Concept Of Wellbeing

This essay explores different ways we can build on our strengths and increase our resilience when faced with different challenges. It is also about going further than coping and surviving and realising that there is good evidence that a range of simple actions are strongly linked to people feeling happier and more satisfied with their lives. Furthermore, there is actions you can take that will build up your health and well-being and then doing something yourself.

The concept of wellbeing can be divided into two elements;

Feeling positive about yourself and the way you live.

And how you function within the world.

An organisation called N.E.F (New Economics Foundation) developed ‘five ways to wellbeing’ it is designed to improve

This theory is portrayed in a pyramid (Maslow’s hierarchy of needs). The needs consist of physiology needs, security, love and belonging, esteem, self-actualisation and finally self-transcendence.

Our primitive needs are at the bottom of the pyramid, it is the most fundamental of needs. It is our physiological needs such as water, food and air, without these we would not be able to survive In addition we also need shelter and clothing to keep our bodies warm from the elements.

According to Maslow the next level consists of security, this could be personal, financial or health and well-being. If we feel secure and safe we are more likely to be happy and confident to move up.

Maslow also believed that all humans have the need to feel a sense of belonging, whether within families, friends or communities. If this is achieved it will give individuals esteem. The need to be accepted by others and gain self-worth.

Self-actualisation is the need to reach ones full potential. This may be include becoming a manager, a parent or a good sports person (Simply Psychology,

Some common health issues related to poverty include poor dental health, heart disease caused by smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancies and malnutrition (Wellbeingpathways.org.2017).

Unfortunately the most affected by poverty is children. Children who experience poverty are less likely to perform well at school, have a low self-esteem, lower expectations for their life and progress into criminal behaviour.

Money is another root cause for stress, not being able to afford nutritional meals for your children, unable to afford to socialise with family or friends, limited to resources and choices. Mental, health and social problems will then stem, for example a person may become depressed and suffer from anxiety. This will lead to withdrawing from others and resulting in social exclusion.

Time limitations may be another factor that restricts a person’s wellbeing. Life can be hectic through work and family. It may be hard to find time to make changes.

Current physical conditions may restrict lifestyle choices, such as the level of exercise or diet they can do. For example the person may find it hard to access services due to ill health or disability. Sight or hearing impairment may be a restriction or they may simply have a low self- esteem about themselves to make a