Wellness as a way of life: Focusing on what we value

By Michelle Wilson, wellness program manager

What is most important to you? What values do you hold closely as you live your life? For some of us the most important values in life are love, honesty, and integrity. For some, being playful and caring about others every day is most important. Some people hold their relationships with their families as most important and, for some, work relationships and contributing to their communities is the primary focus.

When we think about what we value and then work each day to live our lives connected to those values, we create a sense of balance and well-being. This can support us when times feel difficult or when we feel alone or disconnected from others. We all face challenges that can lead to feelings of being off-center or anxious. Anxiety and lack of focus in our daily lives can contribute to our feeling that we aren’t living our lives the way we want to. When this goes on too long, it can feel difficult to get back on track.

With all that we have been going through in the past year together, with a pandemic and all the ways that has caused stress and challenges, now is an important time to find focus for our lives. Reflect on what you value most in your life. Think about what is most important for you each day, then make a plan to focus on those people or things as often as you can.

Sometimes our lives can feel out of our control, but when we think about what is most important to us, we can do things every day to support our health. No matter what happens around us, when we focus on our values and what is most important in our lives, we can find a greater sense of wellbeing.

Tip: Think about the five things that are most important to you. They may include being connected to friends or family members, or they may be qualities you want in your life every day, such as health or playfulness. Write these down and put them someplace where you will see them each day. Start the day by thinking what you will do to stay connected to your values and what is most important to you. At night, reflect on the day and be grateful for anything that brought you closer to living your life connected to these values.

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