Wellbeing
Wellbeing is often misunderstood as being just an indulgent and whimsy. It is the core of our being and without it we would not get far. Wellbeing can sometimes be understood as just self-care trends: pampering baths, spa days and, scented candles. Although these can play a role, real wellbeing runs far deeper. It’s about creating lasting habits and an intentional lifestyle that supports your mind, body, and spirit in the long term. At Balance UK was founded on this very belief: that wellbeing is not a luxury, but an essential, it is an everyday practice that helps us thrive and not just survive in the thrust and sometimes brutality of modern life.
During this session, we’ll explore what genuine wellbeing means, why it matters.
Wellbeing is….
According to the World Health Organization wellbeing is a state in which “every individual realises their own potential, they can cope with the normal stresses of life, can are able to work productively and is able to contribute to their community.”
Wellbeing can include:
- Emotional health: managing stress, processing emotions, building resilience.
- Physical health: conserving and keeping energy, good nutrition, movement and rest.
- Mental clarity: The ability to focus, being curious, creativity and the ability to problem-solve.
- Relationships: having meaningful connections and a sense of belonging
- Purpose: finding meaning and motivation in life
- Financial stability: having control over your resources and choices.
- Spiritual connection: feeling grounded and connected to something greater this can include nature.
Without conscious strategies to support our wellbeing, over time the cumulative effects of modern life can lead to exhaustion, disconnection, anxiety, and even illness.
Research found that some of outcomes that can be attributed to poor wellbeing. According to the ONS, rates of anxiety and depression have risen by over 22% since 2020. Burnout is on the rise across all sectors, with (79% of UK employees reporting work-related stress CIPD 2024). In the UK, 1 in 4 adults experiences a mental health problem each year (Mind, 2023).
How does Stress impact our wellbeing?
Stress is not inherently bad — it is a natural response designed to help us problem solve some of the challenges that we experience from time to time in our lives. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on all aspects of wellbeing.
When we stay in “fight or flight” mode for too long:
- The immune system weakens.
- We can experience poor sleep.
- Our digestion can become disrupted.
- We may experience a decline in our cognitive abilities.
- Our emotional stability can be affected.
Long-term stress is linked to anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and burnout. That’s why managing stress proactively — rather than waiting for a crisis — is an important wellbeing skill to develop.
The Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
At Balance UK’s approach is rooted in integrative wellbeing — this means addressing both the inner and outer dimensions of health. It means supporting not only your body and mind, but also your emotions, senses, relationships, and environment. Making small, consistent changes can have a powerful impact. Emotional Intelligence, Stress Management, Connections are at the core of wellbeing.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding your emotions is an important skill. Learning to tune in to your emotions without judgment is one of the most transformative wellbeing skills. There are techniques that you can learn to help develop this skill. There are strategies that you can that you can learn that will help you process your emotions in a constructive way rather than suppressing them.
- Stress Management: If you try to end all of your stress you will be building a rod for your own back. It is an impossible task. Learning to manage the way that respond to stress and learning to build resilience is a much more beneficial way to manage your stress. Practices like breathwork, meditation, and creative expression (such as our Vision Board workshops) provide tools for recovering quickly from life’s challenges.
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Connection
Connecting with other people is an important part of self-care. Being part of positive communities can have a therapeutic effect. Focusing on relationships that nourish, and Human beings are designed for connection. Prioritising relationships that nourish you can be beneficial to your wellbeing. Doing things that give you pleasure and that you enjoy can also be a positive benefit to your wellbeing. Engaging in activities that develop your knowledge, or understanding can enhance your wellbeing.
Our senses and wellbeing
Our nervous system is constantly responding to sensory input. By consciously shaping this input, we can support our relaxation, emotional regulation, and our mood. The importance of our senses as a factor in wellbeing is often overlooked. Different processes can interreact with our senses and improve our wellbeing :
- Scent can alter emotional states by calming or uplifting them.
- Touch massage can help to release tension. Reflexology is particularly good for reducing tension.
- Sound, music may play a part in the regulation of the nervous system.
- Visual cues vision boards may help to foster a positive mindset.
At Balance UK has created sensory-based workshops that are designed to support sensory input and output . The Making Scents workshops allow participants to design personalised wellbeing products using natural ingredients and creative expression.
In The Future ……
The key developments in the wellbeing industry at the moment are exciting:
- Personalised wellbeing: DNA-based nutrition, personalised scents, tailored programs
- Digital wellbeing: apps for stress management and resilience training
- Corporate wellbeing: a growing focus on mental health in the workplace
At Balance UK is at the forefront of these trends, blending scientific insight with creative expression to offer experiences that resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels.
Next steps to improving your wellbeing.
True wellbeing is not about achieving a perfect state. It is about creating rhythms, habits, and environments that help you flourish despite life’s difficulties. It’s a journey, not a destination — and one that evolves with your life stages, values, and needs.
It’s also important to acknowledge here that wellbeing can feel out of reach for some due to:
- Financial stress
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Health issues
- Lack of community support
That’s why our wellbeing services are accessible, inclusive, and flexible. At Balance UK’s services range from affordable workshops to flexible therapy sessions and are designed to meet people where they are and empower them to create sustainable change.
If you’d like to take the next step in your wellbeing journey, we invite you to explore our services:
Making Scent Workshops
Vision Board Sessions
Therapy at At Balance Therapeutics
Together, we can help you build a life that feels balanced and meaningful, and change the narrative from I don't feel well to I am responsible for creating my own wellness.
Contact At Balance UK today to book your next workshop or consultation. Your wellbeing journey starts here.
Sources:
- World Health Organization. "Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response." WHO, 2024.
- Mind UK. "Mental Health Facts and Statistics." Mind.org.uk, 2023.
- CIPD. "Health and Wellbeing at Work 2024 Report." Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.