Well-being is best understood as the separate, yet interdependent state of one’s body, mind and spirit. Coping with the pandemic taught us that our autonomic nervous system (i.e. the body) is in charge of how we manage acute and chronic states of anxiety and fear. Without adequate nourishment (healthy food, water) and maintenance (sleep, exercise), the body interferes with our cognitive (i.e. the mind) capacities, such as attention, retention, memory, integration, and productivity. When our bodies and minds are compromised, our psychological (i.e. spirit) state tends toward anxiety, depression, hopelessness and it is difficult to maintain positive relationships with others.
Achieving physical, mental and emotional equilibrium supports well-being and when we are “well” we are able to: