The Wellbeing and Holistic Health Association hosted the third edition of the “III. Wellbeing Conference” on May 10, 2025, featuring 23 distinguished panelists who are leaders in their fields and inspire society.

We have summarized the key points from the Super Intelligence and Wellbeing panel at the conference, which was attended by 350 people;

The Super Intelligence and Wellbeing Panel was moderated by Zehra Öney, Founding Board Chair of the Women in Technology Association & Founding Agency President of 360+ Media Interactive Technologies, and featured Hayriye Karadeniz, Information Technology Coordinator, CIO at Koç Holding, and Ebru Şinik, Founder of Yükselen Çağ Wellbeing Academy.

Panel moderator Zehra Öney, Founding Board Chair of the Women in Technology Association & Founding Agency President of 360+ Media Interactive Technologies, summarized:

< With the advent of Artificial Intelligence, we have entered the techno-feudalist era from the capitalist era. Techno-giants have now replaced capitalists. Work that used to be done with production tools is now produced through digital data. Cloud giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta no longer generate profits; they generate rent. They don’t operate markets; they operate platforms. They process user data and collect data rent. The Cloud Lords have taken over the world.

Our sense of security is rapidly diminishing. The uncertainty brought about by Artificial Intelligence and the growing need for security are causing concern. People are anxious about how to manage their presence on social media accounts.

One of the main messages of the Super Intelligence era is:

Become singular, turn inward, integrate with yourself, unite, feel your soul, your brain, your mind

and create your new form according to your abilities and competencies.

We are in a period of forgetting everything we know and rediscovering and restructuring ourselves. >

she said.

Hayriye Karadeniz, Coordinator of Information Technologies at Koç Holding and Founding Vice President of the Women in Technology Association, summarized:

In response to panel moderator Zehra Öney’s question, “What kind of future does Artificial Intelligence and Super Intelligence promise for humanity?”

< I believe it will bring abundance to the human race, particularly through increased productivity. I believe that by creating personalized health and education data for everyone, we can achieve a more democratic structure in these areas worldwide.

The people training Artificial Intelligence and AI currently lack reasoning ability with the existing technology. It is said that reasoning ability will likely develop by 2045. Generative Artificial Intelligence is rapidly developing, transforming, and learning. It is currently at the level of a high school student and is expected to quickly advance to the level of a university student pursuing a doctorate.

We do not yet know all the layers of the human brain. I predict that with Artificial Intelligence technology, we will reach a point where humans will achieve their maximum potential and make brand new discoveries.

In the corporate world, the need to focus on people is one of the most important issues we pay attention to in this transformation. We are continuing our efforts to train all our employees to become AI literate so that they can adapt to the transformation. We aim to establish a proper structure that includes everyone through inclusive governance mechanisms and methods.

Technology is not a goal, but a tool. We must ensure that we use the tools provided by Super Intelligence as a lever. It is not sustainable to make plans in companies without a human focus. Leaders and senior managers need to make decisions and manage in a way that raises the level of well-being of all people.

I should mention that, alongside these positive benefits, there are also concerns and anxieties about how to teach AI human ethical values and morals.

What are we teaching AI? Good intentions, conscience, and what is right? Or is it how to make money quickly and deceive? What is right and wrong in certain matters can differ across cultures. Can empathy, emotion, and the context of all these things be taught through the intellect, heart, and spiritual connection that humans possess? We will see this over time. > she said.

Ebru Şinik, Founding Board President of the Wellbeing Association and Founder of the Yükselen Çağ Wellbeing Academy, summarized:

She surprised everyone with her answer to panel moderator Zehra Öney’s question, “Is man a machine? Will robots have consciousness?”

< “Humans are the very technology we expect from Super Intelligence, but humanity has not yet completed its primary task of self-discovery, which is its first duty to itself.”

Humans are incredible soft-robotic beings, connected to the Unity Consciousness, existing within the quantum field, holographic and dynamic. Humans are not machines, because the machines we create have no inner world. They cannot create data that has not been loaded into them from nothing. It is still impossible for Artificial Intelligence to demonstrate cognitive abilities with today’s technologies; such an algorithm has not yet been written.

Consciousness is primarily a state of being aware of oneself and one’s surroundings. In addition, humans are beings capable of inference from experience, senses, feelings, emotions, thoughts, empathy, sympathy, love, falling in love, forgiveness, and free will… Consciousness is the state of being aware of all these things. It does not seem possible for robots and/or Artificial Intelligence to possess these pure human characteristics with current technology.

