Our IB learner profile value for the month of October is “Balanced.” This value is described by the International Baccalaureate organization in the following way:
“We understand the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others (IB 2017).”
My favorite way to discuss this topic with students comes from research in the field of positive psychology. The 5 ways to well-being are practices we can all incorporate in our lives, the research shows, to achieve intellectual, physical, and emotional balance. Here they are as a great reminder for how we can all make choices to enrich our own lives:
Connect – By making connections with friends, family, colleagues. and neighbors, we add value to our lives with new experiences and opportunities. We can also connect with nature by prioritizing time outside.
Be Active – By making time to move, exercise not only makes us feel good and it keeps us healthy. The benefits for mental health, physical health, and learning are profound and supported by decades of research.
Take Notice – By being mindful, curious, and aware, like a child, we can see the wonder and beauty of the world around us. Noticing surroundings, with new appreciation, allows us to be present and grateful for all of the positive aspects of our lives
Keep Learning – There’s no reason to ever stop learning. By trying something new, a new hobby you’ve been wanting to take up, or a more challenging task at work, challenges and novel experiences keep us alert and increase our confidence and satisfaction throughout the day.
Give – Choosing to be generous, whether with time, knowledge, talents, or service; provides great reward for ourselves and those around us. It’s a true win/win for everybody and a great way to boost happiness.
By taking a proactive, mindful approach to balance and well-being, we can teach our children, and remind ourselves, how to create equilibrium and happiness in our lives.