Elle’s little guide to well-being

27.11.2024 0 Like 0 kommenttia

This little blog post is a small step in the holistic solution to the current problem of well-being in society and institutions. If you take away anything, let it be to look after yourself strongly.

This little blog post is a small step in the holistic solution to the current problem of well-being in society and institutions. If you take away anything, let it be to look after yourself strongly. Feel free to share this post and listen to the meaningful full discussion and podcast episode. Also to read the connected blog post about resources in the University. I hope this blog can be a warm hug, a cosy cup of tea and some simple tips on how to nourish your well-being. 

“We are social beings so we need to feel well together. We thrive in a community. If our society is not well, how can we as individuals thrive in the midst of that?” -Ruusu-Maaria Brousseau

Brain chemistry and basics

The happiest person that I ever met was an exchange student from Germany. She taught me that it is ok to be super happy and that I don’t have to suppress my sparkle. One day I asked her, “How are you so happy?” In a smiling reply, she exclaimed, “dopamine!” 

Our brains’ chemistry greatly influences how we feel. Each one of us resides in a body and a brain. There are fundamental basics that allow our brains to be in a well state:

• Sleep: Deep and consistent sleep. 
• Nutrition: Always have a snack. A variety of rainbow, healthy whole foods. 
• Exercise: Find movement you enjoy and how to fit it consistently into a busy schedule. 
• Water: When a creek is flowing it stays clean and healthy. 

How to play

“Art… is… play.” – Ruusu-Maaria Brousseau

To have more fun in life, ask yourself often, “How can I make this more fun?” The answers may be anything including singing and dancing, music, letting your inner child out, a change of perspective, imagination and smiles. 

Some of the most prescious elderly people in my life have been the ones that laugh. That laugh at even the big sad problems of the world. 

Curating what media you consume

I was fortunate to grow up in a household where we always had to mute the ads and didn’t watch the news. I learnt from a young age that I don’t have to watch/listen/participate in the stories that society presents to me. Let yourself be shielded and safe for as long as you need. Be your own guardian of what comes into your mind. Find things that make you feel how you want to feel. 

Writing and nature

We are complex beings that are entirely of nature. In our podcast discussion Ruusu-Maaria spoke of how journaling and time in nature is not an extra part of her life, but an integral non-negotiable. Regular time in nature is so important. In Finland we can forest bath, wild swim, nibble and forage, and simply walk. 

Journalling comes in many different shapes and forms. Journalling can be for example:

• A way to figure out ourselves and why we are a certain way. 
• Letting out our mind by writing everything that comes to mind.
• A dream journal filled with mysterious morning scribbles from vague realms.
• Capturing of moments of life. 
• A secret, private space to be safe. 

Organise and design your mental space

Brains are for processing, not for storage. The two basic components of a mental organisation system is a calendar and a to-do list. I use google calender and google docs. Also of course a trusty analougue pen and paper. The to-do list should function so that things can easly be unlouded and put onto there. 

Each Sunday I take two hours to do a practice I call reset. In this time I:

• Make a list of everything on my mind and on my to-do list. 
• Go through the list one by one. Either looking after it or putting it in my calendar for later. 
• Look at my calendar and plan the next week/months. 
• Figure out my priorities. 

This practice helps me so much to feel motivated and relaxed. In the podcast we spoke of how important it it to motivate ourselves with play and goals instead of stress. 

Smile at strangers and support friends

This blog thus far has been about the individual caring for themselves. This last note touches on spreading care. When we look after ourselves we look after others better. A smile at a stranger, which is less common in Finland than in other countries, can make both the smiler and the smile feel good. My favourite smiles with strangers is from old grandmas when I am on my morning run. To be old and healthy really inspires me. And lastly, let’s support our friends and those around us. 

You are a bright and wise person, I am sure you already do other ways that make more well-being in the world. Keep up the wonder and have a lovely day.