What causes wellness | Sir Harry Burns | TEDxGlasgow

Achieving well-being is in many respects the essence of human existence. In recent years, well-being has moved from the realm of philosophy to that of science. There has been a growing body of research into what contributes to the quality of people’s experiences of their lives. This has enabled a new understanding of the factors that both influence and constitute well-being. This understanding lends itself to Salutogenesis, the study of creating health and wellbeing and provides a toolbox to thrive and flourish.

 

The science of ‘subjective well-being’ suggests that as well as experiencing good feelings, people need:

• a sense of individual vitality

• to undertake activities which are meaningful, engaging, and which make them feel competent and autonomous

• a stock of inner resources to help them cope when things go wrong and be resilient to changes beyond their immediate control.

 

It is also crucial that people feel a sense of relatedness to other people, so that in addition to the personal, internally focused elements, people’s social experiences – the degree to which they have supportive relationships and a sense of connection with others – form a vital aspect of well-being.

 

Defining well-being

 

While academic debate continues about precisely how ‘well-being’ should be defined, for our purposes it is not essential to address all of its finer points. All of the elements cited above play a role in ensuring that people feel their lives are going well, although their importance may vary as circumstances change.

 

Well-being is most usefully thought of as the dynamic process that gives people a sense of how their lives are going, through the interaction between their circumstances, activities and psychological resources or ‘mental capital’. Because of this dynamic nature, high levels of well-being mean that we are more able to respond to difficult circumstances, to innovate and constructively engage with other people and the world around us. As well as representing a highly effective way of bringing about good outcomes in many different areas our lives, there is also a strong case for regarding well-being as an ultimate goal of human endeavor.

 

 

 

The following principles are basic to the happiness, harmonious relations and security of all peoples:

 

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

 

The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.

 

The health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest co-operation of individuals and States.

 

The achievement of any State in the promotion and protection of health is of value to all.

 

                                  CONSTITUTION OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION