Wellness is a term we often associate with fluffy face masks, spas, massages, and other luxurious treatments. Yes, at least something we should make time and money for, but which most of us don't have the capacity to prioritize in everyday life. This idea of wellness is high on the "should" list and far down on the priority list.
Before we go into the distant relationship with wellness, what does it actually mean?
Wellness as a holistic concept At its core, wellness is about a balanced and holistic approach to life. It covers areas such as mental, physical, social, and emotional health. It may seem like a luxury, but it should not depend on anyone's financial situation. Let's define and associate with the term what it actually is: First and foremost, the absence of illness and how we feel, function, and cope with life" wellness = HOW WE FEEL AND HOW WE DEAL?
How does it end up so low on the priority list? In addition to the various roles we have to fulfill at work and in private life, we are constantly exposed to what we should, must, and ought to do - the truth is that most of us are not very good at juggling.
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Prevalence: Studies show that a significant proportion of workers experience symptoms of burnout. According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is recognized as a condition that can affect workers and is linked to higher stress levels.
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Norway: According to a 2020 survey on mental health, approximately 30% of Norwegian workers reported experiencing work-related stress, and part of this can be related to the risk of burnout.
We constantly read about how we should optimize ourselves as individuals, which in itself creates more stress and pressure than ever. When was the last time we truly listened to our body's signals? When did taking a break from the screen become a rarity, or enjoying a meal without distractions, an anomaly? We live in a cultural norm where multitasking is a sign of productivity and where we often forget that true self-care is not about time, but about quality.
Wellness for you is most likely different from wellness for me, yet no less important either way. The concept does not tell you how to take care of yourself; it is up to each individual to figure that out. If you think wellness is time-consuming, try sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's.
We must break the pattern of taking our well-being for granted. A change begins with one choice: to prioritize wellness. Perhaps it's not about doing one thing or another, but about doing nothing? Perhaps it's a walk in the morning before emails and messages attack us. This does not mean you should upend everything you know and start a new life; start small and figure out what wellness means to you, what it looks like, and how it is maintained. It involves trying different things, and it involves doing more than just thinking you will.
Remember that time is not something you have, but something you take. It's not always about doing more, but less of what doesn't support your well-being. Prioritize your well-being so you don't have to work on rehabilitating the consequences.