The Oxford English Dictionary defines “wellbeing” as “the state of being healthy, happy or prosperous; physical, psychological or moral welfare” (Wellbeing - Quick Search Results | Oxford English Dictionary, n.d.)
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand adds context to the dictionary definition by saying that wellbeing means we have “the tools, support and environment we need to be who we are and to build and sustain lives worth living” (Mental Health Foundation, n.d.)
Personal wellbeing refers to the overall state of health, happiness and satisfaction experienced by an individual in various aspects of their life and encompasses physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions.
Activity
- Download and read the pdf linked here to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand website’s Personal Wellbeing Plan. Use the plan to think of ways you can incorporate wellbeing principles into your ECE practice to enhance the wellbeing of children, staff and whānau.
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- The Mental Health Foundation makes it clear that the idea of what “wellbeing” means is subjective and means something different for different people. Reflect on what the concept of wellbeing means to you personally and what gives you a sense of “general health and happiness”. What do you need to build a “sustainable life worth living”?
- Now think about this concept again, from the perspective of an infant, toddler or young child in an ECE service. What do you think do you think they need to give them a sense of wellbeing? Post your thoughts to the discussion forum.
Are these the same thing? They are clearly very closely connected to each other, but there are some differences. Health is usually seen to made up of physical health and mental health. (Understanding the Difference Between Health and Wellbeing, n.d.). Combined, these two facets comprise a healthy person and affect everything we do, a concept which has been understood since ancient times (the Latin phrase “mens sana in corpore sana” dates from the 2nd Century and means “a healthy mind in a healthy body”)
- physical health: the state of being free from injury and illness in a body which is strong and free from disease
- mental health: a mind which is healthy and able to work through everyday life and cope with its ups and downs without excessive stress or undue anxiety.
Activity
The Five Ways to Wellbeing
Look at the activities on this webpage from sparklers.org.nz which has wellbeing activities designed for tamariki. Follow link to open the “How Am I Doing Five Ways” worksheet and the “How Am I Doing Te Whare Tapa Whā” worksheet and print yourself a copy of each.
- Complete the worksheets for yourself to gauge your own personal sense of wellbeing.
You’ve reached the end of this topic. Let’s go over the key points:
- What does “wellbeing” mean?
- Aspects of personal wellbeing
- Incorporating wellbeing principles into ECE practice to enhance the wellbeing of children, staff and whānau.
- Differences between health and wellbeing
