Wellness involves your entire lifestyle, from your physical and emotional health, to finding purpose in your daily work, to supporting your community and the environment, and much more! Each dimension is intertwined and supports the others. If one is lacking, it can have an impact on our overall health, attitude, and productivity. Our wellness program is here to assist in all aspects of your wellbeing and to provide resources on each of the dimensions.
We’ve drawn from several resources, including the National Wellness Institute and an article from the National Library of Medicine, to develop our 8 dimensions of wellness. Click the dropdowns for more information and resources for each dimension.
Dimensions of Wellness
Physical Wellness
Caring for your body by managing your nutrition and activity.
This can be done in a variety of ways and can change over time. Take small steps each day to improve your overall health. Whether it’s parking your car in a different spot to get a few extra steps in during the day, or adding more fruit and vegetables to your lunch, every effort counts! Make sure to attend your preventative care exams each year to monitor for changes in your health – this includes medical, dental, and vision!
Emotional Wellness
Awareness and acceptance of feelings and emotions from yourself and others.
Do you sit with your emotions or push them away? Do you take time to reflect on your current mental health or do you prioritize other things in your life? Emotional wellness is vital to your overall health and well-being. It involves acknowledging, understanding, and managing your emotions, attitudes, and reactions. It also includes awareness others’ emotions and how to interact with them in those moments. Want to improve your emotional wellness? Practice self-care, work to develop resiliency, practice empathy with others, and ask for help when you need it.
Social Wellness
Engaging with others, cultivating healthy relationships, and contributing to your community.
There are many ways to get involved on campus!
Or find something personal that makes you happy! Get a group of friends or family together for lunch. Explore a new hobby such as hiking or reading. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or donate to a food pantry. There are so many options to boost your social wellness!
Financial Wellness
Managing resources to make informed decisions and prepare for short and long-term goals.
Have you made any short or long-term financial goals? What are you currently doing to work towards those goals? Do you have an emergency fund for unforeseen events? What is your ideal situation and what is a realistic one? Are you connecting with the right resources to plan appropriately? Financial wellness is both for long-term goals of a new car, or house, or retirement, as well as short-term goals, such as managing your bills or planning for a vacation. Start today and get on track to manage your financial wellness.
Environmental Wellness
Contributing to the wellbeing of the planet, being respectful of your surroundings, and understanding the two-way relationship between you and the environment.
The environment that we are a part of – social, cultural, and natural – affects our health and wellbeing. In turn, our actions and habits affect the environment and the planet. Understanding this dynamic relationship is important to our wellness journey. Seek opportunities to support a healthy planet – pick up trash, plant a tree, or support your community. Find ways the environment can help you – take a walk in the park, put your phone away and go for a hike, or connect with others in a local shop.
Intellectual Wellness
Desire to continually learn, be curious, and engage in creative activities to develop knowledge and skills.
We all learn in different ways and for different reasons. Do you have a passion you want to pursue? Or maybe a new skill that will help you in your role? Find a webinar, a class, or even a degree program that can help you reach your goals! Figure out what you wish to learn and then develop a plan to help you get there. We have so many resources available to help you on your journey. Pick the plan that is right for you and your learning preference.
Occupational Wellness
Using your talents, skills, and gifts in meaningful work that provides satisfaction and enrichment.
Do you feel that you are using your talents and skills in the work that your do – whether it’s in your full-time job, part-time opportunity, or volunteering? Want to do more? Join a committee, plan an event, or lead a group. You can participate in small actions within your job that create meaning.
Spiritual Wellness
Finding purpose and meaning by committing to your beliefs and values.
Spiritual wellness does not have to directly relate to religion, although it can for some individuals. Spiritual wellness can be a personal mantra you follow to stay motivated and be your best self. It can be your own set of values and beliefs that drive your decisions. Take some time to think about what is most important to you!