Purposeful wellbeing, sometimes referred to as ‘spiritual wellbeing’, is easy to neglect when we don’t realise it’s something we need.
It’s all about identifying who we are, what matters to us and how we can contribute to something greater than ourselves. A source of energy, providing sense of fulfilment and strengthening our resiliency in times of change and high stress.
Here are 5 ways to look after your purposeful wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak.
1) Set yourself an intention - Ask yourself, “In 2021, when I tell others about how I navigated this period of time, what will I say?” From this answer look for your intention, how do you want to be or what do you want to achieve during this time. Write this on a piece of paper and stick it somewhere you’ll see it each day.
If it helps with inspiration, here’s mine…
(FYI I first wrote down what I didn’t want then flipped this to something to move towards!)
2) Help others – Doing good also does you good. When we’re kind to others our bodies release the love hormone oxytocin, along with mood regulating serotonin and we also get a dopamine hit that can lead to “helpers high”.
What can you do today to give to others?
Perhaps there is a way you can offer your time, be a listening ear, help with fundraising, smile at a stranger, or even just say thank you to someone.
Here are many more ideas for random acts of kindness from the Mental Health Foundation.
3) Start journaling - All you need for this is a notebook and a pen. Keep it close by, perhaps by your bed, and use it as your place to capture your wildest thoughts, dreams, hopes and fears. Notice if any themes arrive and what they suggest you may like to stop, start or continue practicing in your life. 4) Follow your passion – Find a way for your inner life to connect with the wider world.
Engage with and create around the things you really care about in life:
Music
Dance
Art
Theatre
Reading
Writing
Photography or videography
Being in nature
Spending time with animals
Cooking
You don’t need to be a professional at something for it to bring you joy. If you’re feeling drawn towards a particular activity, go try it out. See where it takes you. 5) Take a personal strengths test - This isn’t about measuring your bicep curls, it’s a way to appreciate what you’re naturally great at. An opportunity to stop and think if you’re playing to your strengths in life, bringing your full character into your relationships and work.
For a free, research-based survey see: www.viacharacter.org
Our wellbeing is holistic. Check out our 5 tips for:
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This article was originally written for The Drinks Trust as part of their COVID-19 updates. If you haven't heard of this wonderful charity then do pay their website a visit and see how you can support, or be supported, as a member of the drinks and hospitality industry.