QUESTION 1 / What were the biggest things you learnt while completing this task?
During the wellbeing project, I learnt a lot about the importance of both physical and mental health, as well as how you can improve your wellbeing and how it can effect your everyday life.
Mental and physical wellbeing are fundamentally interconnected and vital for overall health and quality of life. Mental wellbeing encompasses emotional and psychological health, including factors such as stress management, resilience, and cognitive functioning, which in turn affect one’s ability to make sound decisions, maintain relationships, and experience happiness. Physical wellbeing involves maintaining the body’s fitness, strength, and vitality, influencing overall energy levels and susceptibility to illness. Both dimensions of wellbeing are mutually reinforcing, as physical activity can positively impact mental health by reducing stress and improving mood, while good mental health can motivate healthy behaviours like exercise and a balanced diet.
There are several ways in which a person can improve their wellbeing through physical, mental, social and emotional activity.
Physical:
Physical activity offers numerous mental health benefits. It triggers the release of endorphins, natural mood lifters that reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing dopamine and serotonin, which enhance feelings of well-being and happiness. Regular exercise can boost self-esteem and body image, fostering a more positive self-concept. It also improves sleep quality, helping to alleviate symptoms of depression. Additionally, physical activity provides a break from daily routines, reducing mental fatigue and improving cognitive function. Engaging in activities such as jogging, yoga, or dancing, can lead to improved mental well-being, helping manage conditions like depression and anxiety.
Mental:
Engaging in mental activities like mindfulness, meditation, or problem-solving can enhance mental well-being. For example, meditation reduces stress and anxiety, while problem-solving boosts cognitive skills and confidence. These activities promote emotional regulation, reduce the risk of mental health issues, and foster resilience, contributing to an overall sense of contentment and balance.
Social:
Social activity can significantly enhance mental wellbeing by providing emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation, and fostering a sense of belonging. Interacting with friends, family, or participating in group activities can alleviate stress, boost self-esteem, and enhance mood.
Emotional:
Emotional activity can benefit mental well-being by promoting self-awareness, stress reduction, and healthy relationships. For instance, sharing feelings with a trusted friend can alleviate emotional burden, while practicing mindfulness can enhance emotional regulation, leading to reduced anxiety. Engaging in hobbies and creative outlets like painting or music can provide emotional release and foster a sense of fulfilment, contributing to overall mental health.
Your mental well-being profoundly impacts daily life. It influences your mood, decision-making, relationships, and productivity. Good mental health enhances resilience and coping, leading to more positive experiences. Poor mental health can lead to emotional distress, impaired focus, and strained relationships. Prioritising mental well-being is crucial for a fulfilling and balanced life.
QUESTION 2 / What’s one piece of advice would you pass on to young people with regards to wellbeing above all else? Why?
Prioritise self-care and mental health. Take time for self-reflection, practice mindfulness, and nurture your emotional health. Cultivate resilience to navigate life’s challenges. Seek support when needed, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Embrace a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a nourishing diet, and quality sleep. Remember, your well-being is the foundation for a happy and fulfilling life.
This is the advice I would give to young people/teenagers as people easily forget how important it is to take a break or to take some time to talk to someone about how they are feeling, as they feel too embarrassed or pressured to do well. I think students also need to understand that it is not all about getting good grades, but about enjoying their life and living it to the fullest.
QUESTION 3 / Write down a pledge that you will commit to in regards to your own wellbeing. Why did you pick these things to commit to? How will you stick to these commitments?
My pledge:
I pledge to prioritise my own wellbeing by cultivating a healthy balance between my physical and mental health. I will make a concerted effort to engage in regular physical activity, nourish my body with nutritious foods, and ensure I get adequate rest to support my physical growth and development. I will also be conscious of the impact of substance use on my health and will make informed choices to protect my well-being. Additionally, I commit to seeking support and guidance from trusted adults and professionals when faced with physical health challenges.
I will practice self-compassion and self-care, striving to manage stress effectively and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. I will not hesitate to seek help or confide in someone I trust when struggling with emotional issues or mental health concerns. By embracing a holistic approach to my well-being, I aim to thrive as a teenager and lay the foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life.
Why I chose these things to commit to:
I chose to commit/pledge to these things as I believe they will not only help me to lead a more balanced and stable life, but will also help improve my mental wellbeing.
I plan to stick to my pledge by:
- doing physical activities such as sports, school carnivals, etc.
- having someone I can trust with issues I am facing who I can go to for support and advice
- having a balanced system/schedule of school and other activities