The Building Blocks of Well-being: Connection, Autonomy, Competence

The first principle for well-being is the importance of social connection. Studies show that a sense of belonging is crucial for our well-being, and feeling socially excluded can cause as much pain as physical pain. The pandemic has challenged people's ability to establish and maintain connections, but technology has provided some means of staying connected. The second principle is having a sense of autonomy and control over our lives. While complete control is not possible, treating others as we want to be treated and making choices that align with our values can enhance our well-being. The third principle is developing a sense of competence. Openness to new experiences, embracing failure as a growth opportunity, and recognizing our strengths can contribute to our overall sense of competency.