A focus on total wellbeing

From mental and physical health to financial wellbeing, it’s clear that total wellbeing has become a priority for many businesses. But what does it mean to focus on total wellbeing? And why should employers be making this a priority? In this post, we will explore the importance of focusing on total wellbeing and the steps that employers can take to ensure their employees are as healthy and productive as possible. From understanding the importance of physical health to learning how mental health can affect work performance, let’s dive into how employers can foster a happier and more productive workplace through total wellbeing.

What is total wellbeing?

Total wellbeing is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing that takes into account all aspects of an individual’s life. It recognises that physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health are all interconnected and interdependent, and that each contributes to our overall sense of wellbeing.

Total wellbeing is about more than just absence of disease or illness; it is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing. It is a dynamic process that involves continual growth and development throughout our lives.

There are many factors that contribute to total wellbeing, including our physical environment, our social relationships, our work and leisure activities, and our lifestyle choices.Making positive choices in each of these areas can help us to achieve optimum health and wellbeing.

The benefits of total wellbeing

When it comes to our health, we often think about physical wellbeing first. However, our mental and emotional wellbeing are just as important for our overall health and wellbeing.

Total wellbeing is about more than just being physically healthy. It’s about having a balance of physical, mental, emotional and social health. When we have total wellbeing, we feel good physically, mentally and emotionally. We have a sense of purpose and satisfaction in life, and strong relationships with the people around us.

There are many benefits to total wellbeing. Here are some of the most important:

1. Improved physical health: When we have total wellbeing, we tend to take better care of our physical health. We exercise more regularly, eat healthier foods and get regular check-ups with our doctor. This leads to improved physical health and a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

2. Improved mental health: Total wellbeing also leads to improved mental health. When we feel good physically, mentally and emotionally, we’re less likely to experience anxiety and depression. We sleep better at night, have more energy during the day and cope better with stressors in our lives.

3. Improved work performance: Total wellbeing doesn’t just benefit our personal lives – it can also lead to improved work performance. When we’re physically healthy and have a positive outlook on life, we’re more productive at work and make better

The barriers to achieving total wellbeing

There are many barriers that can prevent people from achieving total wellbeing. One of the most common barriers is stress. When people are stressed, they may not be able to focus on their own wellbeing. They may also engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as overeating or drinking, which can sabotage their efforts to improve their wellbeing.

Another barrier to achieving total wellbeing is a lack of knowledge about how to improve one’s health and wellbeing. Many people do not know where to start when it comes to making changes in their lifestyle or diet. Without guidance, it can be difficult to make lasting changes that will improve your wellbeing.

Finally, another major barrier to achieving total wellbeing is a lack of time or resources. Many people have busy schedules and cannot find time to focus on their health and wellbeing. Others may not have access to resources, such as healthy food or safe places to exercise. These barriers can make it difficult for people to achieve total wellbeing, but there are ways to overcome them.

How to overcome the barriers to total wellbeing

There are many barriers to total wellbeing, but the good news is that there are also many ways to overcome them. Here are some tips:

1. Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for our physical and mental health. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

2. Eat healthy: Eating healthy foods helps our bodies to function at their best. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

3. Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps to improve our overall fitness and health.

4. Take breaks: When we’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s important to take a step back and relax. Take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, or find another activity that can help you de-stress.

5. Connect with others: Spending time with loved ones or close friends can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions.

Total wellbeing in the workplace

When we talk about total wellbeing in the workplace, we are referring to the idea that employees should be supported in all aspects of their lives - physical, mental, social and economic - in order to have a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.

There are a number of initiatives that companies can put in place to support total wellbeing in the workplace, including:

Physical wellbeing: Providing access to healthy food options, encouraging employees to take regular breaks and incorporating physical activity into the work day.

Mental wellbeing: Promoting a culture of open communication, offering support for employees who are experiencing stress or anxiety and providing access to mental health resources.

Social wellbeing: Encouraging employees to develop social connections within the workplace, supporting flexible working arrangements and offering opportunities for professional development.

Economic wellbeing: Offering competitive salaries and benefits packages, providing financial planning resources and supporting employees in their career growth.

Conclusion

A focus on total wellbeing is an important step toward achieving physical and mental health. By practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, eating right, exercising regularly, and taking care of your mental health, you can be well on your way to a healthier version of yourself. With these tips in mind, everyone can take steps to invest in their own wellbeing and work towards creating a balanced life that they are proud of.