By Megan Dalla-Camina, Women Rising Founder & CEO

Wellbeing is what enables us to flourish. There is a significant body of research showing that people who have high levels of wellbeing receive many positive outcomes: they are more resilient, have more energy, are healthier and happier. They’re also more charitable, are better liked by others, more creative and productive at work, and they earn more money.

There is no magic pill that guarantees wellbeing, but there are simple tools that the research shows have proven positive effects for our wellness. I have been deeply passionate about this topic for decades, so much so that after doing my Masters Degree in Business (MGSM) I went and did a second Masters in Wellness and Positive Psychology (RMIT) to investigate the science as well as the practice of being well and thriving on all levels. And I have been teaching and coaching about it for 15 years.

The key in my sentence above is the words ‘thriving on all levels’. We need to take a holistic approach when it comes to wellbeing and look at the things that make us feel physically energised, emotionally connected, mentally focused, and spiritually aligned.

It’s through this broader, holistic lens that our purpose comes into the equation, and it’s often the missing link when we are trying to thrive. So often the focus on wellbeing centres around our physical wellbeing. As a society in recent years, we are getting better at talking about our mental health. But what still gets missed from the discussion is our emotional energy, our spiritual wellbeing, our connection to purpose and our connection to serving something greater than ourselves.

A sense of purpose keeps us grounded and is one of the most enduring sources of energy that helps us overcome many other limitations around our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The research shows that developing a sense of meaning and belonging, is one of the biggest factors for happiness, productivity, and engagement at work.

It makes sense. If we’re living with a sense of purpose that feels aligned to our values, it gives us that intrinsic motivation and drive that fuels so much of what we do. The happiness and fulfilment that comes from living in alignment with your own set of values and purpose is powerful. It allows you to live in an authentic way, show up as your whole self and live in integrity.

And it’s not only a personal sense of purpose that enhances your wellbeing: connecting to something greater than yourself every day also helps. This isn’t a prescription. It’s about determining what connecting to something greater than yourself means for you. It could be through prayer. It may be through being in nature or through contemplation. Maybe you read spiritual or yogic texts, or through some form of philosophy.

How are you creating space to cultivate that spiritual energy and then connecting with people and your community in ways that matter for you?

I invite you to reflect on this question and consider what your day and life would look like if you could bring in more focus on your spiritual wellbeing and energy.

If you’re wanting to create more purpose to help fuel your wellbeing, but you’re feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what that purpose could be, take a read of our article 3 Keys to Finding Your Purpose.