Personal Wellbeing Vlog

Personal Wellbeing Vlog

This is a short video on ways you can maintain your personal wellbeing and reasons why you should be looking after your health.

This is a list of each member's contributions:

Elaine - camera person, editor and acting

Pavithra - script writer and acting

Kajaal - acting

Niyati - acting

Hope you find this video entertaining and useful. 

Coping with Painful Emotions

                        Coping with Painful Emotions

                                                    By: Kaajal Sharma

Going through a difficult phase with multiple emotions attached is a common part of all our lives. What matters the most is how we deal with those emotions.

A popular, yet negative way of taking over such painful emotion could either be getting caught u in the suffering (for example, overthinking on something you believe was done wrong by you) or by trying to mask away your feelings.

However, I'm sure after repetitive practice we all would agree that a responsible and productive way to deal with those feelings is to accept them. Simply acknowledging it to be a natural human response to pain.

In times of struggle and suffering due to painful emotions, you should try one of these strategies:

1. Drop the negative thoughts that come to your mind. Do not overthink.
2. Start writing journals where you could list your emotions
3. Share your feelings or thoughts with a person you trust
4. Think about the sufferings other people face and allow yourself to get a break from the isolation of your experiences

Reference:

• https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your-wellbeing/health/thoughts-emotions/deal-negativity-healthy-way#

Image Reference:

• https://www.google.com.au/search?q=wellbeing+and+emotions&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjt9tudufzWAhWCE5QKHVvTCFEQ_AUICigB&biw=1707&bih=844&dpr=1.13#imgrc=U6wrm7p4Fp3V0M:
• https://www.google.com.au/search?q=wellbeing+and+emotions&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjt9tudufzWAhWCE5QKHVvTCFEQ_AUICigB&biw=1707&bih=844&dpr=1.13#imgrc=bwGA8zsy6fA8MM:

Information on Personal Wellbeing

Wellbeing Resource

By: Niyati Roy

There are many different websites that offer information on mental wellbeing. But the most resourceful website is the mindhealthconnect website which is promoted by the Australian government. The website makes the important distinction which is that wellbeing is distinct from happiness as it is a consistent state of wellness, satisfaction and contentment. According to the website the contributors of wellbeing include:

• Health
• Personal relationships
• Feelings of safety
• Standard of living 
• Sense of achievement and purpose
• Feeling part of community
• Future security

The website offers different fact sheets on areas such as meditation, building resilience, self talk and mental health. Each fact sheet provides an introduction to the area, the benefits of partaking in the area and some examples of activities they can do. The website also provides organisations and resources that individuals can contact if they need help regarding mental or physical health. The website is applicable to all ages and provides information for younger children to older adults. Hence it is a comprehensive resource for information on personal wellbeing. 

Website/Reference: http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au/ 

Image: http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au/images/mhc-logo.png

Gardening and Wellbeing

The relation between Gardening and Health

By: Niyati Roy 

Studies show that gardening is important for physical health, mental health and promotes better nutrition. Some of the benefits of gardening can be summarised as:

• Stress relief 
• Exercise 
• Brain health
• Nutrition
• Healing 
• Immunity

Gardening helps with stress relief by lowering stress hormones and increasing positive mood. Gardening is also a form of exercise especially for older adults who cannot exert too much physical energy. Studies following individuals in their 60s and 70s found that those who gardened regularly had a 30% lower risk of dementia than those who did not garden frequently. In addition, gardening is simply useful for producing healthier fruits and vegetables which assists in nutrition and healthy eating.  Interacting with nature also helps our bodies heal. A landmark study by Roger S. Ulrich, published in the April 27, 1984, issue of Science magazine, found strong evidence that nature helps heal. This was noticed in the form of fewer hospital stays, fewer complaints and less pain medication. 

Ultimately gardening provides a method to unwind, relax, reflect and restore ourselves. It provides us an opportunity to connect with nature and learn from it. Although it is often carried out by older individuals, it should be enforced in all ages due to its spiritual and psychological benefits. 

The benefits of gardening can also result from the type of flowers planted:

• Coloured flowers and roses can be visually stimulating and provide warmth and tranquility. 
• Herbs are a way to stimulate olfactory senses and are a source of nutrition. 
• Tactile plants appeal to our sense of touch. Smooth, soft, silky leaves compel you to touch them!
• Even the sound of rustling leaves and grass is a soothing element in the garden. 

