Dimensions of Wellness

Physical Wellness

Recognizing the need for exercise, healthy food, safer sex, sleeping and completing routine health screenings.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Making healthy food choices.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and aiming to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Seeing your primary care doctor on a regular basis.
Practicing behaviors to support your immune system and prevent illness.
Limiting your use of alcohol, if you choose to drink at all.
Avoiding tobacco products and other drugs; taking medications only as prescribed.
Approaching sexuality and sexual relationships in a safe, respectful, and positive manner.
Taking care of your sexual and reproductive health including getting regular exams and screenings.

Recognizing creative abilities, remaining curious about the world, and being a lifelong learner. This can be fostered through academics, personal hobbies, cultural involvement, and community involvement that expand your knowledge and skills.
Being open-minded, such as listening to and considering the perspectives of others.
Finding a new hobby.
Traveling or studying abroad.
Learning a new language.
Reading for pleasure.
Attending conferences, programs, and talks that expand your knowledge.

Finding satisfaction with current and future financial situations. Learning how to successfully manage financial expenses for both the short and long term and achieve financial stability.
Understanding your student loans.
Setting up a savings account and adding a small monthly automatic payment if possible.
Planning ahead and establishing budget goals.
Beginning with small changes that will add up over time (making your own lunch instead of buying it).
Developing a healthy relationship with money including asking yourself “do I really need this?” before an impulsive purchase.

Achieving good health by nurturing an environment that supports your health, safety, and well-being. Respecting all nature and all species living in it. The environment includes your daily surroundings such as your campus, home, work, or neighborhood and each impacts your health.
Being aware of the natural and built environment.
De-clutter, donate, and recycle things you don’t need.
Spending time outdoors in nature.
Going to the farmer’s market.
Biking or walking for your commute.
Speaking up about disrespectful or harassing behaviors and comments that foster a negative social environment.

Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system. Building and fostering significant and supportive relationships with people, groups, and communities to be able to establish boundaries that encourage communication, trust, and conflict management.
Joining a club, team, or organization.
Volunteering in the community.
Demonstrating respect for others, oneself, and other cultures.
Making at least one connection daily by calling, texting, or visiting someone in your network of supportive family, friends, co-workers, and peers.
Building trust and expressing support in relationships with people close to you.
Learning how to communicate effectively with those around you.
Respecting the needs and wants of others and yourself.

Coping effectively with everyday life stressors and creating satisfying relationships. Developing an awareness of and accepting one’s own feelings and the feelings of others.
Sharing your thoughts and emotions with people you trust.
Practicing gratitude.
Seeking or accepting help and support with upsetting emotions.
Being kind to yourself.
Smiling, laughing, and using humor to decrease stress.
Expressing your emotions in healthy ways.
Learning relaxation and stress management techniques.
Developing confidence in your abilities.
Understanding your communication style.

Finding personal satisfaction, enrichment, and meaning in your career and hobbies.
Regularly reflecting on where you find joy and meaning in your life.
Exploring various career and volunteer opportunities in an area you are passionate about.
Utilizing career service resources.
Keeping an open mind.
Establishing realistic career goals and working towards accomplishing these goals.

Expanding your sense of purpose and meaning in life. Clarifying your values and beliefs. A healthy spirit helps to support resiliency and be better prepared to face life’s challenges.
Making time for personal reflection (meditation, yoga).
Being curious about the world and life experiences you encounter through mindfulness techniques.
Discerning what values, principles, and beliefs are most important to you.
Helping others when they are in need.
If religious, exploring a faith that aligns with your values.
Traveling and experiencing other cultures.