Well-Being
Well-being (or wellbeing) is a broad, multidimensional state in which a person is not merely free of illness but is functioning and feeling well—healthy, capable, connected, and, for many, flourishing. It sits at the intersection of physical health, mental health, relationships, and purpose.
This is a navigation hub. Use it to reach the specific constructs that make up well-being.
Two Traditions
- Subjective wellbeing (SWB) – how people feel and judge their lives: positive affect, low negative affect, and Life Satisfaction.
- Psychological wellbeing (PWB) – Ryff's model of autonomy, growth, purpose, mastery, and positive relations.
- Eudaimonic wellbeing – flourishing through virtue and meaning (Eudaimonia & aretē).
Core Components
| Component | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Happiness & SWB | Subjective Well-Being |
| Meaning & purpose | Meaning in Life |
| Relationships | Social Relationships |
| Aging well | Positive Aging |
| Flow & engagement | Flow |
| Hedonic adaptation | Hedonic Adaptation |
| Emotions & feelings | Emotions and Feelings |
Daily Practices That Sustain Well-Being
- Protect sleep and movement.
- Invest in a few close relationships.
- Practice gratitude and savoring to counter hedonic adaptation.
- Pursue goals with meaning, not just pleasure.
- Spend time in flow.