An ancient saying attributed to the poet Virgil states, ‘the greatest wealth is health’.
As a Clinical Psychologist, a longstanding passion for health motivated me to undertake specialist training and develop expertise to make a positive difference in the lives of people in distress. However, in addition to seeking formal psychological therapy at times when professional help is needed, there is much we can all do to be active participants in our own health and wellbeing.
‘The 5 Ways to Wellbeing’ presents a framework of evidence-based actions to promote overall physical and mental health, through simple actions we can take in everyday life:
- Connect with other people
- Get physically active
- Keep learning
- Give to others
- Take notice
A lens of awareness is important when applying this to our unique circumstances and honouring needs (e.g. seeking medical advice prior to engaging in a new exercise regimen or giving a simple acknowledgement of gratitude or kindness).
Taking notice includes being aware of and including simple things that bring you joy. For me, this has always involved immersion in the natural world. I’m never happier than when outside and savour the many ways nature reminds me of the vast interconnectedness of life.
Anticipating joy on a grey and overcast February day, I found myself standing beneath a 7-metre-wide suspended lunar art installation at St Martin’s Church. Created by world-renowned artist Luke Jerram and hosted during its time in South Essex by Creative Basildon, this Moon exhibition is undertaking a world tour. I felt fortunate to experience this inspiring installation (featuring NASA imagery of the lunar surface) as it passed through our neck of the woods.
I reflected that – deeply embedded in our earliest memories – encountering the Moon is an experience that connects humanity. Ever present, yet not always visible, the Moon has a profound effect upon life on Earth. This close encounter also stirred within me a mysterious and complex emotion – awe.
As a psychologist, I’m conscious of the emerging science about this fascinating emotional state. In praise of Eagle & Amster’s book ‘The Power of Awe’ (2023), Stephen Porges, the creator of Polyvagal Theory, acknowledges: “Awe is indeed powerful; it’s able to dampen fight-flight responses and activate a parasympathetic state to support calm feelings and relaxation”.
As we approach World Health Day on April 7th (marking the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization) I invite you to consider how the 5 Ways to Wellbeing might be applied in your own life and to consider the awe-inspiring everyday wonders all around us.
The surface of the Moon contains an area known as the Sea of Tranquility: my wish is that we may all find inspiration to help illuminate our path and greater tranquility – here on our beautiful and precious planet Earth.
Further Information:
NHS Information on 5 Steps to Wellbeing – https://www.nhs.uk/mental-
MIND – https://www.mind.org.uk/
Museum of the Moon – https://my-moon.org
Book Reference: Eagle, J & and Amster, M. (2023). The Power of Awe.
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