Wellbeing programmes aren’t just good for your health

Recent happiness research has found that some of the most common activities promoted by wellbeing programmes (such as those run by wearable health-tech companies and insurers alike) are beneficial to happiness.

Monday, July 18th 2022, 2:58PM

by Russell Hutchinson

A recent Delphic study – which accesses the study outcomes of many original pieces of research and attempts to bring them into a common framework – itemised the activities that had the most beneficial impact on health and wellbeing.

The top ten were:

Investing in friends and family
Joining a club
Being active physically and mentally
Practicing your religion
Getting physical exercise
Acting nicely
Being generous
Checking your health
Experiencing nature
Socialising with colleagues outside of work

Four of those (highlighted) are specifically encouraged by most wellbeing apps: lifting activity levels, getting exercise, checking health, and getting out in nature are all encouraged by aspects of the apps which track and reward activity, ask about activity levels, and encourage participation in sports and events in nature.

In addition to that, most include mental health dimensions to their programmes which will at least ask about the level of engagement the user has with friends, community, and colleagues.

While most steer clear of any connection with religion, as a possible contentious and deeply personal issue, many will include elements of mindfulness: encouraging each user to take time out for reflective thought. That intentional review of how the person is tracking also often includes seeking out an intention for meditative improvement, such as being a better partner, colleague, or parent.

It is not just a place for the ‘big end of town’ to play. You too can focus on wellbeing as a dimension of your risk advice business. You could align yourself with a popular wellbeing app or programme – but equally you can identify these positive aspects of daily life and align yourself with those. Talking about wellbeing, identifying positive steps your clients can take to work on improving their health, and sharing your experiences yourself is likely to help make them happier – and you.

Tags: Wellbeing