What is Well-being?
Well-being is a multifaceted experience that encompasses emotional, volitional, and intellectual health, as well as life satisfaction, purpose, meaning, and resilience in the face of challenges. It is shaped by one's thoughts, actions, and experiences, and can be consciously nurtured.
Well-being includes emotional, physical, and social well-being, as well as workplace and societal well-being. This involves managing emotions, caring for one's body, building healthy relationships, fostering a meaningful professional life, and contributing to a healthy community and environment. These elements are interconnected and must all function healthily to achieve optimal well-being.
Is Well-being Essential?
Some people view well-being as a non-essential aspect of life, which can be sacrificed during economic hardship. This mindset makes it difficult to prioritize well-being when shaping policies. However, research shows that well-being should be prioritized, even in tough times, as it aids in coping with adversity productively.
For instance, during recessions, well-being becomes crucial, as it affects employment rates and wages, both of which influence citizens' well-being. Government policies often aim to support well-being, especially when economic conditions threaten people's quality of life.
The Well-being Society
Traditional development focuses on economic growth and prosperity driven by industrialization and commercialization, but this has proven detrimental to society and the environment. As a result, secondary prevention—such as addressing health issues after pollution occurs—is often prioritized over proactive change, such as reducing fossil fuel use and switching to renewable energy sources.
Economic models depleting natural resources contribute to environmental degradation and health issues. A well-being society, however, shifts focus from economic growth to sustainable living, emphasizing social relationships, equitable existence, and environmental health over competitive capitalism.
In such a society, fairness, equal opportunities, social inclusiveness, and stability are prioritized, while maintaining productive development. The well-being of the people and the environment takes precedence over economic indicators like GDP, which fail to account for social inequities and environmental damage.
Building a Well-being Society
Key areas for constructing a well-being society include:
Equitable Health Opportunities: Prioritizing health and well-being by addressing social and economic disparities and ensuring access to quality healthcare, education, and healthy living conditions for all.
Equitable Work Opportunities: Emphasizing job stability over economic growth, as rising joblessness negatively impacts well-being. Job insecurity and long working hours also harm well-being, while meaningful, flexible work with balanced hours contributes to a healthier society.
Social Equity: Addressing societal inequities, such as gender wage gaps and lack of women in leadership positions, is essential. Protection of natural resources through sustainable city and community planning is also vital to well-being.
Environmental Sustainability: Emphasizing eco-friendly policies and urban planning that promote health and sustainability, such as green spaces, public transportation, and reduced fossil fuel use.
Achieving Global Health Access
Countries like Costa Rica are leading the way in reversing environmental damage and pursuing carbon neutrality, while industries are being held accountable for the ecological impact of their activities. The transition to a circular economy, focused on waste-free manufacturing and resource renewal, is a key step toward global health access.
Additionally, fostering mindful practices among professionals such as doctors and teachers can significantly improve mental health outcomes and societal well-being. Training these professionals in techniques to promote resilience and mindfulness can enhance their ability to cope with stress and provide better care for others.
Fostering Creativity and Artistic Expression
Encouraging creativity and artistic expression contributes to emotional, mental, and physical health. A well-being society values creativity as an essential part of human life, recognizing it as a driver of well-being regardless of financial success.
Transforming the Economy
To build a healthy, prosperous world, governments must move beyond traditional economic growth models. By prioritizing well-being over short-term profits, countries can create a society that values social stability, environmental sustainability, and individual happiness. Leadership must embrace new ways of thinking and innovation to guide the transition toward a well-being economy.
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