According to the statements of Federico Faggin, a famous Italian-American quantum physicist;

“Today’s computers, despite being hundreds of billions of times more complex and powerful than those produced in the late 1950s, are not even one bit more conscious than they were.”

The world of Artificial Intelligence will now and in the future be managed by people who demonstrate the ability to remain TRULY HUMAN, that is, people who can discover and develop their own internal technology, preserve the characteristics of being human, and do their duty. > he said.

Ebru Şinik emphasized the importance of meditation and controlled, rhythmic breathing exercises—inhaling and exhaling through the nose—which help manage stress levels and ensure the proper and healthy functioning of human biochemistry, especially in this new era of rapidly increasing uncertainty. At the end of the panel, she led the entire audience in a 3-minute Heart-Brain Coherence meditation designed by the HeartMath Institute, which has been conducting scientific research on heart-brain correlation in Northern California for 33 years. She then led the entire audience in a 3-minute Heart-Brain Alignment meditation designed by the HeartMath Institute.

A Wellbeing-Focused Roadmap for Recovery in Disasters

The devastating earthquakes we experienced on February 6, 2023, did not only shake our buildings—they shook our souls. In a single day, the lives of millions of people changed forever. Just as bodies rescued from the rubble needed healing, so too did the souls carrying invisible trauma. This raises a critical question: In the face of disasters, is physical reconstruction alone enough, or do we need a deeper, more holistic approach to recovery?

The Heavier Burden of Invisible Wounds: The Psychological and Wellbeing Dimension of Disasters

In the aftermath of disasters, attention is often focused on tangible needs such as debris removal, temporary shelter, and infrastructure repair. However, recent research shows that this approach alone is insufficient. According to CASAT OnDemand’s 2024 report, 2.5 million people in the United States were displaced by disasters in 2023 alone. Behind these numbers lie millions of stories marked by anxiety, insomnia, and intense emotional fluctuations— invisible wounds carried silently.

While these reactions are natural, when left unaddressed, they can evolve into long-term psychological and physiological challenges.

Where Post-Disaster Recovery Processes Get Stuck

Research conducted by Deborah Blackman and her team sheds light on why post-disaster recovery efforts sometimes stall. Inequitable resource distribution, a narrow focus on short-term solutions, complex coordination challenges, and limited community participation are among the key factors hindering progress. When these barriers persist, restoring a community’s overall wellbeing becomes significantly more difficult.

A Gateway to Healing: The Transformative Power of Psychological First Aid

Findings from researchers at Johns Hopkins highlight the critical role of Psychological First Aid (PFA) in post-disaster settings. PFA includes simple yet powerful steps such as active listening, creating safe spaces, assessing needs, fostering social connections, and providing practical support. Importantly, this approach is not limited to professionals; trained volunteers can also apply it effectively. The strong sense of solidarity witnessed in the field after the earthquake was, in many ways, a natural reflection of Psychological First Aid in action.

The Healing Power of Social Solidarity and Community Resilience

Studies published in Medical Xpress emphasize the unique role that strong social ties play in post-disaster recovery. Access to resources, conflict resolution skills, and hope-filled social relationships form the building blocks of community resilience. The widespread volunteerism and mutual aid demonstrated in Türkiye following the February 6 earthquakes stand as powerful examples of this healing solidarity.

Stepped Support Models: A Recovery Approach for Every Need

Everyone experiences trauma—and heals from it—differently. This is why the stepped care model recommended by the NCBI is particularly valuable. By offering support at multiple levels, from community-based self-care practices to specialized therapeutic interventions, this model ensures both efficient use of resources and care tailored to individual needs.

Those Most at Risk in Disasters: Women, Children, and Vulnerable Groups

Research shows that women face a 60% higher risk of post-disaster depression and anxiety compared to men. For children, play-based therapy and age-appropriate communication methods have demonstrated promising results. Older adults, individuals with disabilities, and other disadvantaged groups also require tailored solutions. Gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches make it possible for post-disaster recovery to rest on a more equitable foundation.

New Pathways Through Technology: Digital Support Systems and Artificial Intelligence

Digital mental health platforms, online therapy services, and AI-driven risk analysis tools are opening new possibilities in post-disaster wellbeing support. From early warning systems to mobile applications offering psychological assistance, technology can significantly enhance both preparedness and recovery processes.

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: A Wellbeing-Focused Social Transformation

A wellbeing-centered recovery after disasters does more than heal individual wounds—it strengthens collective resilience. Current literature summarizes these strategies under five core principles: a holistic approach, stepped intervention, community-centered solutions, sustainability, and equity.

