Lifelong Learner #28
Making well-being a verb
To all lifelong learners,
A thought I’m exploring: What if well-being isn’t a destination we arrive at, but a practice we must operationalize into our daily lives?
We often treat our health and happiness as abstract concepts. But true, sustainable well-being is built through concrete actions. For example, the research is clear: 7-9 hours of quality sleep is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health, mood and longevity. Similarly, 120 minutes in nature each week is what research shows is the minimum for clear health benefits. And when it comes to the big picture, Harvard has followed people for over 85 years and found that the quality of your close relationships is what best predicts a good life.
To truly benefit from these insights, we must operationalize them. We need to turn them into reliable systems. We can anchor a new routine to an old one, like putting your phone in the kitchen after you brush your teeth. We can implement a 24-hour rule for non-urgent purchases to consume wiser. It is about making well-being a daily verb.
I’ve recently compiled a hopefully comprehensive set of 35 visual posters detailing these specific, research-backed habits for sustainable well-being. They cover everything from physical activity and daylight to active listening and biodiversity. You can download a free version of all the posters in English and Swedish at: https://www.johanaeriksson.com/publications
A question I’m asking myself: What is one area of my well-being that I have left to chance, and what small routine can I build to support it?
Our collective challenge: This week, pick one small habit to operationalize in your life.
Try the concept of “habit stacking” by attaching a new, tiny behavior to something you already do every day.
For example, you could trigger a breathing habit at a daily cue, such as taking three slow breaths every time you sit in a chair.
Looking forward to learning together with you. Thank you 🙏
Johan