This diagram represents the foundations of wellbeing. In reality it is much more complex. It is not always as simple as making sure we cover these four areas and all will be well. However, without these foundations it is easy to see how it can lead to us struggling and finding it hard to cope. We may struggle with fatigue due to lack of rest and not eating, we may get caught up in our thoughts and worst case outcomes due to not connecting with others and sitting and thinking. Each one of these areas can link into the other making it harder to cope with stressors.
These foundations are commonly impacted when people are facing mental health difficulties. We can also tend to neglect these areas when work and life is busy, in turn adding to our levels of stress. Maybe this is something you have experienced when you have been stressed or under pressure.
I frequently ask clients about these four areas and sometimes they will be our starting point in therapy. Take a moment now to review your week. Have you been laying your wellbeing foundations? Are there ways you can make some space to prioritise these areas? If an area has ben overlooked, is there is a small way you can re-introduce it over the next week?
If you are an employer, as well as considering your own wellbeing foundations, are there ways your company helps employees maintain their foundations?
Over the next few weeks I will be focusing on each area with some small suggestions you might like to try.