Although disasters bring profound destruction, they can also serve as opportunities to build more resilient, compassionate, and connected societies. When we follow a wellbeing-focused roadmap, disasters are no longer just crises to be endured, but turning points that deepen our bonds with one another and allow us to look toward the future with greater hope.

Prof. Dr. Ayşe Handan DÖKMECİ
Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University
Faculty of Health Sciences
Head of the Department of Emergency Aid and Disaster Management
Academic | Researcher | Author | Wellbeing Coach

References

• CASAT OnDemand. (2024). Disaster impact and recovery statistics. Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies.

• Queensland Government, Queensland Health Department. (2024). Wellbeing in disasters: A comprehensive guide. Queensland Government.

• Blackman, D., Prayag, G., Nakanishi, H., Chaffer, J., & Freyens, B. (2024). Wellbeing in disaster recovery: Understanding where systems get stuck. Journal of Emergency Management, 22(1), 15–28.

• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2022). Psychological first aid in disaster response: Evidence-based approaches. American Journal of Public Health, 112(4), 523–531.

• Medical Xpress. (2024). Community resilience factors in post-disaster wellbeing. Medical Research Communications, 9(2), 134–141.

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2024). Psychological first aid for children and adolescents. NCTSN Publications.

• National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2015). Stepped care approaches to disaster mental health services. NCBI Resources.

• World Health Organization. (2024). Mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings. WHO Press.

The land of happy people… A country where nature is the greatest power; a carbon-negative country that closely resembles a vegan lifestyle; a mysterious, simple, and deeply natural country.

But is it really like that?

It has a strong belief system, untouched nature, and daily life largely shaped by walking. There are ancestral spices and a generous dance and harmony of colors in every movement of life.

Bhutan had been on my list for a long time. Even though I learned at the last moment that its airport has one of the world’s most challenging runways, my excitement never faded until I arrived.

My curiosity went beyond the values Bhutan has protected for decades. I also wanted to see if the simplicity I had read about so often—and that is so often associated with a long and peaceful life—truly existed. When a friend invited me, I accepted without hesitation and set out on this journey. Adding Nepal to the trip deepened, enriched, and grounded my understanding of happiness, energy, and gratitude.

In this article, I want to share my experience in Bhutan—why it affected me so deeply and how much of what we hear about is actually true.

What Makes Bhutan Truly Unique?

Here are a few remarkable facts that make Bhutan unlike any other country:

• It is the only country in the world with Gross National Happiness (GNH) enshrined in its constitution.
• It has a constitutional requirement that at least 60% of the country remain green (currently around 70%). Mountains are considered sacred.
• It is one of the few nations whose national identity is rooted in spiritual philosophy while embracing modern life.
• It is the world’s only carbon-negative country.
• It has 100% natural agriculture with no use of chemical pesticides.
• The tourism model is based on “high value, low volume.”
• Due to Buddhist respect for life, animal slaughter is prohibited.

Here, happiness is valued more highly than economic growth. Inner peace, not wealth, is accepted as the true measure of prosperity.

Conscious Modernization, Deeply Preserved Roots

Bhutan opened its doors to tourism relatively recently and very deliberately. The number of visitors is limited each year, and individual travel is not permitted. Visitors must enter through officially approved tours. The aim is to prevent mass tourism and protect nature and culture.

Perhaps this is why Bhutan has managed to preserve its sense of mystery. There are still no traffic lights. The country did not have television until 1999. While this may seem like resistance to Western modernity, it actually reflects a stronger commitment to preserving the country’s essence, values, and respect.

The architecture is striking and entirely unique. Public buildings must follow traditional styles, and villages maintain the same visual integrity. This harmony naturally commands respect.

Nutrition, Gut Health, and Happiness

As a functional medicine practitioner, I was most impressed by food and gut health.

Although I had followed a vegan-style diet for a long time, experiencing the cooking methods, food combinations, and spice blends firsthand reminded me how deeply these factors influence gut health. Spices, which are so familiar to our cultural heritage, are used in almost every Bhutanese meal.

In just nine days, I noticed a clear improvement in my digestion, skin (a key indicator of gut and metabolic health), and overall energy levels.

The foundation of Bhutanese nutrition includes:

• black and red rice
• a wide variety of colorful lentils,
• mushrooms, and abundant vegetables.

The main sources of protein are legumes, eggs, and tofu. Dairy products are consumed in small amounts, primarily yogurt and cheese. The absence of pesticides and the belief that killing animals is a major sin result in very limited meat consumption and create a significant health advantage.

