What does wellbeing mean to you?

Wellbeing. Or the state, I suppose, of ‘being well’. But what does ‘wellbeing’ actually mean? I was interested to see if there was an actual definition, so I looked it up. The Oxford English Dictionary defines wellbeing as:

“the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy.”
Oxford English Dictionary

It was the ‘or’ here, that got me. Is the definer implying that one can only be comfortable, healthy or happy? Or is the combination of one or more permissible, or actually possible? An interesting thought, don’t you think?

So that got me thinking – could everyone’s definition of ‘wellbeing’ be just a little bit different? Or at least that we all have different priorities?

Wellbeing, in my shoes.

Until the last year or two, wellbeing hasn’t been on my radar that much – or at least it has, but only in a very short term way. I was always aware of its importance, but I spent so much time rushing from one thing to the next, it was always about ‘quick fixes’. I needed things like charity challenges to get me to focus on exercise. Cooking for enjoyment (of both process and eventual taste) was more important than careful consideration of nutritional benefits. And yes, I still do believe that cake is good for the soul (if not the waistline!).

So I suppose you could say that I did do things to contribute to my wellbeing, but I wouldn’t say it was due to a conscious decision to commit to improving it.

But over the last year, my outlook has evolved. I can’t put my finger on a specific reason why – it’s more a combination of things. My daughter is growing up faster than I can even try to comprehend. I’m only 18 months or so off the big 4-0. As a family, we are trying to be more environmentally aware, and modifying our diet accordingly. And of course, I spend a good amount of time with my lovely co-founder, Chloe, whose influence has been nothing but positive when it comes to wellbeing.

So what has changed?

In all honesty, I’d say that I’m at the beginning of my wellbeing journey. Habits are not yet fully embedded, and wellbeing-related activities are still far too easily pushed down the priorities. But I’m making a start and I’m making progress – and that is by far the most important thing.

So what am I doing to make a difference to my wellbeing? Well, here are the current things on my Wellbeing List:

1) Tracker!

This is one that I learned from Chloe. I schedule my gym/swim visits, but while I always have the best of intentions, they do get crossed out when that meeting – you know, the one that just can’t possibly wait – comes up.

So this month I’ve drawn a tracker into my bullet journal. Why? Because I know full well that if it’s there, I will want to fill it in. And if I don’t manage to fill it in enough, I will have a double page that hasn’t been properly used – and that in itself is motivation for someone like me!

2) Cooking differently

I love to cook, and sadly I don’t get as much time as I would like, to do it. Or do it properly at least. So I’ve set myself a couple of challenges – a) to cook a vegetarian meal and b) to cook a new dish, every week. Admittedly, I don’t manage it every week, especially when I have a lot on, but again, I’ve made a good start.

3) Me first. Sometimes.

This one was a big one for me in terms of accepting that even just sometimes, it’s ok to put myself first. It’s ok to say that I need a break. It’s ok to say that I’m struggling with something. And it’s ok to prioritise my own needs over those of others. By looking after myself first, I’m able to look after everyone and everything, so much better.

Wellbeing at We Are Tabono

What does ‘wellbeing’ mean at We Are Tabono? Well, it’s at the absolute heart of everything we do. In the same way that I’m able to look after my family better, when I look after myself first, the same goes for business. If you don’t take the time to look after your own wellbeing, how can you be expected to look after your business?

We could teach you to develop a killer social media strategy or an amazing business plan. But if, for example, you have underlying difficulties with your confidence, delivering those plans to their full effect may be more challenging.

Therefore, our education programme and our membership community support both you and your business. We have people who can support you with your PR, your SEO and your finances – absolutely. But we also have experts in self-care, confidence and creating good habits and positive change. And in addition, our LinkedIn community and co-working events provide you with a safe space to seek support and advice, ask questions and gain feedback.