The Ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus knew that our perspective often matters more than the objective facts in a given situation. Have you ever seen two people in similar circumstances having very different perspectives, with one saying something like, “Everything is terrible. I can’t catch a break!” while the other says “This is alright, I can handle it….” or something to that effect?
“It is not events that disturb the minds of men, but the view they take of them.”
- Epictetus
Subjective well being is the modern study of how the perception of our own wellness and general life satisfaction is predictive of many of our actual health and lifestyle outcomes. For instance, several studies have found that people with the same level of symptoms across different illnesses report very different levels of pain and distress. So, what they believe about their health and coping may matter more for their experience than the facts of the medical circumstances they face. That is not to say that objectively difficult challenges don’t occur. But when they do, people who take a more positive view of their ability to manage those challenges, and of the resources available, are more likely to use active strategies for coping, in turn creating opportunities for change and growth, versus feeling overwhelmed, or stuck in their difficulties. There’s power in this concept, because it suggests that we have the ability to reduce our own suffering in a specific way.
Subjective well being develops over time, and a mix of temperament and environment go into building it. A great deal of the work one does in therapy, coaching, and other personal growth journeys is about building a sense of self-efficacy, or the belief that, “even when life presents difficult challenges, I can cope.” These are some of the critical elements to a subjective sense of well being.
Many of the principles we share in our monthly blog posts, and on our social media feed, are aimed at helping our community members develop their resilience and an improved sense of well being through specific practices. Keep an eye out for practices like gratitude, self-soothing, fostering close relationships, and mindful presence, all information you can use to develop a greater sense of wellness in this very way.
For regular tips on healthy coping practices, visit our Instagram page @LauraFerrerAssociates.