For those following a gluten-free diet, Bhutan is surprisingly accommodating. Naturally gluten-free, high-fiber grains such as red rice, buckwheat, and corn are staples and some of my personal favorites.

Chili peppers are the heart of Bhutanese cuisine. Capsaicin, which is often taken in supplement form, is consumed here in its most natural state. I felt it significantly boosted my energy levels, and I believe it plays a real role in weight regulation.

Desserts are virtually nonexistent. Fruit is limited and consumed in moderation. The water, which flows directly from the Himalayas, further enhances the almost “elixir-like” quality of the food.

Movement, slowness, and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle

Another powerful contributor to gut health is regular physical activity. Since transportation is mostly done on foot, movement is naturally integrated into daily life.

There is no modern office culture filled with endless coffee breaks, cigarette breaks, or sugary tea rituals. Meals are regular, foods are well-combined, and walking afterward is common. The result is sustained daytime energy and deep, peaceful sleep at night.

A slower pace of life, lower expectations, and reduced anxiety—supported by strong spiritual beliefs—naturally promote anti-inflammatory processes throughout the body. (I can’t help but look at this through a functional medicine lens. 😊)

Tiger’s Nest: A Physical and Spiritual Journey

One of the most profound experiences for me was visiting the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Reached entirely on foot, the journey takes nearly eight hours and leaves you with a vast, clean inner space.

I don’t regularly go to the gym, but I prioritize daily movement and maintaining a healthy weight. During this extraordinary natural, spiritual, and physical journey, I climbed approximately 1,300 steps and ascended to nearly 4,000 meters, but I was not exhausted.

Moments like these test the physical and emotional strength that we strive to develop through active living, and they truly empower you.

Health Indicators and Longevity

The average life expectancy in Bhutan is around 73 years, which is close to the Asian average but is steadily increasing. Obesity rates are very low, and cardiovascular disease and diabetes are far less common.

With environmental toxins, air pollution, and pesticides almost nonexistent, and a gentle approach to stress, cancer rates are low.

Strong belief systems also mean that alcohol and smoking are minimal. Though depression rates are relatively low, I believe urbanization may cause them to rise over time.

When Wellbeing Becomes a Way of Life

Bhutan is the only country that measures success by the happiness of its people rather than by economic output.

When we ask ourselves, “How can we live better?” or “How do we truly integrate well-being into our lives?” it is deeply moving to see that so many of the principles we read and learn about are simply how life is lived here.

In a country where more than 70% of the land is green, your breath deepens, your eyes relax, your mind clears, and your sleep improves—your entire system begins to heal.

Spiritual traditions, meditation, compassion, and mindfulness are not just personal practices here; they are reflected in state policies. These traditions remind us of the importance of meaning, purpose, and inner balance for physical health and a fulfilled life.

This culture, which is based on harmony with nature, contentment with less, and inner peace, touched me deeply. Rather than emphasizing consumption, materialism, and constant competition, this culture emphasizes equality, compassion, balance, and meaning.

For the first time, a journey had such a positive impact on my health. This is because everything we recommended—nutrition, sleep, movement, meditation, and a simple life in close connection with nature—was not just advice, but a lived reality.

Health and well-being don’t come from what’s imposed on us; they come from the meaning and gratitude we bring to what we already have.

I wish you simple, sincere, and natural journeys—experiences, friendships, and paths that truly nourish your soul.

Dr. İrem Ergün
Functional Medicine Physician
Board Member of Wellbeing Association

 The third edition of the first and still only “Wellbeing Conference” in Turkey, organized by the “Wellbeing and Holistic Health Association,” was held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Beşiktaş South Campus of Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, with the university serving as the venue sponsor.

The conference, attended by 350 people, featured six panels throughout the day, with a total of 23 distinguished experts from the worlds of business, medicine, finance, and academia serving as panelists.

The conference opened with the Financial Wellbeing panel.

The Financial Wellbeing Panel was moderated by financier and investor Emre K. Mimaroğlu and featured Mint Finance Chairman İlhami Koç, Doğuş Otomotiv Board Member & Foder Advisory Board Chairman & Monay App Founder Özlem Denizmen, and Foder Board Member and Osmanlı Yatırım Board Advisor Murat Sağman.

We have summarized the topics discussed in the panel for you.

You can also watch the entire panel here

Emre K. Mimaroğlu: “Financial Wellbeing is not the same as financial literacy.”

