What is Wellness?

Understanding wellness

Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential. This is a life-long process of moving towards enhancing your physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.

These six dimensions highlight important components of wellness. Take time to explore your own level of wellness and see if you have gotten “your dose of wellness” today!

Intellectual

• Find outlets that are intellectually stimulating
• Set and meet realistic goals academically, personally, and professionally
• Decide on things that help you relax and do them
• Take advantage of opportunities that may offer you different experiences
• Practices deep breathing to help the mind-body connection
• Spoil yourself after completing a goal

Spiritual

• Nourish yourself through personal beliefs, morals, and/or religion
• Feel connected with yourself and others
• Find purpose in life and meaning in the little things you do everyday
• Develop a philosophy of life that you want to live by

Environmental

• Appreciate and respect the environment
• Do your part to preserve and improve environmental conditions
• Whether it’s at home or work, have a welcoming space for you and others to feel comfortable
• Reduce noise and pollution
• Keep yourself and others safe – like buckling up
• Have a place that you can go to relax, chill out

Physical

• Get a physical exam
• Be consistent with self-exams like BSE/TSE
• For women, get yearly gynecological exams
• Stay current on immunizations
• Exercise regularly and eat balanced meals
• Get dental and eye exams
• Limit or avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Get a massage to ease tired and worked muscles

Emotional

• Recognize when your emotions affect your body
• Express your needs, feelings, and opinions appropriately
• Use humor to defuse negative thoughts or situations
• Use journal writing to relieve stress and express your thoughts
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member and vent
• Give and receive lots of hugs
• Be optimistic – believe in yourself and your abilities
• If you are feeling overwhelmed, make an appointment with a professional healthcare provider

Social

• Develop relationships where both parties feel good
• Interacts well with others in public and private situations
• Maintain values and beliefs without being persuaded by peer pressure
• Feel comfortable adapting to various social settings
• Join clubs to expand your social network, it’s a great way to get involved and meet others with similar interests
• Read the newspaper – you will be amazed with all of the events going on and off campus

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