World Wellbeing Week 2020: What does it mean to be well?

What Does It Really Mean To Be Well?

World Wellbeing Week and the many faces of wellness

World Wellbeing Week was established to raise awareness of the many aspects that make up a truly healthy life. But beyond the buzzwords, do you actually know what it means to be well?

We’re often told to eat well, sleep well, move more and “look after our mental health”. All of that matters – but wellbeing goes deeper and is more multi-layered than a simple checklist.

The Main Areas of Wellbeing

Wellbeing is usually considered across several core areas:

• Physical

• Emotional / Psychological

• Social

• Intellectual

• Economic

• Spiritual

Each of these influences the others. When one is neglected, it can ripple into the rest.

So, What Is Wellbeing?

Definitions that go beyond “not being ill”

The Oxford Dictionary defines wellbeing as general health and happiness, both physically and emotionally. It also suggests that to “be well”, you need a sense of your own wellbeing – in other words, some awareness of how you’re really doing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) takes this further, defining health as:

“Complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing – and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

So being well is not just “I’m not sick right now”. It’s about feeling supported, resourced and balanced across different areas of life.

Because concepts like “healthy”, “comfortable” and “happy” are deeply personal, there’s no single, universal definition of wellbeing that fits everyone. What we can say is:

When you regularly check in with how you feel – physically and emotionally – and take small steps to move beyond simply “not unwell” in each area, you begin to build your own version of wellbeing.

Working on Your Own Wellbeing

Wellbeing isn’t just a trend or a hashtag. It’s the foundation underneath your quality of life and the decisions you make every day.

Let’s break down the key areas and what you can practically do in each.

Physical Wellbeing

“Healthy body, healthy mind” may sound cliché – but there’s truth in it.

Looking after your physical body supports both your physical health and your mental state. Some foundations of physical wellbeing include:

• Eating a balanced, nourishing diet

• Moving your body regularly in ways you enjoy

• Creating a sleep-friendly environment and routine

• Spending some time in daylight (with appropriate SPF)

• Basic self-care: brushing your teeth, staying hydrated, wearing comfortable shoes if you’re on your feet all day, etc.

Small, consistent actions here can make a big difference to your energy, mood and resilience.

Emotional / Psychological Wellbeing

Emotional wellness is more complex – and not always fully within our control. That’s why it’s important to accept that:

It is okay not to feel okay all of the time.

Instead of expecting 100% emotional perfection, focus on giving yourself the best chance of feeling emotionally well by:

• Regularly checking in with yourself

  
  

  • How am I actually feeling today?

  • Am I snapping or lashing out at others?

  • When was the last time I relaxed properly?

  
  

• Noticing if there’s something specific you’re avoiding or need to address

• Finding healthy coping tools for stress or low mood, such as:

  
  

  • Meditation or breathing exercises

  • Physical activity

  • Talking to someone you trust

  • Journalling or creative expression

  
  

These habits don’t erase difficulty, but they help you ride the waves more safely.

Social Wellbeing

Social wellbeing is about the quality of your connections and how you interact with the people around you.

Humans are social creatures. Relationships play a huge role in:

• Mental stimulation

• A sense of belonging

• Self-confidence and self-esteem

• Feeling supported in tough times

Maintaining social wellbeing might include:

• Nurturing close friendships and family relationships

• Setting healthy boundaries where needed

• Making time for meaningful conversation, not just surface-level small talk

• Reaching out when you need help instead of isolating yourself

Good relationships don’t have to be perfect. They just need to be supportive, respectful and real.

Intellectual Wellbeing

Just as your body needs movement, your mind needs stimulation.

Intellectual wellbeing is about:

• Learning new things

• Developing skills and hobbies

• Staying curious and open to new ideas

• Setting yourself mental challenges that stretch you

This doesn’t have to mean formal study. It could be:

• Reading

• Creative hobbies

• Learning a language

• Problem-solving tasks

• Exploring new perspectives through podcasts, documentaries or discussions

Investing in your intellectual growth helps you build confidence, adaptability and a deeper sense of who you are.

Economic Wellbeing

Economic wellness refers to:

Having enough financial security to feel reasonably safe and optimistic about the future.

What this looks like will differ for everyone, but money worries are one of the most common sources of stress.

While you can’t always control your circumstances, you can:

• Build awareness of your income and spending

• Create simple budgets or spending plans

• Prioritise essentials and savings where possible

• Seek advice or support if finances feel overwhelming

Feeling a little more in control of your money – even in small ways – can significantly reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Spiritual Wellbeing

Spiritual wellness isn’t necessarily about religion (though it can be). It’s about your:

• Core values

• Beliefs about life

• Sense of meaning and purpose

• Personal “moral compass”

When you:

• Know what you stand for

• Have a sense of direction

• Hold yourself to a standard that feels right for you

…you’re more likely to experience inner peace rather than constant internal conflict. This can reduce stress and support both mental and physical health.

Spiritual wellbeing might be nurtured through:

• Reflection or journalling

• Time in nature

• Prayer or meditation

• Acts of kindness or service

• Creative or meaningful work

Celebrating World Wellbeing Week

Wellbeing may be hard to define precisely – and that’s part of its strength.

Because it’s broad and personal, you have permission to shape it in a way that works for you.

During World Wellbeing Week (and beyond), take a moment to ask yourself:

• What helps me feel calm and grounded?

• What genuinely makes me happy?

• Where do I feel “stuck” or stressed right now?

• What small change could I make in any of these areas – physical, emotional, social, intellectual, economic, spiritual – to support my overall wellbeing?

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life. Start with one or two tiny, consistent steps.

Wellbeing isn’t about perfection. It’s about gradually building a life where you’re not just “getting by”, but moving closer to feeling truly well – in your own way.