Well-being: 10 questions you should ask yourself

Covid-19 has shone a light on the importance of well-being and there is now a greater understanding of the role of holistic well-being.

Industrial psychologist Silindokuhle Mkhize explores well-being and its role in enabling most people to successfully overcome difficulties experienced in the current disrupted environment.

Registered with the HPCSA, Mkhize holds a master’s degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and runs an independent practice specializing in psychological assessments, training and well-being.

For others, well-being is so far down their own agenda that it is difficult for them to recognize the need to take care of themselves.

The most common obstacles to fulfilling our well-being potential are self-knowledge and self-care. In order to be well, we must know what leads us to that state. Having answers to the following ten questions can improve and progress your wellness agenda by offering direction to those starting out, clarity to those wanting to prioritise their well-being and inspiration for those who are well on their way.

1. What makes you happy?
2. What gives you energy?
3. What makes you feel anxious?
4. When do you feel most in balance?
5. Which areas of your life need managing?
6. How meaningful is your work?
7. How happy are you with the progress you are making towards wellness?
8. How does your behaviour enable you?
9. To what extent does your mind-set enable you to move forward?
10. To what extent do you have a supportive network?

What might well-being look like?

Well-being is something we strive towards and is subjective, as it differs for everyone due to internal and external influences. It can be measured in a number of ways, there is no “one size fits” all approach. There are objective measure scales and self-report measures. Practically, this is what various well-being dimensions might look for a particular individual:

Mental and emotional

This person can think clearly, is aware of their own feelings and able to choose how to respond to them. They have personal resources and resilience to effectively respond to varying levels of challenges and know when to ask for help.

Social

This person has a sense of belonging and feels connected to others. They communicate and contribute to groups they are part of. They act with kindness, compassion, with appreciation and respect for both the differences and similarities between themselves and others.

Physical

This person keeps active, managing their energy by taking care of their nutrition, rest, and sleep. They understand the importance of physical wellness on their overall well-being and look after their whole body to ensure that long-term health is maintained.

This person feels connected to and believes in a higher purpose which is bigger than themselves. Their values give their lives a sense of purpose and meaning. They regularly experience a sense of inner peace and self-fulfilment through expressions of compassion and service.

Spend some time exploring these questions and concepts to really unpack what it is that maintains or disrupts your feeling of wellness.