About personal well-being

Author: Mykolas Deikus

What associations do the words ‘personal well-being’ evoke for you? And what does that well-being mean to your family members, neighbors, co-workers, friends or acquaintances from other countries?

Various studies show that the answers to the question of what constitutes ‘well-being’ can vary depending on many factors: social, cultural, even on how and what genes are activated. However, there are things that matter for all people. These are physical and psychological health, social relationships, economic security, and spiritual balance.

Physical health

Let us start with the most ‘tangible things’. Many people associate well-being with physical health, energy, and the possibility to perform everyday activities without discomfort. For example, a study by E. Sandri and colleagues showed how well-being depended on lifestyle changes [1].

Researchers compared how lifestyles were changing in Spain during and after the pandemic. After the pandemic, there was a slight increase in the duration of exercise (6,61%) as well as a decrease in the consumption of fried food (3,57%), juices (6,45%) and alcohol (9,66%). However, everything was ‘overshadowed’ by the fact that people were ‘stuffing’ themselves more with processed foods (2,16 percent), soft drinks (6,47 percent), and drinking coffee and energy drinks (as much as 38,95 percent). The quality of sleep also deteriorated, and dissatisfaction with their body image increased.

Many people know that physical activity and proper nutrition help to feel better. Why? How does it work? Studies show that physical exercise and proper nutrition activate the body’s defense mechanisms that reduce inflammations, restore DNA, improve energy production in cells, and improve brain function. These processes help the body adapt to stress and strengthen resistance to diseases even as we age [2].

Psychological well-being

The ancient Romans emphasized a healthy mind in a healthy body (often called ‘a healthy soul’, but this is an incorrect translation from Latin). Nowadays, when we talk about ‘psychological well-being’, we mean not only thinking and cognitive functions but also everything related to emotions.

Again, when it comes to psychological well-being, we have to go back to physical activity. Studies show that various physical exercises stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. The latter are responsible for a positive emotional state and motivation. Serotonin also helps regulate mood swings, reduces depression and anxiety. The endorphins that are released reduce pain and create a feeling of euphoria. As a result, we are in a better mood, cope better with stress, become more resilient emotionally, and look at life more positively [3].

If we are already talking about hormones, we cannot help but mention cortisol, the release of which we can control by reducing the influence of technology on our lives.

A recent study revealed how the so-called technostress affected personal well-being. First of all, the use of technology for work and in our personal lives, even at the weekends, interferes with relaxation, shortens the time we spend with family and friends. Afterall, social relationships are extremely important for psychological well-being! In addition, the excessive amount of tasks that require technologies, constant updating of technologies and persistent efforts to learn how to use them, the fear of losing one’s job due to technical progress are particularly stressful. All this contributes to psychological and physical exhaustion, even burnout [4].

Social well-being

Thus, when it comes to determinants of physical and psychological well-being, the role of social relationships has also come to the fore. Therefore, it is high time to discuss what quality relationships, a sense of belonging, and social (non-online) networks give to us. Or, what harm loneliness does.

Since human survival and prosperity have always depended on collaboration and mutual support, our brains have been also evolving accordingly. As a result, our bodies respond to loneliness by releasing cortisol. Although we need it to stay alert, constant and intense release of the stress hormone weakens our immune system.

As the brain is constantly ‘awake’, blood pressure and cardiovascular load increase. In addition, the activity of genes related to inflammatory processes changes, which, over time, leads to chronic diseases. This is accompanied by poorer sleep quality, increased impulsivity, which is related to unhealthy choices such as poor diet and avoidance of physical activeness. All of this contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in older people [4].

Spiritual well-being

Before we talk about spiritual well-being, we first need to define how we understand spirituality. Religious spirituality is based on a specific belief system, rituals, practices (e.g., prayer, meditation, contemplation), and traditions that are often passed down through the family or community. It is related to transcendence, religious literature, the arts, and participation in community activities that strengthen a sense of belonging and provide emotional support.

Secular spirituality focuses on the personal search for meaning and inner harmony without religion (although practices derived from religion can be used; e.g., meditation, mindfulness practices, etc.). It focuses on individual self-fulfillment and connection with nature or society [5].

Spiritual well-being is closely linked to our health. Religious and non-religious spirituality have been found to not only help relieve pain but also to promote a holistic approach to healing. However, their effects are not entirely identical.

Religious spirituality helps to cope with suffering, find meaning in life and enhance emotional resilience, hope, reduces the feeling of loneliness, promotes a healthy lifestyle (e.g., avoiding alcohol and drugs). Non-religious spirituality (using self-observation practices) is more related to emotional stability, reduced anxiety and better stress management. Looking for a connection with nature and society is related to a sense of satisfaction and inner peace [6].