• Emre Mimaroğlu, the panel moderator, a financier and investor, emphasized that financial literacy and financial wellbeing are not the same thing, defining financial wellbeing as “managing one’s relationship with money in a calm manner.” He also explained that owning financial assets is not sufficient to enhance financial wellbeing, citing the Medici family in Florence as an example from history. He highlighted that investment decisions are generally not rational, quoting Daniel Kahneman: “People’s fear of loss is twice as strong as their desire to gain.”

• İlhami Koç: “The illusion of return leads people into investment traps”

İlhami Koç, Chairman of the Board of Mint Finance, began his speech by defining investment as “the evaluation of savings, excluding expenses, in financial instruments for the purpose of return.” He noted that investment, also described by the Turkish word “maya koymak,” should essentially be long-term, but in daily life, it is evaluated as very short-term. Koç emphasized that they encounter the question “Where should I invest my money?” everywhere and that with this question, people actually mean “How can I double my money in the short term with which investment instrument?” He said that high return claims, i.e., the illusion of return, lead people into investment traps. He stated that Ponzi schemes are the most important example of investment traps, noting that the human brain loves quick solutions and focuses on potential returns while ignoring risk, which is why Ponzi schemes are so popular. He also mentioned that the habit of short-termism creates opportunities for fraudsters.

• Özlem Denizmen: “Financial wellbeing is measurable and trackable.”

Özlem Denizmen, member of the Board of Directors at Doğuş Otomotiv, Chair of the FODER Advisory Board, and founder of Monay App, stated that she has been responsible for her own financial wellbeing since the age of 17 and that she has transferred the experience she gained from her professional career in finance to her startup, the Monay App. Contributing to the measurability of financial wellbeing with this application, Denizmen stated that while earning money is a feasible action, improving one’s financial wellbeing level is more important. Denizmen emphasized that the financial wellbeing levels of a person who can manage their money, create an emergency fund, save, and does not have impulsive consumption habits will naturally differ from those of a person with the opposite behaviors. He stated that this difference makes financial wellbeing measurable and trackable. He mentioned that individuals’ financial behavior tendencies and behavioral approaches are important in measuring financial wellbeing levels. He advised that investing in a way that does not increase a person’s stress level will raise their financial wellbeing level and that young people, in particular, should experience investing but, above all, diversify.  He also stated that for financial wellbeing, it is necessary to have knowledge and skills and to take action, but that we have some behavioral blocks, and therefore investing is not a rational action. He emphasized that even childhood memories related to money affect individuals’ investment behaviors and that parents are the teachers of children’s financial wellbeing.

• Murat Sağman: “Financial wellbeing is more about managing money than earning it.”

Murat Sağman, member of the Foder Board of Directors and advisor to the Ottoman Investment Board of Directors, began his speech by giving examples of how the short-term and long-term perspectives of investors and financial professionals are quite different. He stated that financial wellbeing is more about managing money than earning it.  He stated that each individual’s investment decision should be different, that investment decisions should be made according to the person’s financial and behavioral situation, and therefore it is not right to ask everyone for investment advice. Stating that investments that cause anxiety at night are not the right investments, Sağman emphasized that investment instruments have remained in the triangle of interest, foreign exchange, and the stock market for a long time, and that there is currently a wide range of financial investment instruments, which is an important factor in terms of financial peace of mind. However, Sağman noted that short-term investments and the desire for high returns undermine financial peace of mind, highlighting the importance of individual investment planning at this point. He also said that some people trust everyone too easily and are highly susceptible to fraud, while others do not invest at all for fear of being defrauded.

In today’s world, time seems to flow at an almost impossible pace, driven by constant technological advancements. It is driven by constant technological advancements. Everything is in motion: work, relationships, and the way we live and think.

And within this whirlwind, there are we, adapting, striving and evolving, yet often needing to pause and take a breath.

Change is no longer the exception — it is life itself. In this new reality, It’s not enough to be productive; we also need to live balanced, healthy lives. meaningful life has also become essential. This is where coaching and Wellbeing are two powerful approaches that support personal growth and organizational growth, leading to sustainable success.

Coaching: The Art of Unlocking Potential

It is a transformative process that empowers individuals and organisations to unlock their potential and turn intention into action. Through a personalised approach, coaching helps to identify strengths, explore areas for growth and setting clear, achievable goals. It is based on the belief that that solutions already exist within the individual and focuses on drawing them out.

