

According to science, the most impactful wave isn’t always the 7th, it may just feel that way. In fact, there are many elements influencing each wave in an ocean - and in our life. Again, they are deeply intertwined, so a change in any wave can create a ripple effect that builds momentum elsewhere, too.

For example, when we don’t feel truly ‘well’, sometimes it can be tricky to put our finger on what’s causing the issue or what to do about it.  We might experience challenges or unhelpful behavioural patterns related to physical or mental health, unexpected stress, relationship issues, or some other aspect of life. And sometimes, before we know it, one thing leads to another. The good news is the reverse is also true. We don’t have to be overwhelmed by a to-do list of ‘health hacks’ in all aspects of life. When we feel inspired to take positive action in one area, it can begin to create a positive impact elsewhere, too.

So I believe the secret to creating wellbeing lies in Jon Kabat Zinn’s wise quote: ‘You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.’ As we dive into the 7 Waves of Wellbeing, we can learn more about how best to work with their energy and move into the flow of a healthier, happier life.

Discover more with Acoustic Wave - Wellbeing Coaching.