What is Well-being?

There is currently no single definition of well-being or mental health, although there is a widespread consensus that it is more than the absence of illness. Well-Being means different things to different people, here is some quotes taken from a survey conducted with people in the town of Colchester.....

People were asked "What does Well-being mean to you"? This is what many said.....

"Good health, good state of mind, financial security"  Male 25-40

"Being in control of my emotions, work, life - sense of control"  Female 25-40

"Physical and mental health - realising money isn’t everything" Male 65+

"Balance, harmony"  Female 50-65

"Being content with what you have ... happy in your heart, being settled and satisfied"  Female 50-65

So how can you achieve Well-being?

Achieving and maintaining your well-being are very much part of your day to day ordinary life. Therefore, by looking at your lifestyle and, perhaps making a few changes, for example, what you eat, the exercise you take, the way in which you think about your life, you could achieve a more fulfilling, healthier and balanced life. Some simple steps to Well-being might include:

•  Caring about yourself and for yourself by looking after your physical health - eating healthily; being active; drinking sensibly.
  

• Seeing yourself as a valuable person, participating in life rather than observing it; doing things you are good at - pursue a hobby, learn a new skill, reach out to others.
  

• Thinking positively - send positive messages to yourself - "I am useful", "I can do it"; stop setting impossible standards for yourself; focus on your achievements; ask for help when you need it.

   

News & Stories       Exercise tips to beat seasonal affective disorder - how a work out can lift those early winter blues     Too busy to eat properly? Healthy eating on the go!   Featured this month   Rural Stress Helpline - 0845 094 8286   We offer a totally confidential, non judgemental listening service guaranteeing anonymity to anyone in a rural area feeling troubled, anxious worried, stressed or needing information. See our leaflet for more information or go to www.ruralstresshelpline.co.uk          NHS Choices - Mental Health Video - Real People, Real Stories Hear the real stories today!

Resources       VIEW our latest TV commercial and short films all about healthy eating, keeping active, valuing yourself and thinking positively.   FIND OUT how to access the fantastic range of Big Lottery Fund projects in your County.   HEALTHY EATING NHS 5 a day web page, top tips for Eating more fruit and vegetables.   PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BBC "time to get fit" - Maintaining a 'keep fit' lifestyle doesn't have to mean slogging it out in a sweaty gym. Just boosting your levels of general daily activity will reap big rewards in improved health and energy.   MENTAL HEALTH For more information about mental health and wellbeing, visit the Mental Health Foundation website.   For more information about well-being along with national sources of help click here.   “Stress is a factor in everybody’s life but Deaf people more commonly experience depression and anxiety and other inevitable stress associated with being Deaf in a world geared towards the needs of hearing people Practising the relaxation exercises contained on this DVD can have an significant impact on your life by helping to manage stress in order to maintain and improve health and confidence, you now have opportunity to relax with information presented to you in your own language.” Peter Gladwell BSc, MCSP, SRP   HEAR THE VIEWS OF PUBLIC IN COLCHESTER The Care Service Improvement Partnership (Eastern) conducted a survey in Colchester, May 2007 with passers by. A total of 152 adults were interviewed. Hear or Read what members of the public said Well-Being means to them.

 

 

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