Coaching is more than just “how to get things done”; it also answers the deeper question: ‘Who am I in the process?’ It reflects back to the client their mental, physical and emotional worlds, helping them to clarify their values and align with their purpose and ignite their intrinsic motivation.

Wellbeing: A State of True Balance

Wellbeing is a choice, but it’s not just about “feeling good”.

True wellbeing involves achieving a balance between body, mind and spirit. In the chaos of modern life, achieving this balance is not a luxury, but a necessity.

It encompasses physical health as well as mental, emotional, social, spiritual and financial harmony. The goal is to adopt strategies, routines and practices that improve daily quality of life, fostering greater focus, creativity, resilience and vitality.

In organisational settings, wellbeing is about more than just employee satisfaction — it’s about understanding how people feel, what they need and whether they find meaning in their work. Wellbeing professionals guide individuals and teams to find their rhythm, fostering sustainable performance, resilience and engagement.

Performance and Balance: A Powerful Partnership

In today’s world, success is not just about external results. Inner balance and self-awareness are equally important. The real question is:

How am I sustaining my sense of wellbeing as I achieve success?

We live in an age where attention is scattered, responsibilities are shifting and meaning is constantly being redefined. The ability to stay present, focused and attentive has become a performance skill in itself.

Here, the coach helps to recalibrate the inner compass by clarifying goals, values and direction, while the wellbeing expert addresses stress management, focus, flexibility and quality of life. Together, they lay the groundwork for sustainable growth, not just for individuals, but for entire organisations.

This partnership embeds wellbeing into organisational culture, enhancing communication, empathy, problem solving, collaboration, strategic thinking and adaptability. When individuals are self-aware, balanced and able to manage stress and attention effectively, they transform not only their own lives, but also the teams and organisations around them.

On the journey to success, coaching helps you find your direction. Wellbeing helps you find your rhythm.

Ayşegül Sağ
Performance & Team Coach, Wellbeing Specialist, Educator
FCPC – ACC

Let’s Establish Work-Life Balance to Improve Wellbeing

With the development of digital innovations, we have begun to experience rapid changes in all areas of our lives. Changes such as flexible working hours or remote working have become commonplace. As a result, our work experiences have also begun to change. With these changes, maintaining work-life balance has become one of the most important issues for our wellbeing in both our professional and personal lives.

Work-life balance is crucial for achieving organisational wellbeing and frequently arises in our professional lives. In today’s ever-changing world, we must strive to achieve balance in all areas of our lives. This necessity is 

It is important not only for our happiness, but also for our health and wellbeing. When the balance between our personal and professional lives is disrupted, Our wellbeing is also affected.

In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, maintaining work-life balance is important for our performance and productivity in all areas of life. Along with our priorities in life, our personal expectations and desires are other factors that influence our work-life balance.

How is Work-Life Balance Defined?

Before we look at the concept of work-life balance, let’s consider what a balanced life should be like.

Kirchmeyer (1993) defined this as ‘the equal distribution of energy, time and commitment across all areas of life, enabling satisfying experiences in each area’. Kofodimos, on the other hand, defines a balanced life as ‘a satisfying, healthy and productive life that includes love, play and work’. Marks and MacDermid (1996), meanwhile, define it as ‘a life in which one can enjoy the moment, where no role is superior to any other’.

Our work-life balance is actually a situation that guides us on how to maintain balance in our lives.

At the same time, it provides us with a perspective on how we should balance the time we devote to work with the time we devote to other activities in our lives.

So, what do we mean when we talk about work-life balance, a popular concept today?

According to one accepted definition, work-life balance is ‘the individual perception that work and non-work activities are compatible and promote growth in accordance with one’s current life priorities’.

Studies also show that maintaining work-life balance leads to greater satisfaction in both work and family life.

Furthermore, it has a positive impact on people’s performance and organizational commitment in their work lives.

When we lose our work-life balance, we may find that we have more negative experiences at work. We may struggle to fulfil the responsibilities required by our various roles and experience relationship conflicts. Our overall life satisfaction, sense of fulfilment and wellbeing may also be affected by these situations.

Work-life balance is generally influenced by personal or organisational factors.

Our age, gender, education, marital status, family roles, socio-cultural structure, and career life are personal factors that affect work-life balance.

Disruptions to work-life balance can be caused by organisational factors such as work responsibilities, workplace roles, role conflicts, job security issues, management style, excessive workload, workplace conditions and career barriers.

To maintain a stable work-life balance, it is important to determine our life priorities. It is also important to be aware of our desires and expectations. Once we have this awareness, we must take responsibility for preventing disruption to our balance.

