Sense of Wellbeing Exercises

Self-Wellness, Tips and Resources

3 Good Things

An Exercise Intended to Increase Sense of Wellbeing

Sense of wellbeing exercises are important for us for all kinds of reasons. Intentional thinking, as we do in 3 Good Things, helps to keep us centered and nourishes all aspects of life. This simple activity takes five minutes before bed. Write down three things you are grateful for that day. It literally takes less than five minutes but the research shows that by focusing on what we are grateful for, we will notice more of it.

If you try this exercise for just two weeks you will already begin to feel the effects. In fact, according to the study, a two-week trial of 3 Good Things can have lasting benefits for up to six months. Simply by acknowledging what we are grateful for each day we will increase our happiness and decrease depression. One healthcare organization prescribed 3 Good Things as one of the sense of wellbeing exercises to be used as treatment rather than prescribing antidepressants. It’s that effective.

Other results include:

  • Reduced levels of burnout
  • Better sleep quality
  • Improvements with personal and professional relationships

Here’s all you need to do. Place a small notebook or journal by your bedside and before you go to bed each night write down three things you are grateful for from the day. You could do it on your phone, but there is a physical connection when using pen and paper that apparently makes a stronger impact.

Give it a try for two weeks. Think of what you could gain. 

If it works for you, share the exercise with your colleagues. Sometimes, when we get wrapped up in life, a gentle reminder to pause and take a breath is all we need.

Those moments of internal thought could lead to better team communication, engagement, and even retention. Sense of wellbeing exercises are another fantastic, low-cost, or free resource managers can use to integrate kindness into their cultures. Think of all your team could accomplish with one designated moment a day to stop and pause. Try it! Then, let me know how it goes on LinkedIn! I’d love to hear your kindness stories.