3 Keys To Well-Being: An Emotional Upgrade

Whether you're battling a looming work deadline, a to-do list that stretches to infinity, or a pack of grumpy kiddos, one thing's for sure: overwhelm is no joke. And in the midst of overwhelm, we often slip into the "I'm stuck" mindset.

Check out our Three Keys To Well-Being, which may just bring you more balance, bliss, and an emotional upgrade!

1. Find your Purpose: The Soul's GPS

Just as a compass points at a fixed point on the globe, our personal true north pulls us forward. It’s like having an internal GPS that keeps us on course, guiding us through life's twists and turns.

A sense of purpose shapes our choices, actions, and triumphs. Some find it in nurturing a family, championing their community, chasing passions, or even pursuing their professional path.

Research shows that individuals with a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life tend to have better mental health, overall well-being, and cognitive functioning.

Purpose is crafted through self-awareness and can sometimes feel like a DIY project—it takes work! But when we tap into the magic of being our genuine, authentic, unapologetic selves—and uncover our purpose and principles, we can proudly declare what truly matters to us and let it shine. 

2. Stay Engaged: When life gives you a high-five for being fully present

It's when you're not scrolling through life's feed but giving your full focus to whatever's in front of you. Whether it's being engaged fully in a conversation, a project, a passion, or a cause, engagement implies a deep level of involvement that can lead to a richer and more fulfilling experience.

Embracing the present can sometimes take guts—but it’s where the real magic happens. Mindfulness and being present are skills that can be cultivated over time through practice. Gradually, you can become more comfortable facing your emotions and incorporating them into your self-discovery and personal development journey.

To live a fully engaged life that fills you up, explore new opportunities, and try something new regularly. Be open to new challenges and embrace change in the little moments. Embark on new adventures! Open your mind. Listen more to the people in your life.

Remember that good days for your well-being won't always look the same. Energy and motivation play hooky from time to time— so cut yourself some slack, be kind to yourself, and do what feels right for you.

3. Nurture Your Relationships: Connections add spice to the story of life

Forging and nurturing your relationships and bonds with fellow humans isn't just a cure for the loneliness bug; it improves mental health issues such as stress and anxiety.

But between juggling work, parenting, and adulting, friendships can sometimes take a backseat. Nurturing and cultivating our bonds allows for a deeper level of connection and can help you build long-term friendships, partnerships, and closer ties to family.

Well-being and relationships collaborate harmoniously. Relationships plant the seeds of well-being, nurture your immune system, extend your lifespan, and fortify your stress resistance.

The longest in-depth longitudinal study on human life ever done is by the Harvard Study of Adult Development. This study has established a strong correlation between deep relationships and well-being. The study’s directors have watched participants fall in and out of relationships over time, find success and failure at their jobs, and become mothers and fathers. The conclusion? Good relationships lead to health, happiness, and well-being—but those relationships must be nurtured. Tending to your relationships is a form of self-care, too. This study proves that embracing community and relationships helps us live longer and be happier.

Ask yourself: Who makes you feel energized when you’re with them, and who would you like to see more of? How can you nurture those connections?

If you're struggling with finding purpose, staying engaged, or forming relationships and connecting with others, you may also want to see a therapist to help you identify these behaviours and find ways to move past them. Therapy's essence often revolves around mastering the art of cultivating a relationship that constructs and imparts a sense of security. It's about placing trust in someone who is genuinely dependable while also honing the ability to unveil what’s going on in your world and seek support. Healthy connections in therapy allow us to learn that relationships can be safe!

Our team of registered therapists and counsellors at Benchmark Counselling Group offer top-notch support and are here to provide the ultimate emotional upgrade. Up your Well-Being! Sessions are online or in person across North Vancouver, Vancouver, and beyond.