8 dimensions of wellness

@Shaz51

I think it is not so much about what we have done, it is more about the continuity of engaging in creative and mentally-stimulating activities and having a growth mindset. In some ways being a perpetual student, whether that is in an academic sense, through cultural / community involvement or by learning a new hobby.

There are a lot of things that we do that are "for a season" and can be looked back upon with a sense of accomplishment and joy. There are other things we try that are learning experiences that we find that are not for us in either the long or short term.

There are benefits to trying new things which include overcoming fear, getting to know ourselves better, and having our creativity stimulated.

As @Scoo would likely be well aware of, there are plenty of things that we can do once we no longer work full time which have a wide range of the components that form intellectual wellness. These include Probus clubs, U3A, playing bridge, doing some travel and more. Even when I was not on the cusp of being in the seniors age group, I found it very interesting to see what was on offer in the "Seniors Week" event book and as a result found some lovely places we were able to visit.

I have noticed that a lot of the hobbies that tend to be lifelong for some often have ongoing elements of both "seasons" and "newness" about them. Knitters try different knitting styles such as cable and aran, the items they make include clothing and toys. Seasonal aspects include knitting for a charity or to enter an item in an agricultural show. Those with musical ability may learn new tunes/songs, a new instrument, try a different genre, work solo or with a group. Seasons might include busking or joining a community band. Readers might enjoy a variety of writing styles and themes, short stories, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, romance, comedy. They might join a book club or take up a reading challenge.

Whilst most of us are not into extreme sports or solo travel, there are so many things that we can try out. It need not be expensive either, there are heaps of things that we can do for free or low cost that will contribute to our intellectual wellness. Libraries are free and often have wonderful programs, most major city art galleries and botanic gardens have free general admission and often provide free guided tours (which I personally find make the visit far more interesting). They also host a number of free or low cost events. Operas and orchestras have free concerts and some major arts festivals also offer free activities.

One thing Mr Darcy & I have done when we visit family and friends, or when they come to vist us is to seek out free or low cost activities and go to and enjoy these together rather than just sitting at home chatting. For example a walk in nature (perhaps with a BYO picnic) to see something like a waterfall, rock formation, flora or fauna (or in Mr Shaz's case to photograph them) is not only pleasurable but contributes holistically to our overall well being including the dimensions we have discussed of environmental, physical, financial and intellectual wellness.

@Former-Member @Shaz51 @Scoo @Appleblossom @Sophie1 @Former-Member @FindingStrength @Boo13

Wow great topic! I've been working for the same agency for 13yrs now but in lots of different capacities, and for me constantly challenging myself through my work is a great comfort. I'm lucky enough to also have had the opportunity over the years through work to do a couple of post grad certificates in criminology and leadership/management, and the cert IV training and assessment because I just love the challenge and expanding my skillset.

Because I don't have children and my relationship has gone through lots of challenges I feel like my work provides me with a level of confidence that I am capable and good at something because there are many times that I feel lost and out of my depth in other areas of life.

As for outside work, last year I sold the first house I ever bought and upgraded to a newer, nicer one that I'm so very proud of, so I love to work on making it even more comfy and homely by doing what I call my "little projects". I get ideas from Pinterest usually, then hit up YouTube for the how to videos and off I go to Bunnings hahaha! Last project was redecorating my study.

I'm also partial to a bit of craft and just before Xmas I tried resin pouring, which was almost hypnotic at times!

I find I do these things less when MsJ needs a bit more but perhaps those are the times I should do it more and focus less on the humdrum day to day chores?!

@Former-Member

Love your last post.

Keeping steady with calm and openness to new things, can take inner work and time. A lot will depend on the trauma load of the particular person during thier path, and where they are at in the stages of life. What people have achieved can be important, though, eg., While it is silly for young folk to try and teach grandmas how to suck eggs, it is also important for old folk to recognise the skills of the young. A lot depends on the particular people and the particular circumstances.

Great to hear your input @Jay-e @Scoo @Sophie1 @Shaz51

I struggle with a continual headache. Feels like my brain is bursting, and at times new things do not take, especially people's names. SO I try and be careful not to take on too much. I think I am in a contracting "season" atm, doing more on my own and celebrating my natural introversion, rather than expanding and going against my natural inclination. Ha ha Trying to work out what my natural inclination even is ...

