Article

It's time to rethink our perception of wellbeing

17 July 2023

3 min read

Healthy Mind

Despite what we may see and hear in the media, wellbeing doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming or directly linked to the shape and size of our bodies. In fact, it can mean different things to everybody.

Wellbeing may be synonymous with day spas, green smoothies and hitting the gym, but in reality, it’s much more than this. Health is holistic, and factors in all aspects of your life.

Staying on top of your wellbeing doesn’t mean you need an all or nothing approach because even doing a small something can make all the difference. With this in mind, we’ve found small things you can do to keep your wellbeing at its best.

Move Well: Improve your wellness in only two-minutes

It’s well known that exercise can destress and improve your mood, but you don’t have to run a marathon to feel the positive effects on your wellbeing. If you’re finding it hard to squeeze in the recommended 2.5 hours of moderate activity each week, don’t stress. Studies¹ have shown that even adding a two-minute walk every hour during the day can positively impact your health and wellbeing. This could look like walking to the kitchen to get a glass of water or even a quick lap of the office.

All or Something 

Exercising is a great way to destress, boost the endorphins and earn AIA Vitality Points that count towards your weekly Active Benefit.

All: Sign up to a fun run and use this as motivation to build up your fitness.

Something: Get off the tram one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.

If you need some more exercise inspiration, check out how to get the most out of your AIA Vitality membership.

Think Well: Setting realistic goals may increase your wellbeing

The power of positive thoughts on your mood are well known. However, being a realist may lead to a greater sense of long-term wellbeing. A recent study² found that when it comes to happiness, those who overestimate positive outcomes reported lower levels of wellbeing when compared to those who set realistic expectations. It’s still important to keep those negative thoughts at bay – the study also found that the wellbeing of those with positive thoughts still trumped those with negative thoughts. Realists also came out on top when compared to pessimists, dispelling the common assumption that having low expectations limits disappointment. To put being more positive self-talk into action, try choosing more positive words and thinking of one thing you’re grateful for each day.

Eat Well: An escape to the country could improve your diet

It’s not uncommon for people to think that eating well is a chore. However, a 2022³ study found that people who felt more connected to nature were more likely to have a diverse diet with a higher fruit and vegetable consumption. This could mean that a trip to the country could have you naturally choosing a carrot over a croissant. Don’t have time for a country escape? Even opting to sit in the park during lunch may help you feel more connected to nature, which has its own benefits like cognitive flexibility, better memory and more.

Plan Well: The importance of following up on your GP appointment

It may be all too easy to skip or forget to follow up on a GP appointment but keeping to a schedule could improve your overall wellbeing. A study⁴ found that missing GP appointments is associated with premature death from non-natural causes, with those who have long-term mental health conditions being most at risk. A small way to keep on top of your appointments is to schedule a follow-up appointment before you leave the clinic or set a reminder on your phone for when your next check-up should be. This way, you can protect your future wellbeing, all while enjoying the satisfaction of ticking something off your to-do list. You can also get to know your health more by completing relevant health checks and earning rewards for being active on the AIA Vitality app.

*Footnotes:
^{1 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150430170715.htm

2 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200707113230.htm

3 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220425135943.htm

4 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190111112849.htm}

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2023 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as at 14 March 2023 and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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