I watched Graham Hill’s TedTalk about how owning less stuff could equal greater happiness. I chose that one after a long winter break of my mom watching Marie Kondo on Netflix, ransacking our house, and hounding me to purge. Graham was right in his talk though, I have experienced many times where I have had next to nothing physically with me, but I feel free, happy, and less stressed.
Wellbeing, n. Def: an interdisciplinary state of happiness.
I think my model in my head looks a lot like the ones I have seen so far, and if I simplified mine, I would just say to go outside. That is the easiest, fastest way I become happy or flip my mood in a positive direction. but here is my model when I break it down:
Model (8-parts):
1. exercise: exercise has always been cathartic for me. This could be running, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, anything really. puts me in a good mood.
2. nutrition: this doesn’t mean anything about eating healthy. I don’t find I can eat healthy 24/7, and I don’t think eating should feel like a chore. Everything in moderation.
3. outside stuff: #OPTOUTSIDE.
4. sleep: I personally don’t function on lack of sleep, and lack of sleep has been linked to disease and deteriorating brain function. sleep is healing.
5. mental: I think therapy is stigmatized in our culture. I think everyone should see a therapist regardless of what is going on in their lives because it’s a way to look at yourself critically and lovingly with a complete stranger. what more could you ask for?
6. education/challenge: I like to be challenged in many aspects of my life, and currently I am being challenged in my academics. Whether this is a job, a relationship, a sport, I like to keep my brain on its toes. bring it on.
7. social: healthy relationships with people who genuinely care about you. don’t waste your time on people who don’t feel the same level of affection towards you (friends and SOs)
8. financial (?): this one I struggle with. I think it is important to have an income, and it is important to love your job and be passionate about something. These don’t always go hand in hand.