What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing as a term is used ubiquitously. Often without a clear or shared definition of what it means. At Tailored Thinking we use a research informed definition of wellbeing as "feeling good and functioning well."  Those that feel great and perform well are often described as thriving or flourishing. 

Wellbeing is multifaceted and our day to day wellbeing is influenced by a blend of our biology, environment, circumstances, relationships and our habits, actions and behaviours. 

Buoyant wellbeing

Rather than resist or deflect waves, a buoy moves with them. In stormy weather it gets buffeted more than when it is calm, but the buoy’s position remains relatively stable. This stability is achieved because it is tethered to an anchor.

In order to maintain stable buoyancy from both a mental and physical health and wellbeing perspective it is important to have a strong anchor too. Our natural levels of buoyancy and the size and density of our personal anchors are different and unique. The ability of our personal anchors to keep us grounded is influenced by our actions, behaviours, thoughts and beliefs.

Measuring wellbeing and buoyancy

There is no single measure which can be used to define wellbeing or buoyancy. Instead, all the evidence and research suggests that it is
more useful and appropriate to take a ‘dashboard’ approach. There are a number of different factors which determine our overall
buoyancy. These measures can be applied individually, but also systemically and holistically, across organisations.

Developed by Professor Martin Seligman, the PERMA model (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment) is probably the most well recognised, researched and used model of wellbeing. Underpinning this model is good nutrition, physical activity and sleep.

How can you increase your wellbeing and buoyancy?

Whilst our natural levels of buoyancy and the weight of our personal anchors are unique they are they are not fixed. We can all pro-actively influence our ability to move with, but not get swept away by, the challenges and opportunities we face each day.

There are small and simple things we can do in our everyday lives to foster our wellbeing. The 5 ways to wellbeing provide an evidence-based set of themed actions which promotes wellbeing. These are connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give. The 5 ways to wellbeing are core to many of the actions and activities that give us joy, energy and satisfaction. 

There are also a number of specific activities developed by researchers that have been shown to make a difference to individual levels of wellbeing, happiness and resilience which can be applied inside and outside of work. These include: training ourselves to spot positive events and outcomes during the day, being mindful, expressing gratitude and praise and interacting in a high quality and constructive way with others. 

Taking a holistic approach to wellbeing

A holistic approach to buoyant wellbeing considers wellbeing activities, systems and structures at different levels. Inspired by the work of Aaron Jarden, we encourage organisations to use a Me, We and Us model:

• ME wellbeing skills and behaviours at an individual level

• WE wellbeing skills, structures and behaviours at a team level

• US wellbeing campaigns, communications, structures and strategies from an organisational-wide level

To be truly transformative, we take a research-informed approach which enables individuals, groups and teams to learn, live and then lead wellbeing principles before they are able to finally embed them across organisations and into everyday ways of working.