Well-Being
Well-being is a broad concept that looks different for everyone. One way to think about your health and well-being is as an active, ongoing process that involves building awareness of your needs, habits and the different areas of life that contribute to how you feel.
Striving for balance can support your overall well-being and academic success. What a balanced life looks like is different for each person, and our needs can change as our circumstances change. Starting a new semester or job, moving or navigating other life transitions may mean adjusting routines and priorities along the way.
Small, intentional choices can make a meaningful difference. Establishing healthy routines, making time for self-care, listening to your body, getting enough rest, connecting with others and spending time outdoors are just a few ways to support your well-being.
Explore the topics below for information, strategies and resources to help you care for your well-being in ways that work for you.
The Eight Dimensions of Well-Being
Well-being includes many interconnected areas of life. The Eight Dimensions of Well-Being offer a holistic framework for understanding these areas and how they influence one another. Exploring each dimension can help you recognize your strengths, identify areas that may need more attention and find ways to support your overall well-being.
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Emotional Well-Being
Emotional well-being is having a positive attitude, high self-esteem, a strong sense of self and the ability to recognize and share a wide range of feelings with others in a constructive way.
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Maintain a positive outlook.
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Build a strong support system.
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Environmental Well-Being
Environmental well-being is being aware of the interactions between the environment, community and ourselves.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
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Take a “leave no trace” hike.
- Spend time in nature. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure, decrease depression, lower tension and anxiety, decrease pain and improve sleep.
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Financial Well-Being
Financial well-being is understanding the importance of sustaining ourselves financially for the short and long term.
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Use a money management app.
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Plan your weekly expenses.
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Intellectual Well-Being
Intellectual well-being is being open to new ideas, thinking critically and seeking out new challenges.
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Join a Creative Inquiry team.
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Create a study group.
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Visit the Academic Success Center.
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Occupational Well-Being
Occupational well-being is seeking for and having a career that is interesting, enjoyable, and meaningful and contributes to the larger society. In addition to being personally satisfying, the work you choose can be financially rewarding.
Since we spend a large amount of our time working, how we feel about the work we do, the people we work with and our work environment, in addition to how we manage work-related stress, all contribute to our life satisfaction and overall well-being.
It's important to have a healthy work-life balance. Set limits, practice self-care and spend time with friends and family. Over-working and not having leisure time can lead to burnout and resentment.
Other ways to improve your occupational well-being:
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Attend the Career Fair.
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Seek jobs and internships.
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Utilize the Center for Career and Professional Development.
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Set goals, and stay engaged and excited about the work you do.
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Add plants and other personal touches to your workspace.
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Take breaks – stretch, talk with a coworker, take a quick walk and/or get some fresh air.
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Physical Well-Being
Physical well-being is taking care of your body for optimal health and functioning.
- Stay physically active. Getting active for even a short period of time can kick start your energy and help relieve stress. Physical activity can also improve your quality of sleep!
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Kayak on Lake Hartwell.
- Social Well-Being
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Spiritual Well-Being
Spiritual well-being is finding meaning in life events, demonstrating individual purpose and having the ability to be compassionate towards others.
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Attend a yoga session at Fike.
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Spend time in meditation.
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Resources
Canvas Well-Being Resources
Located in Canvas, the Student Well-Being Resources course is a great resource for you to discover tips, tools and support for nurturing your well-being. To access, click the Well-Being heart icon in the menu.
Holistic Well-Being Coaching
Healthy Campus offers free, individual Well-Being Coaching sessions that take a holistic, personalized approach to help you thrive and grow. Our certified coaches help you identify your goals and strengths, build healthier habits, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Social well-being is the ability to build personal connections with others, deal with conflict and to be a part of a positive social network.
Join an organization or club.
Volunteer/serve.