Round and ready

Perfecting your wellbeing wheel for a smoother retirement

 

As we transition into retirement, the concept of wellbeing becomes increasingly important. In previous articles, we’ve explored the evolution of identity in retirement, the challenges of age-related negativity, and the importance of finding new purpose. Now, let’s delve into the idea of wellbeing—understanding it as a multifaceted journey, similar to a wheel with different segments, all of which contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life.

By Dr. Eriaan Oelofste

 

When we talk about 'integral wellbeing,' we mean an approach that involves all the different aspects of life that contribute to our overall health, happiness, and fulfilment. Wellbeing can often seem like an elusive concept—something we talk about but aren’t quite sure how to grasp or improve. What exactly is wellbeing, and how can you actively enhance it? By considering it as a construct made up of various dimensions, you can break it down into more tangible elements, making it easier to identify specific actions you can take to improve your wellbeing. Each dimension plays a vital role, and by addressing them collectively, you create a more practical and holistic path to a richer, more satisfying life.

The wellbeing wheel: An overview

Imagine your wellbeing as a wheel with several spokes, each representing a different dimension of your life. For the wheel to run smoothly, each spoke must be strong and well-maintained. If one spoke is weak or broken, the wheel becomes wobbly, making your journey less smooth and more challenging. This holistic approach is crucial because your identity is multi-faceted and shouldn't be built on just one or two dimensions. The interconnectedness of these dimensions means that strengthening one area can support and enrich others, ensuring a more rounded and fulfilling life experience. By focusing on integral wellbeing, you’re not only supporting your overall balance but also inviting new aspects of life that can deepen your sense of self and enrich your identity in ways you may not have previously considered. These dimensions include emotional, physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, financial, occupational (or activity-based), and digital wellbeing. Let’s explore each one:

1. Emotional wellbeing

   Emotional wellbeing involves managing stress, expressing emotions healthily, and maintaining a positive outlook. Retirement can be a time of mixed emotions—relief, excitement, uncertainty, or even fear. By developing emotional resilience and practising mindfulness (being aware) or other stress-relief techniques, you can better manage these emotional shifts.

2. Physical wellbeing

   Physical health is the foundation of a good quality of life. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep become even more crucial as we age. Retirement offers the perfect opportunity to focus on maintaining or improving your physical health. Whether it’s taking up a new sport, walking regularly, or experimenting with healthy recipes, the goal is to stay active and energised.

3. Intellectual wellbeing

   Lifelong learning is a key component of intellectual wellbeing. Engaging in activities that challenge your mind—such as reading, solving puzzles, completing crossword puzzles or even enrolling in courses—helps keep your brain sharp and engaged. Intellectual stimulation is vital for staying mentally agile and avoiding the cognitive decline that can sometimes accompany aging.

4. Social wellbeing

   Human beings are inherently social creatures, and maintaining strong social connections is vital for a fulfilling retirement. Whether it’s family, old friends, or new acquaintances, nurturing these relationships can provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Engaging in community activities or volunteering can also broaden your social horizons.

5. Spiritual wellbeing

   Spirituality is deeply personal and can mean different things to different people. For some, it involves religious beliefs, while for others, it’s about connecting with nature, practicing meditation, or exploring personal values and purpose. Spiritual wellbeing in retirement can be a time of reflection and growth, helping you find deeper meaning in life’s journey.

6. Environmental wellbeing

   Your surroundings have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing. Creating a living environment that is safe, comfortable, and inspiring can enhance your daily life. This might involve decluttering, decorating your space with things that bring you joy, or spending more time in nature. Being mindful of how your environment affects your mood and health can lead to positive changes.

7. Financial wellbeing

   While we’ve avoided focusing on financial planning in these discussions, it’s important to acknowledge that financial wellbeing plays a role in your overall sense of security and freedom. It’s about feeling comfortable with your financial situation, knowing that you can support your lifestyle and future plans. This dimension ties closely with your emotional and occupational wellbeing, influencing your ability to pursue passions and enjoy life without undue stress.

