Mental well-being is transforming our overall quality of life. More than ever, we understand the need to prioritize our mental health. But do we really know what mental well-being is? Today, we explore this concept in depth.
What is mental well-being?
The WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being. In this state, individuals realize their own abilities. They can cope with normal life stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community.
Examples through “Flow”
Research by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1) on what he defined as the state of “flow” confirms what it means to live and work in optimal mental well-being.
For example, “Flow” is the state in which Rafa Nadal plays during most tournaments, leading to his outstanding results.
How do I know if I am enjoying good mental well-being?
Even without being Rafa Nadal, we can all reach this state of “Flow.” This state represents optimal mental well-being.
Here are the 7 keys that help me build confidence, know myself better, and understand if I am experiencing mental well-being:
- I am fully involved, focused, and concentrated on what I do.
- I experience a sense of ecstasy, feeling outside of daily reality.
- I enjoy great inner clarity: I know what needs to be done and I am doing it.
- I know the activity is doable and that my skills are adequate for the task.
- I experience a sense of serenity and personal growth beyond the ego.
- I am focused on the present; hours seem to pass like minutes.
- I recognize an intrinsic motivation: what brings well-being becomes its own reward.
Do all 7 steps need to happen to experience it?
Not necessarily. Aaron Antonovsky (2) showed this in his theory of Salutogénesis. He formulated this theory through his research on stress and its impact on life balance.
From Antonovsky, we learned that health has different dimensions. Both health and well-being exist on a continuum rather than as absolute states. They fluctuate throughout life and even within a single day. Observe yourself: do you feel different at different times of the day?
On this continuum, we move between maximum and minimum mental well-being. This depends on how we navigate our lives and the circumstances we face.
How can Salutogénesis help find mental well-being?
The Salutogénesis formulated by A. Antonovsky represents a new paradigm. It changes how we ask questions. The Salutogénesis model focuses on factors that keep people healthy despite facing negative conditions. It looks at opportunities and possibilities instead of risks and deficits.
Accumulated evidence and experience show that Salutogénesis is a reliable theory. It serves as an effective model in the workplace to promote mental well-being for both people and organizations.
Antonovsky proposed the ‘SOC’ (Sense of Coherence) as a personal resource. This resource determines how well we overcome adversity.
The SOC is a global orientation measure. It expresses the extent to which a person has a dynamic, lasting feeling of confidence that:
- they can understand and explain events in their inner world and environment
- they have the resources to meet the demands of these events
- these demands are challenges worthy of investment and engagement
Antonovsky was a contemporary of Viktor Frankl. They shared a worldview that sees humans as whole beings. Through dynamic interaction with life, individuals can find meaning and purpose.
(1) Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, psychologist and researcher at Claremont Graduate University and the University of Chicago. Author of numerous books, including the bestseller Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (1990).
Creativity (1996) and Good Business (2003), among others.
(2) Aaron Antonovsky (1923-1994), sociologist and physician. Creator of the theory of Salutogénesis. As a scientific researcher, he published numerous books, including Health, Stress, and Coping (1979) and Unraveling the Mystery of Health (1987).
