As an old Filipino saying goes, “Sakit ng kalingkingan, dama ng buong katawan.” This is what well-being is about in the family. Well-being is the state of wellness of the body, mind, and emotions.
When you are cranky and snap back at your family, it dampens everybody’s vibe. When you get sick, it can affect everybody’s schedule.
That’s why well-being in the family is very important. You need to do your part to care for your family’s well-being. Here are some things you can do as the well-being keeper in your family.
- Take care of yourself. This is not a selfish endeavor as you want to keep everybody well, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
- Eat well and sleep well. Proper sleep and diet are important. These help you fight stress from school and other activities. When your parents or siblings need to have some rest or a good meal, volunteer to do their house chores.
- Declutter your emotions. Be aware of your emotions. Emotions point to an inner need so it is important to tune in and let go of what you cannot handle. This also helps you deal with your family and avoid projecting your emotions on them.
- Balance online and offline life. If you are unhappy with your online life and do not interact with the people at home, unplug. Have a good laugh with your family, do some chores, and stay active. Activities help your body pump happy hormones that make you feel good.
- Pray and be still. We all need a dose of prayer, quiet time, and a time to be bored. It clears your mind, creates brain space, and develops new neurons. Having quiet moments saves the day. It also helps you become a more loving person.
Well-being is simple. Be intentional in doing your wellness routines for you and your family. It will be worth it.
This article first appeared in Fish Magazine 2016, but has since been updated.