8. Occupational/activity-based wellbeing

   Retirement doesn’t mean the end of productivity. Engaging in meaningful activities—whether it’s a part-time job, volunteering, or pursuing hobbies—can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This dimension is about staying involved and contributing in ways that align with your passions and interests.

9. Digital wellbeing

   In today’s digital age, technology is an integral part of life, even in retirement. Balancing your use of digital tools is essential for wellbeing. Technology can enhance your life, providing new ways to connect, learn, and entertain yourself, but it can also become overwhelming if not managed carefully. Striking a balance ensures that technology serves as a tool for wellbeing rather than a source of stress.

The interconnectedness of wellbeing

These dimensions are not isolated; they are deeply interconnected. For example, improving your physical wellbeing through regular exercise can boost your emotional wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety. Similarly, nurturing your social connections can enhance your emotional wellbeing and provide intellectual stimulation. Understanding these connections can help you create a more comprehensive and balanced approach to your wellbeing.

Practical self-assessment: The wellbeing wheel

To gain a clearer understanding of your current state of integral wellbeing, take a moment to evaluate each dimension of the wellbeing wheel. By scoring each dimension on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 indicating significant room for improvement and 5 representing a strong, well-maintained aspect of your life, you can identify areas that may need more attention.

Consider the following dimensions:

1. Emotional wellbeing:How well are you managing stress, emotions, and maintaining a positive outlook?

2. Physical wellbeing: How satisfied are you with your physical health, energy levels, and regular activity?

3. Intellectual wellbeing: How well are you engaging in activities that challenge your mind and foster lifelong learning?

4. Social wellbeing: How strong and supportive are your social connections and relationships?

5. Spiritual wellbeing: How connected do you feel to your inner self, values, and sense of purpose? This can be through religious beliefs, spiritual practices, or other personal reflections that bring meaning to your life.

6. Environmental wellbeing: How conducive is your living environment to your overall wellbeing? Are you connected to nature or conscious of your surroundings?

7. Financial wellbeing: Are you comfortable with your financial situation and future plans?

8. Occupational/activity-based wellbeing: Are you engaged in fulfilling activities that provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction?

9. Digital wellbeing: How balanced is your relationship with technology? Are you using it to enhance your life without letting it overwhelm you? Additionally, how proficient are you in using digital tools and platforms to stay connected, informed, and engaged?

Scoring your wheel

After scoring each dimension, plot your scores on a wheel diagram, with each spoke representing one of the dimensions. Connect the dots to visualise the shape of your wellbeing wheel. Ideally, the wheel should be round and balanced, indicating harmony across all dimensions. However, if there are significant discrepancies—where some areas score much higher or lower than others—your wheel may appear uneven or rickety, symbolising areas that need attention to ensure a smoother, more balanced life journey.

Reflection and action

Once you’ve identified the dimensions with lower scores, consider what steps you can take to improve these areas. This might involve setting goals, seeking support, or incorporating new activities into your routine that promote growth in those specific areas. Remember, the goal isn't perfection but progress. By regularly assessing and adjusting your approach to wellbeing, you can ensure a more fulfilling and balanced retirement.

Conclusion

Integral wellbeing is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing journey that evolves as you do. By considering each dimension of the wellbeing wheel and making adjustments where necessary, you can create a retirement that is not only enjoyable but also deeply fulfilling. After all, a well-balanced wheel makes for a smoother and more satisfying ride.

 

Related topics:

https://retirementplanning.co.za/back-in-the-day-and-other-tips-for-a-more-fulfilling-retirement/

https://retirementplanning.co.za/thriving-in-retirement_the-next-chapter/

https://retirementplanning.co.za/who-are-you-defining-your-retirement-personality/

https://retirementplanning.co.za/the-ultimate-guide-to-retirement-in-south-africa-are-you-prepared-for-retirement/

https://retirementplanning.co.za/dementia-requires-special-retirement-planning/

https://retirementplanning.co.za/retirement-reinvented_-evolving-your-identity/