Ahhhh ha @Former-Member xx

Very true @Appleblossom

Hello @Jay-e , @Scoo , @Sophie1 , @FindingStrength , @Former-Member

@Darcy @Shaz51 @Scoo @Appleblossom @Carer101 @FindingStrength @Boo13

just reading threads below - super encouraging

I'm very tired tonight after long day at work and today the intellectual stimulation was too much with the office gossips in overdrive on a hot day and way too much unnecessary drama 😒. ... will still be cleaning up the messes next week unfortunately

sorry baby rant there .. was a tough day ... I wish my intellect could help me avoid dramas but people are just human and fear drove a few people to behave very badly in my workplace today - I'm still super sad about it ..

anyway like many of you work is one of my intellectual outlets ... also reading for pleasure - I love science fiction and once thought I might write my own book ... I also took up the cello but lately my hip pain made this too hard and I'm taking a break to help me cope with rehab exercises demands ...

anyway loving this thread everyone ... sorry my contribution light on tonight - not in a great place - oh well it will pass - till tomorrow 😉

Hi everyone.

Thanks again @Former-Member

I've been feeling quite fatigued lately, so have done a scan through of the posts at least. This jumped out at me from the original post:

"Intellectual wellness is defined as recognizing one's creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills. It refers to active participation in scholastic, cultural, and community activities."

Some say that our purpose on this planet is to know & grow ourselves & others, to evolve... I'd say I'm curious by nature & although never believed myself to be very intelligent, I enjoy learning new things. I have participated in a monthly women's circle for many years now, we've learned about many things regarding self development in a wide range of ways. I really enjoy these & they make up a big part of my life outside of work/caring.

I've had jobs that have not really engaged my mind & while they served a purpose at the time, I also felt that lack of growth. So I went to University for the first time ever at the tender age of 49 - An absolute huge leap for me & so much was gained from it, more than acquiring knowledge, I gained some self-confidence, self-achievement, self-determination and now a new career path - One that actually stimulates me & has a real sense of contribution for me, feeling very blessed about that!

Tomorrow I begin a new journey (part time) as an Education Assistant at a Steiner School, so much attuned to my own beliefs & values. I feel the above quote about Intellectual wellness fits very nicely into that type of education actually.....

So, yes as a way of keeping myself young at heart, I do make an effort to say open to new experiences and information - as long as they fit within the wellness field!

Thanks for contributing everyone.

@Sophie1 @Shaz51 @Appleblossom @Jay-e @Scoo

Thank you, I am really enjoying everyones input @Appleblossom @Shaz51 @Scoo @Jay-e @Sophie1 @FindingStrength

Today we move onto our next topic Emotional Wellness

Emotional Wellness refers to an awareness, understanding, and acceptance of your emotions, and your ability to manage effectively through challenges and change.

I think that emotional health is probably the dimension of wellness that we tend to perhaps use as the litmus test as to how well we are doing in all areas of our lives.

Talking about emotions can be emotional for some. It is important to access support for ourselves should we need this and it is available from the SANE Help Centre with their phone or chat lines, links to these can be accessed here .

How do we know if we are emotionally well – these are some of the things that the experts say:

Emotionally well people treat others well.

Emotionally well people feel and show gratitude for the people in their lives.

Emotionally well people like themselves.

Emotionally well people are adaptable and flexible.

Emotionally well people have a life purpose.

Emotionally well people are in touch with their emotions.

Emotionally well people can manage their own stress.

Emotionally well people value experiences more than possessions.

Being emotionally intelligent helps us to be emotionally well. It's our emotional intelligence that gives us the ability to read our instinctive feelings and those of others. It also allows us to understand and label emotions as well as express and regulate them.

Being emotionally well helps

• Protect our self esteem
• Take control after failure
• Distract ourselves from brooding thoughts
• Find meaning after a loss
• Recover self-worth after rejection.