Why is it important to maintain a work-life balance?

Our ability to fulfill our expectations in all the roles we assume in our work and personal lives positively affects our work-life balance. Being aware of our priorities, setting boundaries in our life areas, and aligning our personal expectations with the responsibilities we assume are factors that support the maintenance of our work-life balance.

Scientific studies reveal that work-life balance has an impact on family relationships and responsibilities, as well as on job satisfaction and health. A study conducted by Gragnano and colleagues (2020) examined the importance of the relationship between family and health factors and work-life balance. The results of the study reported that health factors were more important than family factors in work-life balance.

If we want to maintain our health and well-being and lead a more fulfilling and happy life, it is important not to lose our work-life balance. The most important reasons for maintaining balance in our work and personal lives can be listed as follows:

• It supports our happiness and motivation in our working life.
• It increases our job satisfaction and contentment.
• It supports our emotional resilience and mental calmness.
• It increases our creativity, performance, and productivity.
• It improves our quality of life.
• Strengthens our bonds in relationships.
• Prevents role conflicts in family and work life.
• Reduces burnout.
• Prevents workforce loss and turnover.
• Supports personal and professional success.
• Creates a positive work culture.
• Enhances our ability to cope with stress.
• Makes it easier to make the right decisions.
• Strengthens work and team relationships.
• Makes it easier to find time for personal development and hobbies.
• Enables us to devote time to social responsibility projects or volunteer work.

How Do We Know When Our Work-Life Balance Is Out of Order?

When we lose balance between our personal and professional lives, we may feel the negative effects of this imbalance in all areas of our lives. Work-life imbalance can affect our health, quality of life, and performance.

We can recognize work-life imbalance through its reflections in our lives, which will also affect our wellbeing.

Some signs that may indicate that our work-life balance is out of balance are as follows:

• Our sleep pattern may be disrupted.
• We may experience stress and anxiety.
• We may experience physical and mental exhaustion.
• We may feel constantly tired.
• We may experience conflicts in our family relationships.
• Physical health issues such as pain in different parts of the body may occur.
• Difficulty concentrating and decreased performance at work and in personal life may occur.
• Loss of interest and decreased motivation in both work and personal life may occur.
• Working hours may increase in our professional life.
• Time allocated to personal interests may decrease.
• Relationships may deteriorate overall.
• The boundaries between work and personal life may become blurred.
• Life satisfaction and job satisfaction may decrease.

It is important to pay attention to such signs that indicate a loss of balance in our daily lives. Seeking professional help when necessary can make it easier to overcome problems.

What steps can we take to maintain work-life balance?

We can support our wellbeing by taking the following steps to maintain work-life balance:

• When planning our work and personal lives, let’s use time efficiently and prioritize our tasks according to importance.
• Let’s clarify our goals in both our work and personal lives.
• Avoid bringing work-related issues into our personal lives.
• Avoid checking work-related phone calls or emails outside of work hours.
• Consider taking advantage of opportunities such as flexible work hours or remote work when necessary.
• Avoid working overtime or taking on extra work unless absolutely necessary.
• Delegate tasks when necessary to lighten our workload.
• Set boundaries for our work hours and allocate non-work hours as personal time.
• Prioritize our physical and mental health by maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
• Effectively manage stress through regular exercise, breathing techniques, or meditation.
• Let’s spend more time on our hobbies and interests outside of work.
• Let’s strengthen our relationships and social support networks.
• Let’s get support from other family members when needed for household responsibilities.
• Let’s avoid distractions to use our time outside of work productively.

• Let’s use tools that help us organize our work and increase our productivity.
• Be sure to take short breaks after long working hours to boost your energy.
• Make vacation plans within your means and set aside time to rest.

Of course, we must make a determined effort to maintain our work-life balance. By incorporating small steps into our lives and turning them into habits over time, it is possible to maintain balance in our work and personal lives.

Şenay Zuhur

Wellbeing Specialist & Specialist Nurse & Holistic Development Coach

Sources

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         7. Marks, S.R. & MacDermid, S.M. (1996). Multiple roles and the self: A theory of role balance. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 58: 417-432.

THE FIRST WELLNESS CENTRE IN ANATOLIA IN ANCIENT TIMES: BERGAMA ASKLEPION

Today, many of us turn to the philosophy of “wellbeing” to maintain our mental and spiritual balance, reduce stress, prevent illness and support our health and well-being. These programmes include exercise classes, sleep aids, breathing techniques, meditation, affirmation techniques, nutritional programmes, aromatherapy and massage.

