Wellness Wheel

As change can be very stressful, following the wellness wheel is a way to reduce stress.

(source: https://slidemodel.com/templates/wellbeing-wheel-powerpoint-template/)

Part of the wellness wheel involves

i) identifying 3 things you are grateful for

ii) respecting the old ways like
    - hard lesson learnt
    - favourite memories
    - things you are proud of

iii) resetting with new ways
    - things you want to be better at
    - ways you can help others
    - new things you want to try
    - things you are looking forward to
    - smart goals

iv) developing resilient rituals so that life is by design, not default

    a) morning routine
        - eat fresh food
        - exercise
        - play with a pet
        - introduce natural light to your room
        - list 3 things you are looking forward to
        - take 20 deep breaths
        - go outside and appreciate nature
        - meditate
        - listen and sing to music that you love
        - do something to make you laugh
        - decide on an act of kindness for day ahead
        - try something new in your routine
        - don't use devices for the first hour of the day
        - set daily intentions
        - repeat daily affirmations
        - set goals for your day
        - practice yoga
        - get some fresh air
        - text a loved one and let them know you are thinking of them
        - mindfully drink water

    b) evening routine
        - take a bath
        - exercise
        - read a book
        - write a gratitude journal or use an App for this purpose
        - review your top 3 moments of the day
        - do some scretching
        - listen to relaxing music
        - meditate
        - drink a cup of relaxing herbal tea
        - remove clutter from your bedroom
        - dim down bright lights
        - reduce use of electronics
        - connect with a loved one
        - look at the stars
        - burn a candle or essential oils
        - reflect on your favourite moment of the day
        - debrief on the day with loved ones
        - enjoy a hobby you love
        - identify what you have achieved and congratulate yourself
        - breathe deeply
     (source: Cherie Canning, 2022)

NB It is not necessary to do all the rituals. Rather select some relevant to you.

Sometimes wellness is confused with well-being.There is a difference

"...Wellness is the state or quality of being healthy..."

Allie Blackharn, 2023

Components of health include mental, emotional, physical, etc dimensions; refers more to health rather than happiness.

Wellness programs usually include losing weight (involving nutrition, exercise, etc), addressing chronic medical conditions, making lifestyle changes, etc.

Preventative care is an important part of wellness.

In contrast, well-being

"...is the state of being healthy, happy, or successful......well-being considers the entirety of an individual, including body and mind..."

Allie Blackharn, 2023

Health is only one factor in well-being.

"...well-being focuses on having a positive outlook on life and feelings of positivity when approaching various situations and activities. Certain conditions of living such as steady, fulfilling employment and stable, council housing are fundamental to a person's well-being......well-being incorporates others aspects of living conditions, including resilience, positive emotions and feelings, quality of relationship with others and the ability to realise one's potential..."

Allie Blackharn, 2023

Generally those with higher levels of well-being are more productive and have less health issues, etc.

Below is a diagram linking change with well-being:

(source: Nicola Bowsher et al, 2023)
NB Gamification is a way to make learning fun and reduce the chance of feeling overwhelmed by the situation.