By Victoria Grinnell, MSW
Well being is a state of mind in which our mental health predominates and we are living from the perspective of our strengths. Qualities like gratitude, joy, forgiveness, humility, optimism, curiosity and sense of humor are all signs that we are doing well mentally. Everyone has had times when they experience these strengths, regardless of their circumstances. But mental well being is available to everyone.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Questions you can ask yourself to check your mental well being are:
- When life poses challenges, do I recover quickly?
- When conflicts or disagreements with others arise, do I resolve them and release resentments?
- Do I notice the beauty of life that surrounds me daily?
- Do I experience fun or joy as I go about my day?
- Am I generally satisfied with the direction of my life?
Your answers may indicate how resilient you may be in the face of life’s challenges. Resilience is another aspect of well being. It is the ability to rebound from challenges and overcome crises.
How to Cultivate Well Being
The following suggestions point to ways to cultivate your mental well being:
- Notice when you are in a good place. Noticing your healthy feelings and how they compare to other states of mind is a reminder that such moments can only be treasured if we take the time to notice them. What thoughts accompany such feelings?
- Savor thoughts and feelings that go along with that experience of well being. Once you are aware that you are in a state of wellness, learn to enjoy the nuances of the experience. How does my world look when my deeper feelings are available to me? Is it possible to extend my wellness into other areas of my life?
- Imagine what it would be like to live in a state of wellness much of the time. This would also imply that you could be forgiving of yourself when you are in a low mood. Even in a low mood, you can operate out of the healthiest part of yourself.
- Recognize that you are not in control of every situation in your life, but you do have a choice as to which thoughts you will pursue and enhance. Choosing not to go in the direction of painful memories, for example, will do more to enhance your wellness than dredging them up on a daily basis. This in turn will influence your behavior and impact others around you.
- Trust that you are capable of experiencing well being, and that you have a connection to a deeper wisdom that will help guide you to a healthy experience of life.
Getting Help
Life is often difficult, and there are times when you need to focus on the past and heal it. Speaking with a therapist and/or taking medication as prescribed by a psychiatrist can be helpful as you heal past issues.
Social workers who are licensed therapists can help you identify your strengths and the needed coping skills to help you redirect your thoughts. When your optimism, sense of humor and curiosity about life prevail, you are connected to your well being.
Life is a series of ups and downs, but knowing that you have the capacity for well being can help you stay connected to your strengths.