Economic and financial well-being

Although, as folk wisdom says, man shall not live by bread alone, this (in a broad sense) often determines how we assess our personal well-being. Commonly mentioned things include income stability, financial security, social guarantees, and the ability to invest in the future.

For example, economic insecurity stems from the fear of possible negative economic events such as job loss or insufficient income in old age. This causes constant anxiety, increases the risk of depression or encourages unhealthy behaviors (e.g., overeating in response to stress). This also leads to family tensions and conflicts, which affect not only adults but also children [7].

Interestingly, in societies that emphasis social status, economic well-being has a stronger impact on the person’s psychological health. A study by S. B. Manuck and colleagues explains how this all relates to chemical changes in the brain [8]. Simply put, this is related to serotonin, which is responsible for good mood and emotional balance. Lower income or low education level also determine lower release of serotonin in the brain. Therefore, it is more difficult to maintain good mood and react ‘cooler’ to stressful situations.

But it is not just our perception of economic well-being and status that matters. It turns out that our reactions to the economic situation are significantly influenced by genetics. Some people have a specific gene variant that further exacerbates the impact of economic insecurity. This has an even stronger effect on changes in serotonin and increases susceptibility to stress and mood swings [8].

How the perception of well-being depends on culture

Thus, as we have already seen, the sense of well-being significantly depends not only on various circumstances surrounding us but also on our personal characteristics. There is another important factor that explains why people living in some poor countries feel happier than those living in economically prosperous ones. This is determined by culture and values ​​associated with it.

P. Steel and colleagues have conducted a solid study that explains how cultural peculiarities affect our perceptions of well-being [9]. In individualistic cultures (where personal autonomy is particularly important, e.g., the United States, Sweden), well-being is often associated with personal achievements and self-fulfillment. Here, people feel happier when they have opportunities to make choices and act independently.

In collectivist cultures (not to be confused with Soviet collectivism), well-being is associated with belonging to a group and harmonious relationships. That is, people feel happy when they have good relationships with the family, friends or community. This is typical of Eastern countries (Japan, South Korea). For example, in Japan, particular importance is placed on work and family duties, solidarity.

In countries where social hierarchy is important (e.g., China, India), people’s well-being depends on their position in society. That is, higher social status provides more opportunities to increase life satisfaction.

In cultures where people make more effort to avoid uncertainty and unforeseen situations (e.g., Greece, Portugal), stability and adherence to rules are very important factors for well-being, as they create a sense of security.

Finally, in countries with strong social values ​​and ‘femininity’ (caring for others; e.g., Denmark, the Netherlands), well-being is more related to support, work-life balance [9].

Of course, only the strongest value trends are listed here. For example, Lithuania is characterized by stronger individuality, femininity (as mentioned, this is related to caring for others, which is why we are classified as Nordic countries), lower social distance (we are less afraid of leaders), and orientation towards the future. That is, well-being is often associated with stability, the future, and less concern for the momentary joy of life ‘here and now’.

To cite:
Deikus, M. (2025). About personal well-being. Available at: https://www.mobingas.lt/apie-asmens-gerove/

Prepared based on the following studies:

[1] Sandri, E., Werner, L. U., & Bernalte Martí, V. (2024). Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic. Foods, 13(23), 3962.

[2] Archer, T., & Garcia, D. (2015). Exercise and dietary restriction for promotion of neurohealth benefits. Health, 7(1), 136-152.

[3] Bhattacharya, P., Chatterjee, S., & Roy, D. (2023). Impact of exercise on brain neurochemicals: a comprehensive review. Sport Sciences for Health, 19(2), 405-452.

[4] Cacioppo, J. T., & Cacioppo, S. (2014). Social relationships and health: The toxic effects of perceived social isolation. Social and personality psychology compass, 8(2), 58-72.

[5] Greuter, F., Rystad, L. S., Zurgilgen, K., & Ilg, W. (2024). Keeping the Distance (d)?. Developing Confirmation Work in Europe. Empirical Findings and Perspectives for Post-Pandemic Times. The Third International Study. Gütersloh: Gütersloher Verlagshaus.

[6] Klimasiński, M. W., Baum, E., Wieczorowska-Tobis, K., & Stelcer, B. (2024). Improving Spiritual Well-Being of Polish Pain Outpatients: A Feasibility Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(12), 3615.

[7] Osberg, L. (2021). Economic insecurity and well-being. DESA working paper, No. 173. https://www.un.org/en/desa/economic-insecurity-and-well-being

[8] Manuck, S. B., Flory, J. D., Ferrell, R. E., & Muldoon, M. F. (2004). Socio-economic status covaries with central nervous system serotonergic responsivity as a function of allelic variation in the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 29(5), 651-668.

[9] Steel, P., Taras, V., Uggerslev, K., & Bosco, F. (2018). The happy culture: A theoretical, meta-analytic, and empirical review of the relationship between culture and wealth and subjective well-being. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 22(2), 128-169.