References: 

-https://permaculturenews.org/2013/06/05/wellbeing-gardening-gardening-for-the-body-mind-spirit

-Ulrich RS (1984) View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science 224(4647):420–421.

-https://gardeners-perth.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/o-GARDENING-TOOL-facebook.jpg

-http://totalairborne.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/gardening.jpg

The Nature of Wellbeing

                                 The Nature of Wellbeing

                                                          By: Kaajal Sharma

As all of us know, personal wellbeing is a very crucial part of all our lives. However, the sad part attached to it is that it seems a little hard to come by. An American study about mental health found that “while one in four respondents was depressed, only one in five was happy – the rest fell somewhere between, neither happy nor depressed”. 

Additionally, a recent consumer study on wellbeing based in Australia showed that:

• 58 percent of the people wished to spend more time on improving their overall health and wellbeing
• 79 percent of parents with children under the age of 18 declared their wishes of spending more time on improving their overall health and wellbeing
• 83 percent of people, however, said that they would readily spend more money on products and services just to receive the satisfaction in their feelings of wellbeing

Reference:

• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/wellbeing

Image Reference:

• https://www.google.com.au/search?q=nature+of+wellbeing&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwix1rvrlPnWAhVClVQKHcWOBdsQ_AUICigB&biw=1707&bih=789&dpr=1.13#imgrc=CLwL_CTg_TXblM:

Wealth is not the key to happiness

                   Wealth is not the key to happiness

                                                       By: Kaajal Sharma

It is known that money is directly linked to our wellbeing. Having sufficient money improves our living conditions, and increases social status. However, we all must take note that happiness may be seen to increase by income, but this this increase will only be bound to a certain level.

There is a myth believed by most people that the presence of wealth is a fast track to happiness. Various international studies, on the other hand, have shown that it is actually the quality of our personal relationships with people that make a huge difference to our wellbeing, and not the number in our bank balance.

The strong belief in this myth can prove to be very harmful towards an individual's wellbeing. For example, someone working for long overs in greed of a high income will at some point in life realise that they have missed out on a lot of time with their family, friends and leisure pursuits. 

The more a person works, the higher the reduction of a person's life satisfaction will be. Research indicates that people who pour in all the efforts for extrinsic goals (for example, wealth or fame) have a higher chance to be anxious, depressed and dissatisfied than the people who enjoy the essence of a happy relationship with their loved ones.

Reference:

1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/wellbeing

Why You Should Be Spending More Time With Animals

Why You Should Be Spending More Time With Animals

Written By: Elaine Lopez

It's true when they say dogs are a man's best friend. But what about other animals like cats? or rabbits? or any other kind of pet you can name. There are so many reasons why you should be spending time with animals.

 

According to research, one reason why you should be spending time with animals is because they can relax you. By petting your cat, dog, rabbit or whatever pet you have, can be therapeutic to both you and the animal. Ever feel yourself more relaxed by doing so? It is because it releases a feel-good endorphins in you and reduces your heart rate.

Ever felt overwhelmed or completely stressed out and in need of a good distraction? Well having your own pet is great for relaxation and distraction. They keep you in the present by engaging with your pet, you may end up forgetting about all your troubles. Your mind is in the moment instead of worrying about the past or future. In doing so you can keep distracted by also taking photos and videos of cute moments with your pet.

Another great reason why you should be spending more time with your pet or maybe even someone else's pet is because they lessen loneliness. You might feel lonely even when you are surrounded by other people. But a great way to lessen your loneliness is being surrounded by a pet as they can be a great companion. Pets are very loyal and intuitive, they will always know when you are feeling down and refuse to be alone. They provide so much love through the good and bad times.

If you want to see many more other reasons, then check out the first two links below for more.

References:

• https://www.rodalewellness.com/health/stress-relief-and-animals
• https://www.huffingtonpost.com/danielle-hark/pet-ownership-health_b_3187960.html
• https://www.causes.com/posts/917098 
• https://www.sa.sc.edu/shs/cw/heartbeat-3/