What does happiness mean to one of rugby’s greatest ever players, Vitality Ambassador, Jonny Wilkinson? Vitality Magazine finds out
At the height of his international career, you might think that Jonny Wilkinson, a former fly-half and England’s 2003 World Cup hero, had it all.
However his mental health suffered greatly from his high-pressure role as one of rugby’s greatest ever players – an accolade he officially picked up in 2022.
Achieving a rugby career fit for the history books hasn’t stopped Jonny from searching for his happiness, though.
“I think that happiness is an exploration of what it means to be alive, not what it means to be winning at life,” he explains. “Society is so driven towards this idea of that we will all find ever-lasting happiness when we have ‘this’."
“The actual opportunity here is to explore that we are enough and, ultimately, when we start to recognise that, disappointment can’t touch our self-worth.”
He adds that our self-worth is not defined by whether we feel vulnerable or weak sometimes. It has nothing to do with winning or being recognised for our achievements.
"Self-worth exists on a deeper, more subtle level and it’s available [to us] right here, right now,” he adds.
Keep scrolling to hear Jonny's top tips to finding happiness...
According to Jonny, it helps to become more aware of stress and to detect when we are entering 'survival mode' - rather than a space that us allows us to 'rest and digest'.
'Survival mode' - often referred to as 'fight or flight' - occurs when our bodies release stress hormones, such as cortisol. But while stress was originally designed to help us handle threats, too much stress can do more harm than good. When in survival mode, we often overlook what we really need and instead focus just on getting by. Something Jonny knows all too well.
“Undoubtedly, my journey [with mental health] was about a disconnection with myself,” he admits. Learning how to move into what he calls his "create state" has helped Jonny to reconnect and build self-awareness.
“As you move into the create state, it completely redefines the situation.”
“One of the biggest things I do throughout my day to help with things I find challenging is to become aware of when I am stressing - and then to cultivate space for relaxation. Physically, I can let go of my shoulders, or tune into my bodily sensations. It’s also hugely to do with my breathing rhythms.”
He adds: “Another thing I do is show myself compassion and self-love, and explore these as often as I can throughout my day."
“We spend an incredible amount of our time in survival mode, often holding our breath. We can shift our mindsets and energy states by courageously bringing ease, grace and compassion to situations that challenge us.
According to Jonny, leaning into this space, even just for a minute, by allowing ourselves to breathe and relax, can allow us to feel more free in that moment.
Unlocking this freedom, as well as embracing vulnerability and being kinder to ourselves, can all help contribute to a more healing and ultimately fulfilling existence, he says.
Jonny’s top tips for finding happiness:
Become aware of ‘survival mode’ and notice thoughts and feelings
Have the courage to relax when feeling stressed or triggered
Lovingly look after yourself
Find your calm with...
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