Thousands of years ago, in the 4th century BC, the Asclepion, the centre of medicine and pharmacy, was established in Pergamon in Anatolia. It was not only the largest health centre of antiquity, but also the oldest wellness centre. This health centre continued to function efficiently until the 4th century AD.

Asclepion takes its name from Asclepius, the god of health. Asclepius, who healed the sick, was taught the secrets of healing by Chiron and a grateful snake. Asclepius is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad as a demigod who heals the sick.

We always see Asclepius with his staff and a snake wrapped around it. There are also snake figures on the altar that stands in the centre at the entrance to the Asclepion Healing Centre. The snake wrapped around the staff of Asclepius was used as a symbol of medicine and pharmacy.

The Asclepion in Pergamon was built far away from the settlement, in a quiet valley with a strong positive vibration, suitable for seclusion.

So when we ask, “What treatments were used in this ancient wellness centre?”, the answer is surprisingly similar to today’s wellness protocols. There were hot and cold baths, physical exercises similar to yoga poses, and special diets. Herbs, medicines, music, the sound of water, psychotherapy based on affirmations and the interpretation of dreams, mud and sun baths were all used to great effect.

Situated in a wet and lush valley to the south-west of Bergama, Asclepion can be reached via the 1km-long Sacred Way.  As you approach the entrance gate to the Asclepion, you will see shops lined up on either side of the stone road with a drainage system in the middle. These shops sold medicinal herbs, resins, perfumes, oils, incense and natural medicines. The bazaar, built to cater for the needs of patients and visitors from far away, was also used to make offerings to the gods. Archaeological excavations have unearthed many fragments of sculptures such as small hands, feet and eyes. These were offerings for the healing of the organ they represented.

At the entrance to the Asclepion, according to legend, there was a sign which read: “For the sanctity of all the gods, death is forbidden to enter the Asclepion”. Visitors were first examined at the entrance gate and terminally ill and pregnant women were never allowed inside. Patients who thought that death would not enter the gate would begin to heal with the first affirmation.

The priest-doctors, who were clergymen, worked here and were called Asclepiades. People of all classes, creeds and races were admitted to the Asclepion and anyone who came without discrimination was treated for a fee to get rid of their physical or mental illness. From the information gathered during the excavations, we know that the visually impaired were treated here.

It was staffed by priest-doctors, who were clergymen, and they were called Asclepiades. People of all classes, creeds and races were admitted to the Asclepion and anyone who came without discrimination was treated for a fee to get rid of their physical or mental illness. From the information gathered during the excavations, we know that the visually impaired were also treated here.

In the ancient spa, with its lush green gardens and mineral-rich thermal waters, the first step is a personalised herbal cleansing diet. After a day of fasting, at sundown you would move on to invigorating thermal baths to purify your energy. Washing and entering the temple with a clean body was the first protocol. In the temple, both priest-doctors and patients had to wear white robes. In the white robes you would go into relaxing meditation. At the end of the meditation, you were given a relaxing, sleep-inducing herbal drink and then taken to the sleeping room called the “abaton”. Sleep was very important in Asclepion. It was believed that sleep provided inner purification. It was also believed that during sleep the soul left the body and contacted higher beings. Careful interpretation of dreams was therefore very important.

It was believed that Asclepius, the god of health, and his snake would visit you in your dreams and give you guidance. Sometimes priests would give you suggestions while you slept and perform subconscious cleansing. These priests were healers trained with the experience of knowledge passed down through generations.

Running around the temple, exercising on the gallery in the green garden were daily routines.

In the south-east corner of the temple was a two-storey healing centre. The healing centre is connected to the sacred spring by an underground passage. Water from the sacred spring flows through this underground tunnel. Walking through the 70 metre long tunnel, one walks under the sunlight that enters through small holes drilled at regular intervals.

The similarity of music therapy, baths, massages, aromatherapy, physical exercises, sleep and meditation techniques carried out in Asclepion some 2000 thousand years ago with the well-being protocols for feeling good and happy today, and the fact that these healing methods were first implemented in Anatolia, in the largest treatment centre of ancient times, reminds us once again of the wisdom of the land where we live.

If you ask where you can find Asclepius today, raise your head and look at the sky; you will see him eye-to-eye. He’s called in ancient Greek ” ‘Snake-bearer’, which means ‘snake-bearer’. The constellation ‘Ophiuchus’ will continue to guide you from the sky with its snake …

Sinem US | Homeopathic Pharmacist & Health Writer