Tips for Improving Your Quality of Life

What is Quality of Life?

Picture this: you're chatting with a mountain climber, a musician, and a doctor about what makes a "good life." Odds are, you'd get as many definitions as wrinkles on their foreheads. That's the head-scratching beauty of "quality of life" - it's a shape-shifting chameleon, blending into every life it touches.

The elusive "quality of life" concept pops up in diverse fields, from psychology to economics. Yet, despite this widespread attention, a single, universal definition remains frustratingly out of reach. Does it equate to happiness, or is there more to the story?

The World Health Organization (WHO). They define quality of life as "an individual's perception of their position in life in the context of their culture and values, shaped by goals, expectations, standards, and concerns." This influential definition highlights the subjective nature of the concept, emphasizing our unique interpretations of well-being.

Ask These Questions

There are six domains chosen by the WHO: Physical, Psychological, Level of independence, Social relationships, Environment, and Spirituality.

Let's take a look at each domain by asking some questions to ourselves about our lives

Questions for Assessing Your Quality of Life based on WHO Domains:

Physical:

• Energy:
  • Do you have enough energy to do the things you want to do each day?
  • How often do you experience fatigue or tiredness that interferes with your life?
  • How well do you recover from physical activity?
• Nutrition:
  • Do you feel satisfied and energized after meals?
  • Do you eat adequate amounts of protein, vegetables, and whole grains?
  • How much processed food and sugary drinks do you consume?
• Sleep:
  • Do you fall asleep easily and get enough restful sleep each night?
  • Do you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day?
  • Are there any sleep disturbances affecting your well-being (e.g., insomnia, snoring)?
  • Do your sleep habits align with your natural circadian rhythm?
• Physical Activity:
  • How often do you move your body?
  • Do you meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week)?
  • Do you incorporate movement into your daily routine (e.g., taking the stairs, or walking during breaks)?

Psychological:

• Emotions and Mood:
  • Do you healthily experience a range of emotions?
  • Are you able to manage stress and negative emotions effectively?
  • How often do you experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns?
  • Do you have coping mechanisms in place to deal with life's challenges?
• Positive outlook and Resilience:
  • Do you generally feel optimistic about the future?
  • Do you bounce back well from setbacks and challenges?
  • Do you cultivate gratitude and find joy in the everyday?
  • Do you have a sense of purpose and meaning in life?
• Self-perception and Confidence:
  • Do you feel good about yourself and your achievements?
  • Are you confident in your abilities and potential?
  • Do you experience self-criticism or negative self-talk?
  • Are you working towards building a positive self-image?

Level of Independence:

• Decision-making:
  • Do you feel empowered to make your own choices and control your life?
  • Do you have access to the resources and information needed to make informed decisions?
  • Do you experience dependence on others for basic needs or daily tasks?
  • Are you working towards increasing your independence where possible?
• Mobility and Access:
  • Can you easily move around your home and community without assistance?
  • Do you have access to reliable transportation and necessary amenities?
  • Are there any physical or environmental barriers limiting your mobility?
  • Are you taking steps to overcome any mobility challenges you face?

Social Relationships:

• Quality of Relationships:
  • Do you have strong and supportive relationships with family and friends?
  • Do you feel connected to and valued by others?
  • Do you have opportunities for social interaction and meaningful conversations?
  • Are you actively building and nurturing your social connections?
• Sense of Belonging:
  • Do you feel like you belong to a community or group?
  • Do you share a sense of connection and shared values with others?
  • Do you feel accepted and valued for who you are?
  • Are you involved in activities or groups that give you a sense of belonging?

Environment:

• Safety and Security:
  • Do you feel safe and secure in your home and community?
  • Are you free from fear or violence?
  • Do you have access to essential services and support systems?
  • Are you actively working towards creating a safe and secure environment for yourself?
• Physical Surroundings:
  • Do you enjoy spending time in your home and surroundings?
  • Are your living conditions clean, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing?
  • Do you have access to nature and green spaces?
  • Are there any environmental factors impacting your well-being (e.g., noise pollution, air quality)?

Spirituality/Religion/Personal Beliefs:

• Sense of Meaning and Purpose:
  • Do you have a sense of purpose and meaning in your life?
  • Do you find connection and inspiration from your personal beliefs or spirituality?
  • Does your belief system provide comfort and guidance in challenging times?
  • Are you actively exploring and deepening your understanding of your own values and beliefs?