Your Wellbeing and Why It Matters

Published on 18 April 2025 at 13:07

Wellbeing is a concept that has fascinated philosophers, scientists, and practitioners for centuries. From ancient Greek philosophy to modern-day positive psychology, the pursuit of wellbeing has been central to understanding what it means to live a fulfilling life. But what exactly is wellbeing, and why is it so important? In this blog, we’ll explore the foundations of wellbeing, its significance in our lives, and how small, consistent actions can lead to transformative results.

Wellbeing can be defined in many ways, but one concise and widely accepted definition comes from Dr. Felicia Huppert: “Well-being is our ability to feel good and function effectively.” This definition captures the dual nature of wellbeing—it’s not just about fleeting happiness but also about living in a way that enables us to thrive.

Positive psychology provides a framework for understanding wellbeing through the PERMAH model, developed by Dr. Martin Seligman. PERMAH stands for:

- Positive Emotions: Experiencing joy, gratitude, and optimism.

- Engagement: Immersing yourself in activities that align with your strengths.

- Relationships: Building supportive and meaningful connections with others.

- Meaning: Living with purpose and connecting to something greater than yourself.

- Accomplishment: Pursuing goals that matter to you and celebrating achievements.

- Health: Maintaining habits that support physical and mental vitality.

This multidimensional approach highlights how wellbeing is not a single entity but a combination of interconnected factors that shape our lives.

Why Wellbeing Is Important

Research has consistently shown that individuals with higher levels of wellbeing enjoy numerous benefits:

- Better relationships: People with strong wellbeing tend to form deeper connections with others.

- Improved physical health: Wellbeing is linked to lower rates of chronic illness and better immune function.

- Enhanced creativity and productivity: A flourishing mind is more open to new ideas and solutions.

- Greater resilience: Those with higher wellbeing are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

- Career success: Wellbeing contributes to higher engagement, satisfaction, and performance at work.

Moreover, wellbeing isn’t just about individual benefits—it creates ripple effects across communities, workplaces, and societies. When we invest in our own wellbeing, we also contribute to collective flourishing.

The Science of Small Changes

One of the most encouraging findings from positive psychology is that small actions can have a big impact on wellbeing. Instead of aiming for drastic changes or lofty goals, researchers advocate for starting small. For example:

- Practicing gratitude daily can increase positive emotions over time.

- Taking short breaks during work can improve focus and reduce stress.

- Building simple habits like walking or meditating can enhance physical health.

These “small wins” accumulate over time, creating sustainable improvements in overall wellbeing. The key is consistency—making these actions part of your routine rather than one-off efforts.

Balancing Eudaimonic and Hedonic Wellbeing

Philosophers like Aristotle distinguished between two types of wellbeing:

Eudaimonic Wellbeing: Focused on personal growth, meaning, and living virtuously.
Hedonic Wellbeing: Centred on pleasure-seeking and minimizing discomfort.

Modern research suggests that both types are essential for a balanced life. While eudaimonic pursuits provide long-term fulfilment, hedonic experiences offer immediate joy. Striking a balance between these approaches allows us to enjoy the present while building a meaningful future.

The Wellbeing Ecosystem

Wellbeing doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s shaped by our environment and interactions. Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of considering three levels:

Me (Individual): Personal choices like self-care and stress management.
We (Interpersonal): Relationships that foster connection and psychological safety.
Us (Systemic): Organizational culture, societal norms, and community values.

By addressing these interconnected levels, we create a “wellbeing ecosystem” where individuals thrive alongside their communities.

Wellbeing is not a destination but an ongoing journey—a dynamic process influenced by our actions, relationships, and environment. By understanding its multidimensional nature through frameworks like PERMAH, we can take intentional steps toward feeling good and functioning effectively in all areas of life.

Remember, even the smallest actions—like expressing gratitude or taking mindful breaths—can create profound changes over time. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your wellbeing flourish.