Suggested ways we can improve our emotional health are interlinked with the other dimensions. These include:

• Be aware of your emotions and reactions.Notice what in your life makes you sad, frustrated, or angry. Try to address or change those things.
• Express your feelings in appropriate ways. Let people close to you know when something is bothering you. Keeping feelings of sadness or anger inside adds to stress. It can cause problems in your relationships and at work or school.
• Learn more to lessen the fear of the unknown "Knowledge is power," If you have a problem, learn whatever you can about the issue or the health condition you're facing. The more you know, the less you will fear what might happen.
• Think before you act. Emotions can be powerful. Give yourself time to think, and be calm before you say or do something you might regret.
• Manage stress.Try to change situations causing you stress. Learn relaxation methods to cope with stress. These could include deep breathing, meditation, and exercise.
• Strive for balance. Find a healthy balance between work and play and between activity and rest. Make time for things you enjoy. Focus on positive things in your life.
• Take care of your physical health. Your physical health can affect your emotional health. Exercise regularly, eat healthy meals, and get enough sleep. Don’t abuse drugs or alcohol.
• Connect with others. We are social creatures. We need positive connections with other people. Make a lunch date, join a group, and say hi to strangers.
• Find purpose and meaning. Figure out what it is important to you in life, and focus on that. This could be your work, your family, volunteering, caregiving, or something else. Spend your time doing what feels meaningful to you.
• Stay positive.Focus on the good things in your life. Forgive yourself for making mistakes, and forgive others. Spend time with healthy, positive people.

I think it is fair to say that for most of us, our own emotional health has in some ways been compromised at some point and it is important to acknowledge that caring is or has been at times emotionally draining. I know for myself I was always stoic and found it hard to acknowledge and sit with feelings of grief, loneliness and helplessness. With the help of a counsellor, I was able to do this and it was one of a number of things that helped me along the way.

References:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-empowerment-diary/201910/what-is-emotional-wellness

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/emotional-wellness_b_3722625

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/emotional-wellness-tips_b_3809750

https://familydoctor.org/mental-health-keeping-your-emotional-health/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/10-ways-to-boost-emotional-health.aspx

Definitely feeling compromised in this area. Has been a bad 2 weeks, daughter took herself off medication again....

The last 6 suggested ways to improve emotional health are feeling more difficult to achieve in the last few months as my daughter goes through the same cycles again & again. Right now I don't have the energy it takes to socialise, am letting go of dreams & can feel myself changing - am going to counselling tomorrow, so will speak of this. I know that my ability to manage stress & my own emotions could use some growth. New job is a positive & also a concern if I don't cope better. Thanks @Former-Member for this information, I'm going to print it to take along with me.

@Former-Member @FindingStrength @Sophie1 @Shaz51 @Appleblossom

I'm probably not in the right frame of mind to make much of a contribution at the moment. I underwent a medical procedure on Monday. Hubby was initially supportive. But as usual he can only sustain the support for a short period of time before it becomes about him. Today I hit rock bottom in my recovery and he has gotten sulky. So what do I do to support myself emotionally. I am one tough cookie! Raised to be tough and I know I am resilient and courageous. Surround myself with strong women. Sorry but being a feminist helps.
ps in fairness to hubby he took the day off work on Monday to take me to the appointment. Seeing things from a half glass full perspective also helps me to stay strong emotionally. Because no one is perfect.

very interesting @Former-Member

I go through all those emotions at different stages of eveyday , everyone does

very true that it is what you do with theses emotions

also depends on how you feel , what you see on television , what you read in books , what other people say etc

Like mum , she wants me to buy her " better homes and Gardens" but she said yesterday that the book makes her feel sad because of the beautiful gardens

Like Mr shaz , he shows lack of emotions which i find hard at times

needing to encourge him, love him ,

I think it is fair to say that for most of us, our own emotional health has in some ways been compromised at some point and it is important to acknowledge that caring is or has been at times emotionally draining. I know for myself I was always stoic and found it hard to acknowledge and sit with feelings of grief, loneliness and helplessness.--- very true @Former-Member

@Scoo, @FindingStrength , @Sophie1 , @Appleblossom , @Former-Member , @Boo13 , @Jay-e